Page 52 of Charming Cruel Boys

“Jerry came home from work that night with five gallons of paint, each can a different color. He helped me hobble into the nursery and we did test strips until I found one I loved. And then he repainted the entire room while I was asleep. It was horrible,” she laughs. “There were paint droplets everywhere, smudges on the ceiling and baseboards. But he stood there with a proud smile anyway, and I couldn’t have loved him more than I did in that moment.”

“It sounds like he was a really good guy. I’m sorry I never got the chance to meet him,” I say, putting my hand over Rose’s on the counter.

She squeezes my fingers, smiling at me with wet lashes. “He would have loved you. But even if you never met, Jerry saw how happy Duke was before he passed. We both did, and I know that’s because of you.”

My eyes widen before I can school my expression and I almost choke on my own saliva. “You knew we were together?”

“Oh, of course. Duke would come home from school sophomore year and mention you all the time. And then over summer break, he’s sneaking out at night and wearing wide grins every second of the day? A mother knows when her son is in love. And I can’t help but notice he’s got that same look on his face lately.” She winks at me, getting back to cleaning without a care in the world. “Although, how he and Knight haven’t come to blows over you is still a mystery to me,” she adds like she isn’t shattering my mind a little bit more with every word.

I force out an uncomfortable laugh and wonder how the hell she knows so much. I thought we were being careful?

As if Rose can read my mind, she shakes her head. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, this conversation stays between the two of us, okay? Charles doesn’t need to hear anything, and as far as I know, he’s not nearly as observant as I am.”

I nod mutely, my tongue feeling like sandpaper in my mouth. “Thank you,” I manage to choke out.

“Jerry and I met in high school, you know? I know how fierce love is, no matter your age. I’m not going to push the three of you apart when it’s obvious how you all feel... I just want my boys to be happy in life, Remi. They’ve been through so much, losing their dad, my surprise engagement, moving out of their childhood home. And Knight... He especially needs you. He’s got the world on his shoulders right now, and if he doesn’t share those burdens, sooner or later, he will break.” Rose exhales heavily and wipes away another tear.

Pretty sure he’s actually trying to break me, and he’s getting a freaking kick out of it, but I don’t say anything. Instead, I give Rose a hug while she composes herself. In the back of my mind, I wonder what Knight’s going through. Obviously something has made him so hard and damaged to the point of no return. Can I really heal those wounds like Rose thinks, or will it kill me to stand in his destructive path?

If given the chance, would I even want to try?

35

Remi

TonightisHalloweenandI spent the better part of the evening getting all done up by Sara. “This is ridiculous,” I complain as she grabs my hand and pulls me up the steps to Andrew Lock’s huge house. “I look... I don’t even know. What am I supposed to be again?”

She clicks her tongue. “You’re a sexy zombie who got turned while stripping. Duh.”

I groan. “I don’t know why I let you do this.” I’m wearing a neon yellow push-up bra and matching lace panties with a black fishnet dress over it, letting everybody see exactly what’s underneath. And the heels,oh god, the freaking heels. I swear, I will break an ankle before the night is up. Sara painted gashes and bite marks all over my exposed flesh, splattered me with fake blood, made a bird’s nest out of my hair, and called it a day.

“Why aren’t you all gross too?” I question, raising my voice over the music.

“No way would I have pulled it off, honey,” Sara explains, and I narrow my eyes at the back of her head. She’s dressed like a school teacher who’s been very naughty. She’s even got a pad of detention slips to hand out for any guy who wants to be punished. Her words, not mine. “The guys have no idea how you’re dressed, right?”

“No, I never told them. Why?”

“Just making sure it’ll be a big surprise. What did you say Duke was going as?”

“Um, somePurgeguy. He’s got a creepy mask and a fake saw.”

“Cool! Sooo, let’s get a drink!” Sara shouts, yanking me with her to the massive kitchen.

I stumble on the way, thanks to the few shots we had before the party. Sara laughs at me and keeps moving, shooing people out of the way as we go.“Close your eyes,” she demands once we reach the island with countless alcohol bottles set out.

“Why?”I ask with an arched brow.

“I’m gonna mix you a drink, and I want you to guess what’s in it!” she explains with a wild grin.

I laugh, closing my eyes tight and even covering my ears for shits and giggles. A few moments later, someone taps my shoulder. I open my eyes to Sara right in front of me with a plastic cup shoved in my face.

“Drink!”

“Where’s yours?” I question, looking around for a matching cup.

“I don’t want the extra sugar. I just took a shot,” Sara says, glancing away from me and scanning the room. “Just, hurry, drink up.”

“Okay, weirdo,” I giggle. I sniff the cup first and then toss it back, chugging the whole thing down in one go. “Hmm, fruity. Hawaiian Punch and Malibu?” I guess.

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