“No, it’s not! Baxter’s had a little accident,” she says with a falsely sweet little smile.
An accident? Really?! How the hell would I accidentally stab myself with a steak knife during a dessert course?! How the hell am I going to explain that one?!
I purse my lips and glower at her, but I won’t say anything. The Order taught me better than that.
“I think he might need stitches.”
No fucking shit, darling! Of course I’ll need bloody stitches! I’m pissing blood everywhere. I have a steak knife still stuck in my hand!
“I have to go, I’m so sorry, but if I see blood I’ll faint.”
Yeah I call bullshit on that, I think, as she rushes past our grandparents.
“Raven wait!” Cordelia calls, turning to grimace apologetically at Grandfather. “I’m so sorry, Dicky, I have to make sure she’s alright.” Is she kidding me right now? I’m the one who just got fucking stabbed!
I shift in my seat, subtly trying to rearrange my pants. I’m harder than steel. That girl looks like she loves to bathe in the blood of her enemies. Holy fuck. I think I just fell in love.
Baxter
I need help.
Amelie, are you there?
I need some friendly advice.
Amelie
Pretty sure you need friends for that...
Baxter
Just one. Will you be my one and only?
Chapter Eleven
Amelie
The buzz of an incoming call wakes me from my slumber. Panic leaps into my throat as I hit answer without checking the caller display. My mind immediately jumps to Onyx and then Baxter. Are they okay?
“Come take care of me,” a voice whines down the line.
“Fuck off, Kalen,” I snap. “It’s the middle of the goddamn night.”
“I can’t sleep.”
“Boo-hoo, you shouldn’t have had so much sugar. I thought Sawyer or Slate was calling to say something had happened to Onyx. Or Baxter.”
“You really care about him don’t you?” he says in a quiet voice.
“I care about all of you,” I reply simply.
“Good. Then come care for me.”
“Goodnight, Kalen.” I sigh.
“Wait! I just got beat up by your brother. The least you can do is nurse me back to health.”
“If you need medical assistance after two punches to the gut, your brothers are going to tear you a new one once we’re home and they find out about this.”
