Page 46 of They Call Me Wicked

“It makes me so fucking hard.” Kai groans and then starts laughing as a flurry of Spanish curses roll off Nic’s tongue. “Seriously, come feel! I swear it’s the best boner I’ve ever had!”

“Get. The fuck. Away from me.” His voice fades, as does Kai’s obnoxious chortling, and for some reason…I just wish they would follow me anyways.

Seriously, what is wrong with me?

14

“Hi, Nana. It’s me, Bell.” I move to sit across from her, where I know her wheelchair is pushed up to the table. She doesn’t need it truly, but it makes it easier for nurses to transport her when she’s out of it like she is today. I suppose it’s better than just leaving her in bed and not dealing with it. Plus, I know they take her on walks around the grounds at least once a day. They’re good like that here.

“I know who you are, dumbass. I’m not that far gone yet,” She snipes dismissively, causing me to grin.

“Good, then you’ll be happy to know I brought a bit of eye candy for you to gawk at, you old crone. Meet my friend Ezra.” I gesture in the direction I know he’s in and suddenly Nana is switching tactics.

“Well hello, sexy. What’s a tall drink of water on a hot summer’s day like you doing in this place?” Her tone is one hundred percent smooth and sweet. Her game is on point. I’m honestly impressed.

“Hello, ma’am. I’m just here protecting Wicked from her stalker,” He says matter of factly, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“Well, aren’t you a dear!” I feel her attention switch back to me and my lip twitches upwards. “Do you have trouble reading him, or is that just me?”

“Oh, good! I thought it was just me!” I wipe my hand across my forehead in relief and settle in my chair. If my nana can’t read Ezra either, that means he has some sort of training in mental blocking. She’s literally a psychic badass.

“Are you doing that on purpose, boy, or do you come by it naturally?”

“It’s more of an instinct now, but it’s a trained skill.”

“So you’ve come across psychics before?”

“No. It was a part of my training. Mental fortitude and learning to clear your mind was necessary in what I used to do.” I try to pretend like I’m not hanging on his every word, but I know I’m failing. Luckily, Ezra isn’t the type to call you out voluntarily.

“I see. And what is it you used to do?” He was a master of death, a god among men, the ultimate killing machine. “Thank you, Bell. No need to answer now, dearie. It seems my granddaughter is quite taken with you.”

“Nana!”

“To pretend otherwise is dishonest, and what’s the point of that?” I grit my teeth as she goes quiet for a moment. “Oh, I see. It seems you’re split in three.”

“Get out of my head!”

“Make me.”

“You know I can’t!”

“Maybe, since I’m such a terrible teacher, slice number two here could help you learn. You know, it’s never too late.” She chides softly, her aura starting to pulse and distort, and I know she doesn’t have much time left before her disease takes over fully.

“I know, Nana.”

“You know, allowing slice number one into your bed is a good first step, but it doesn’t mean that you’re letting him in. You have to allow yourself to feel, my girl. More than just his cock, that is.”

“For fuck’s sake!” I bury my head in my arms, hoping the table will open into a portal to hell and swallow me whole.

“Margaret, what are you doing? Look me in the eyes when I’m talking to you.” Dread trickles down my spine and I slowly lift my head up.

“Nana, it’s me, Bell. My mom’s not here right now,” I say the words softly, my voice shaky and uneven as my throat closes up.

“Why are you wearing those glasses? Stop being disrespectful and look at me when I’m talking to you!” Nana is suddenly full of rage, her hand snapping out and knocking my sunglasses from my face. I’m frozen in place, not exactly sure what to do.

“Nana…” I plead, my eyes burning as I struggle not to let the tears surface.

“You’re terrible to that child! How can you do that to her? She’s your own flesh and blood!” A bang sounds on the table in front of me and I stand up quickly, backing away as my stomach drops to my feet. “Our name might be Wicked, but that doesn’t mean you have to act like it! Look at me!”

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