Oh, wow. Did he just assume you’re actually rich enough for a thing like that?
Suddenly you’re oddly glad you wore your daring little gold bikini under this dress after all. Because that’s probably what you’d wear if you were an heiress.
Mr. Rich Boy doesn’t have to know you got it for 80% off at the department store down the street from your tiny studio apartment.
That’s right.
Tonight, you’re not June Wintergreen, the nearly broke wage worker.
No.
Tonight, you’re Miss June the heiress, out on the town for a night of luxury with her bodyguard in tow.
Ziros
Her bodyguard? Who the hell does this rich kid think he is, assuming a thing like that?
Then again.
Thatisbasically what I am. At least until she sets me free. And if he thinks I’m my bodyguard, that means I can punch anyone who gets too close to her.
Right?
Wait.
Why do I even want that?
Stupid connection. Stupid magic. It’s making my brain all screwy.
I don’t give a damn.
Just because I like kissing her doesn’t mean Ilikeher. She’s just a weak little human, after all.
So, fine. I’ll play along. Tonight, I’ll pretend I’m her bodyguard. But this party had better be good.
It had better be worth—
“Hold this,” she says, handing me her purse. And I’m about to object, but then she starts lifting her dress off over her head.
20
Pool Party with the Hot Guy
Ziros
She’s wearing the pajamas. She is wearing the pajamas.
I was joking when I picked them out.
Mostly.
Wishfully hoping she’d put them on and show me, but also joking. Because I didn’t really expect her to.
And now she’s actually wearing them. But this wasn’t what I expected. Not what I wanted.
No.
I wanted her to wear them forme.
