Chapter 12
Atlas
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“Fuck,” I draw the wordout, groaning.
I haven’t seen a single thing on her, but I’ve glimpsed what she’s been throwing in the cart. If they look even half as good on her as I imagine, I have no idea how Luce expects her to get a single thing done in that house.
We’ll be too busy leaving white stains on his expensive leather couches.
She tosses another thing in the cart after weighing her options before calling it good. “That should be just under our limit,” she declares happily.
She has an unnatural knack for estimating exactly how much she’s spending, a skill she’s honed through years of having to count every penny I’m sure. The sales clerk begins to ring things up, frequently tossing glances between us. And Cambria, I’m coming to learn, just loves fucking with people.
“You’re the best brother ever, taking me shopping!” she chirps, and the woman behind the counter blanches.
I glare at her, but she just beams. “I am not your brother,” I point out emphatically.
She waves her hand dismissively, grabbing a massive box of condoms and setting them up with her purchases. “Step brother, sorry. I forgot how touchy you were about that. It was still so sweet of you to help me try stuff on.”
The cashier’s eyes widen, flitting to me briefly in horror as I roll my eyes. “No wonder everyone wants to punish you.”
I bite my tongue as soon as I say it, but there’s no calling back the words.
“It’s not my fault I like it,” she shrugs shamelessly, counting out the money for the poor cashier that looks about ready to keel over.
I snatch up her bags and storm out of the store while she collects her change, skipping over to catch up with me. We leave the store and I toss it all in the trunk before getting into the car, turning to glare at her. She just grins, taunting and daring me to do something about it.
“You’re infuriating, Cambria Lark.”
She bats her eyelashes. “One of my more admirable traits, Atlas Whateveryournameis.”
I scoff, but there isn’t any heat behind the gesture. I’m just glad to see her back to her normal, infuriating self after the emotional hell the last few days have been.
“Donovan. It’s Atlas Donovan.”
She stretches her hand out across the seat. “Well, Atlas Donovan, I feel like the worst guardian ever for not thinking to ask before now. Thanks for driving me around today.”
I smile. “No free rides, little fae, so let’s get you home to earn your keep.”
***
“Are youtryingto kill me? Seriously, it’s a legitimate question.”