Page 39 of His Ruin
Chapter twenty-two
Melody
Kadenhasbeenscarcethe last couple of weeks. While I still get the sensation of being watched, he hasn’t tried anything on me. Maybe it’s because my exams have been kicking my ass. He knows better than to interfere with my academics. It’s sweet, but it’s left me feeling…hollow.
I want his touch, his commands, and to feel seen by him. I’ve become addicted to his presence, seeking secluded spots, but he just watches from the shadows.
I slap my textbook closed with a muttered curse, grabbing my notes before shuffling through them with more force than is necessary. The door to my room opens, and my head whips up, only for my heart to settle the moment Kodi walks in.
“What are you doing?” She asks as she drops her backpack beside her bed.
“Studying, unfortunately,” I grouch.
She smirks. “You don’t sound too happy about that.”
“I’m overjoyed,” I reply sarcastically.
“Good thing the Halloween party is tonight.”
I run a hand down my face. “I forgot about that…”
My friend bounces over, taking my books and setting them aside as she pulls me up from the bed. “Get your mind off college and let’s get ready.”
She puts on her playlist, pop songs bumping over her portable speaker as she drags her makeup bag out of her closet. She produces our costumes, smiling connivingly as she holds up a pair of white, thigh-high pleaser heels. They’re gorgeous with a thick platform and a thin stiletto heel.
“I may have tweaked our outfits…” She trails.
“If I fall, I’m suing you,” Ilaugh.
She holds up a red pair for herself, wiggling her brows. “You’re a sexy angel. You need the shoes to match.”
As songs flow together, we work on our makeup and hair. I opt for soft curls and clip the front of my strands at the back of my head. My makeup is light, and Kodi helps me with a Smokey eye that isn’t too bold before slathering mascara on me.
The hours crawl by before my friend realizes what time it is and shoves my costume into my hands. I wiggle my hips into the white corset dress, smoothing down the short skirt. The bust pushes my breasts up, and Kodi lathers me in fine, silver glitter, making my chest sparkle. When we put on our shoes, she chuckles at the fear in my eyes.
“You can do it,” she encourages as I wobble in place.
“I’m going to break my ankle,” I mumble as I try to steady myself. I hold my hands at my sides, getting the hang of walking in pleasers.
Kodi is a natural as she spins in place. Her devil costume is a red version of mine, with lots of feathers and a little tail. She makes a spinning motion for me to turn around. “Let me put your wings on.”
I turn stiffly to face the wall as Kodi slides the elastic straps of the wings over my shoulders. I check the mirror and raise my brows—I definitely make a statement in this costume.
“Brook just texted me,” Kodi says as she snatches her red clutch off her desk. “She and Caleb have a theme, too. They’re going as Catwoman and Batman.”
I release a breath. “Thank god we won’t be the only ones.”
She opens the door for us, excitement tugging at her lips. “Let’s go get fucked up!”
Music blares through the frat house, strobe lights of neon blue and green flashing wildly from the ceiling. Masks, imitation leather, and furnishing foam blur by as people dance and converse casually with red solo cups in their hands. The smell of smoke and alcohol permeates the air, making my nose wrinkle as I shove through the masses. Kodi has my hand gripped tightly in hers, dragging me along as she cuts a clear path to the kitchen. Some guy dressed as a video game character with a hulking ax and poorly made battlearmor whistles low, his hand reaching out to graze Kodi’s skirt before she smacks him with a scowl.
I snort as his features draw down in rejection before he returns to his group of friends. We make it to the kitchen without any more trouble, and Brook waves us over brightly. Her boyfriend is propped against the island counter, handing off cups filled with beer from the bundle of kegs loading up the surface. He shoves a glass into Kodi’s and my hands with a smirk.
“Bottoms up, ladies,” he cheers over the music.
I lift the rim to my nose and inhale muted yeast. I force my gag down before taking a generous sip, and keeping my face neutral. This is god-awful.
“Beer isn’t your drink of choice, I see,” Caleb smirks, wrapping an arm around Brook’s shoulder.
