Now I was just offended. Why would she joke about that? Just for me to see, just me…
Fuck. Here it goes, just do it. What came out of my mouth weren’t words. It sounded more like a dying animal. I think I tried to say too many things at the same time. I started shaking my head as I heard her laughing.
“What the hell was that? Have you been taking too many meds?”
“Ha. Hilarious. You’re hilarious,” I muttered, rubbing my face. “I had a moment. Words are complicated.”
She walked over to the door, but before she could open it, I caught her hand. “Lina, hey… so… fuck, I was wondering maybe… did you want, you don’t have to, but if you wanted to… maybe we could…”
What the fuck was I even saying?
“Ok. Starting over,” I breathed. “Would you want to come with me somewhere? A trip. Just a few days. Nothing crazy.” My heart hammered. My hands were cold, and my chest tightened. Was this what a panic attack felt like? I hadn’t even been rejected yet, and I was halfway to meeting my ancestors. Oh fuck, what if she didn’t want to? I might literally, actually pass away right here and now.
Death by rejection—is that even a thing?
“I would like that,” Lina said with a smile. Then she wrapped herself around me, her hold strong.
My knees turned into wet paper. I somehow remained standing until she walked out of the room. The second she was gone, my legs gave out, and I hit the floor like a corpse.
Then the door opened a second time. I didn’t expect her back so soon so I rolled over, trying to pretend like I meant to be on the ground.
“Um, what are you doing on the floor?”
“Oh, you know, looking for bugs, of course. What else would I be doing on the floor? Couldn’t possibly be because I was panicking…”
“Right…” She grabbed her phone and came over to kiss me before leaving once again.
I stayed there for a few seconds, catching what little dignity I had left. Then I forced myself up. I had a lot of planning to do. And I wanted us gone as soon as possible.
Lina didn’t even ask me where or why or anything. She just said yes.
She trusted me, and in our world, trust is everything.
Chapter 46
ADELINA
Ihad never seen Cezar so nervous before, all just to ask me a simple question. Maybe it should’ve scared me, how easily I followed him into things, but it didn’t. Even the uncertainty was easy with him.
A million questions raced through my mind. Where were we going? What was he planning? I was practically vibrating with curiosity, but I kept my mouth shut. I’d let him have his surprise.
“Dorinnn, what are you doing?” I teased, playfully nudging him as I sought out any hint of information.
“The hell do you want, you weirdo?” he retorted, moving away from me.
“Well… Cezar is taking me on a trip,” I hinted, fishing for clues.
He didn’t even blink. “That’s great, Lina. You two will have fun.” He pivoted and left the room, fleeing from me. Naturally, I chased after him.
“Yeah, I’m sure we will.” I stuck to his heels. “I think wherever he’s taking me is going to be so fun and exciting and—”
Dorin stopped, and I nearly crashed into him. He turned just enough to toss a look at me.
“I’m not telling you where he’s taking you.” Smug, stupid bastard.
“Fine! I didn’t want to know anyway.” I threw my hands up, then froze mid-stride. “Wait. Why the hell do you know?!” I grabbed the back of his shirt and yanked him toward me. He stumbled into my chest. If I’d been any taller, we would’ve smashed foreheads.
“Lina, this is my favorite shirt,” he complained, brow lifted, arms crossed like an old man lecturing a child.
