Page 37 of Carnage
“When you were kidnapped?” He winks again.
“Yeah.” I chuckle. “He’s effective, at least.”
“He is definitely that.” He pats my leg. “Feel free to talk to me whenever. Pax is the other civilian among us, but he and Wraith are always attached to each other.”
“He’s intimidating as fuck.”
Colson laughs. “He’s a sweetie, but he was a professional hockey player before he retired, so his life experiences aren’t like ours at all.”
“Were you thrown out of your home too?”
“Kind of. My parents died when I was young and my extended family wasn’t too excited to have me. It went from badto worse and I ended up on the streets. I was gonna be a ballet dancer when I was young, but when things went sideways, I had to let that go. I ended up dancing burlesque, which is actually really fun.”
“And you still dance?”
“Yes, just not as often. Possessive husband, and all.”
“But you like that? I mean, possessiveness?”
He drags a hand through his silky hair. “Never thought I would to be honest, but Specter’s brand of love is…” He pauses, smiling dreamily. “It’s the best.”
“That’s good.”
“My advice? Use the time you’re here to relax and explore, and if Carnage wants to love you, I’d suggest you let him.”
“I don’t see how he could, but I hear you.”
“Good. Want to go raid my closet?”
“What? Really?”
“Sure. We look similar in size.”
“Except you’re so fit.” And pretty. Damn, he’s pretty. Could I be pretty? Would Carnage like that? Wait. I shouldn’t be thinking about him like that at all. I’m lucky he wants to help. I definitely shouldn’t push my luck. “I think that would be fun.”
Colson’s smile blooms bright. “I think so too. Come on.”
I don’t know how long I’ve been in Colson and Specter’s room, but it must be hours by now. I’ve tried on so many outfits—“looks” as Colson calls them—but it’s exhilarating. I’ve never had such nice clothes on before.
“Let’s see you, diva.”
I step out of the closet, and Colson actually gasps before a smile spreads across his face.
“Well, look at you.”
“Is it good?” I drag my hand over the soft material of the shirt I’m wearing.
“You tell me. Check out the mirror.”
I step in front of the full-length mirror, slowly lift my head, and take in my reflection. My jaw drops in surprise. I look… glamorous. Maybe even pretty.
“Wow.”
“I knew that would suit you. I could just tell.”
I’m wearing a teal vest made of the softest silk, with gold buttons down the front. It tapers at my waist and plunges at the neckline. I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to wear a shirt under it, but Colson said no. He paired it with tight black suede pants and black ankle boots that are just a little too big for me, but not so much that I can’t wear them.
He’s been messing with my hair off and on throughout this process, and he’s settled on a style that has it swept off my face in soft waves. I didn’t know it could do that either. My look is finished with light makeup—mascara, blush, a bit of kohl liner, and a pink gloss. I’ve never seen myself look like this. I didn’t know I could.
