Page 38 of Carnage
Colson whistles low. “You look hot.”
“Thank you.”
“That’s yours now. It was made for you.”
“Oh, no, I couldn’t take your clothes.”
“I insist. I haven’t worn the vest in years and it suits you.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, still touching the soft material.
“I am.”
I spin around and throw my arms around his neck. He laughs, rubbing my back.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
“You’re so welcome. This was fun. Maybe I’m missing out on another calling. I could style people.”
“You could.”
“Hmm. Dancing won’t last forever, so maybe. Should we go show off your new look to Carnage and the crew?”
My stomach flutters but I nod. “Okay. We did all this work; we might as well let people see it.”
“That’s the spirit.” He stands and puts his hands on my shoulders. “Now, I want you to hold your head high and walk into the room like you fucking own it. Look at Carnage like you own him too. Embrace your looks, because they are spectacular.”
My nose tickles with emotion, but I clear my throat and nod. “Yes, coach.”
Colson chuckles, giving my shoulders a quick squeeze.
“One more question?” I say.
“Sure.”
I think over my words for a minute before letting them out. “Do you think it’s bad if I want to just get it over with? I mean, losing my virginity? If I lost it, I would lose all my value to Leon. He probably wouldn’t even want me anymore.”
Colson blinks rapidly. “What?”
“I don’t want to still be a virgin. It’s not for any reason other than lack of opportunity.”
“No, I mean, what do you mean you would lose your value?”
“Leon only wants me because I’m a virgin. He was planning to, uh, well, to take it at his birthday party and pass me around to a bunch of his friends. I think it was like a prize to him, maybe.”
Colson recoils in disgust. “You’re fucking joking.”
“No, unfortunately. That’s why I had to get away. Well, I mean, he’s also a terrible person, but that was the reason I had to hurry. I don’t even know when his birthday is, and when I saw Carnage in the club, I just had a feeling he would help.”
“Does Carnage know that?”
“Yes. He was pissed.”
“Uh, yeah. I don’t know what happened in his past, but I do know he doesn’t do well with forced sex. He loses his shit.”
“I noticed. Do you think that means he wouldn’t… with me? I offered, but he acted insulted. I guess he might not find me attractive, but it would be good if I could just…” I close my eyes and exhale slowly. “If I could get this one thing off my back. Carnage is gorgeous and sexy and I’m sure he knows his way around a body, but I don’t know how to get him to believe that it’s what I really want and… Do you have any advice?”
“Um…” Colson drags a hand through his hair. “Honesty is probably the best approach. Tell him what you told me. Maybe if he understands that you’re willingly offering, he’ll be open to it.” He shrugs. “I really don’t know though.”
