Page 20 of Wreaking Havoc on my Heart

“Hey,” she says, pushing my shoulder. “You always liked me.” She’s just joking around so I mess with her.

“I tolerated you,” I say sarcastically.

“You love me and we both know it.”

I wrap my arm around her and pull her in for a quick side hug. Neither of us have ever been very affectionate unless it came to Ellie, but lately, it feels like there’s a shift with us. I feel even more protective of her, like I want to have her close, but not in a romantic type of way.

“I do love you.” I need her to know that I’d give anything for her. It’s the only reason I’m about to leave soon.

“I love you too. So, who are we shopping for today?”

“I got Laney for the gift exchange. We both know I need some help with this. The last time I got something pink was when Ellie was like two and her mother could still convince her pink was the best color.” My eyes feel wide with panic. I don’t want to fuck this up. I want to give Laney something sincere.

“Oh my gosh, was that when you got that fluffy pink sweater that had her dying of sweat in under five minutes?”

She bursts out laughing, and I find myself joining her. I never talk about Ellie. Never. And even less about Vi. But for some strange reason, it’s been getting easier to remember the good.

“Yeah, I’ll help you, buddy. Even if it is out of selfishness of me not wanting to hear her complain for ages. That girl can talk up a storm when something pisses her off.”

“You’re telling me. You know I've been training for the better part of my life, but this girl is the most distracting woman I’ve ever met. What should be a one-hour session turns into three or four hours because she won’t stop talking.”

E’s eyes light up with a mischievous look.

“Yeah, I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that you’re crushing on her like a love-sick puppy.”

We pull up to the row of shops that aren’t far from the estate. The only employees are people Boris knows and trusts. We let the first van of men empty and set up a small perimeter before heading in.

“I am not a puppy. She’s cute but way too young. Besides, she’s got something going on with that Arrow guy.”

The words taste like acid on my tongue, completely contradicting the way I feel about her. Looking around I try to ignore the fact that it physically hurts my chest to think about her with another man or that the hours we spend training go by too fast, or that I might be falling madly in love with her best friend.Okay, yeah, I’ve lost it.

“As far as I know, she and Arrow aren’t an exclusive thing.”

E shrugs as I hold open the door for her at the first shop. It’s a custom t-shirt place, and I have a strong feeling everyone will be coming here with their ideas.

“But she still cares about him, and the guy looks like he would murder for her.”

“Wouldn’t you?” Her eyebrows raise knowingly.

“I would,” I admit. “But I don’t know if he would share her.”

“Could you?”

Without hesitation, I reply, “Yes.”

E smiles. “Then I think that’s your answer.”

She holds up a bright pink crop top and an idea comes to mind. I take it to the front and chat with the designer about my idea. She looks mildly confused until she notices the escort and must realize who I work for.

“Will this be sent to the estate?” she asks and I nod.

That’s when a necklace catches my eye. It’s a gold unicorn. Perfect. Picking it up, I hand it to the cashier to add it to my bill, requesting for it to be specially wrapped just for my girl.

As we walk out, E links her arm with mine.

“How did you know it was all three of them for you?” I ask her, needing to know if there’s a sign I should be looking for.

She shrugs. “It was always the four of us. The idea of any of them alone never felt right.”

---