Page 24 of Cruel Titan

“We’re just friends.”

“Uh-huh.” She places a finger on her chin, looking to the side like she is solving some big mystery. “Isn’t he the one you were dancing with at the party? That night is a little blurry, but I think it was him.”

“I’m sure it is blurry,” I chuckle, avoiding the answer as I wave to her, stepping into class before she can ask for any more details. It’s not that I mind her asking, I’m just not ready for anything but friendship after all that has happened over the last few weeks. The appearance of Asher entering the classroom with Elliot by his side summons a clear reminder of exactly why I’m not ready.

17

Quinn

“These dresses are gorgeous,” Victoria squeals as she searches through each one, grabbing a few as she hands them to the consultant assisting us.

I’d insisted to Nathan, Candace, and Victoria that I owned something appropriate to wear for the fundraiser, but none of them were having it. Victoria was insistent on shopping together, which was the best part of the deal. The week flew by, and the little free time I did have was usually occupied by conversations with Connor, whether it was through texting or if he called. And I have to admit, I enjoyed when he did. The ease of conversation about light topics that I used to talk about with my old friends was a welcome relief. It’s nice to just talk about something with someone and not question their every word or action. Victoria is one of those people, too, but she’s cursed with Hades for a brother, which serves as a constant reminder that he is everywhere, lingering in the background. Luckily, there hasn’t been anything crazy like getting a teacher fired since the Reed episode; there’s only been either maddening looks of amusement or annoyingly furious stares, with a few offside comments about Connor thrown in.

A gorgeous red dress catches my attention, and I pass it to the consultant before selecting a black dress to add to the prospects, then I head to the dressing room.

Victoria makes random conversation as we step into side-by-side dressing rooms. I listen to her as I pull the red dress on first, loving how the strapless top stays in position, a perfect fit, as I shift around while admiring the mermaid skirt.

Looking in the mirror, I admire the dress for a moment longer before stepping out to see Victoria standing in a navy gown. “That dress is so beautiful on you!”

She smooths her hands over the satin material as we step up on the elevated platform area in front of the oversize mirror. “Thanks. I really love this one. I have to try them all on, but I think I have my winner already. And you too! That dress is gorgeous, and looks oh-so sexy on you. I’m sure I know someone else that will agree.” She winks as we both twist and turn, taking in every angle in the mirror’s reflection.

“Connor is my date for the fundraiser.” I’d considered asking him a few times when the topic of the fundraiser came up in our conversation, but he beat me to it, saying he would love to join me if I needed a date, that way he could have a chance to finish that dance. A smile naturally appears on my face, just as it had when he’d asked about attending the fundraiser. It fades as quickly as it appeared when the unsettling thought of pulling him into my mess of a life reminds me that Asher is sure to overtake my small bubble of contentment.

“And I think he’s the safer choice, but that won’t stop my brother from admiring you in that dress. It is his favorite color after all.”

Ugh. Asher isn’t here, yet he still manages to ruin something else.

“That’s great. What’s his least favorite color?”

Victoria chuckles, heading back to the changing room. “Green. Our mom almost always made us wear green for family portraits because she said it makes our eye color pop.” Victoria makes a dramatic gesture around her face, pointing to her hair that is the same shade of red as her mom’s. “It also accentuates red hair, according to her.”

“That navy is making it pop.” I follow behind as she spins before disappearing for her second dress change. I veer off, heading to a display of dresses where I search for a few minutes until the most gorgeous green dress I can find catches my attention.

“Would you like to try it on?” The consultant breaks me out of my thoughts as she gestures for the dress.

“Yes, but I’ll get it.” Grabbing the dress, I bring it back to the fitting room before wasting no time in removing the red dress—it will officially be my last choice.

“I’m sorry, Quinn. I didn’t mean to bring him up,” Victoria says.

“It’s okay. I’m glad you said it.” Pulling the green dress on, I’m grateful she mentioned him. Even if green wasn’t his least favorite color, I’d love this dress just as much. The emerald satin drapes over my right shoulder, leaving the other exposed while a black sequined bodice adds some dynamic sparkle along my bustline. Though my right leg is swathed in the silky fabric, a slit running the length of my left leg, and ending clear up at my hip bone, reveals not only a sexy view of my thigh, but also a shorter skirt beneath the floor-length one that tapers at my waist. It’s perfect.

Stepping out from the dressing room, I make my way back to the mirrors where Victoria is admiring a black gown that looks just as gorgeous on her as the navy one. Looking to me, she doesn’t hide her delight with my petty move to select the one color he hates most. “Absolutely stunning! And a really pretty color.”

“Thanks. It’s definitely my pick.” I doubt there’s another one I could try on and love as much as this one, so I’ll save myself and the consultant further hassle of trying on gowns that I know I won’t purchase.

“Yeah. I think the navy is still my pick. Let’s go get something to eat. I’m starving.” She twists, looking at the gown she’s wearing one more time. “That was easy enough.”

“Agreed.” Going back to the dressing room, I’m relieved that one more thing is checked off the list. I hope everything else will go as smoothly over the next week. I dread the wait and the anticipation of the occasion more than the actual event itself. After having a hand in the planning, I’m a little anxious to see the final results—which means I’m way more excited than I should be.

18

Asher

“Figure it out yourself. I’m done playing along.” Slamming the door closed behind me, I head for the garage, needing to get out of this cursed house before I get more lectures from my dad.

One of the garage’s bay doors opens just as I’m stepping inside. Upon parking, a cheerful Victoria steps out of her car with a bag that she waves around. “Got my dress. Want to see?”

“No.” I continue walking past her to the spot where my car is parked.