Page 9 of Fatality

Jules just smiles softly and peels Charlie off me by the back of her dress.

“Alright, let's freshen up and get ready. You two can raid my closet,” I say, already heading for the bathroom. “Then we'll head out.”

Charlie dramatically grabs my arm.

“You're too kind!” She sniffles theatrically. “Lending us clothes because we're so poor.”

“Poor?” I stop in the doorway and arch an eyebrow. “Is that why your shoes cost three thousand credits?”

“This is couture!”

I roll my eyes and disappear into the bathroom.

An hour later, I step out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel.

My makeup is done, sharp black eyeliner and dark kohl making my heterochromatic eyes stand out even more.

My hair is brushed back into a sleek low ponytail.

I glance toward the mezzanine and find the two little demons already dressed in my clothes.

Jules is wearing a black denim skirt with a fitted bodysuit, high socks, and heavy boots. Charlie went for a tight black mini dress with a slit along the thigh and platform sandals that make her look way taller than she actually is.

“You two cleaned up nice,” I tease while taking the stairs. “We can almost tell you are women.”

“Ha. Ha. Ha,” Charlie says painfully slowly, dripping sarcasm. “Funny, Riven. Very funny.” She rolls her eyes.

“Exquisite as always, Riv,” Jules adds lazily from the edge of my bed. “You planning to change, or are you trying to traumatize the entire bar by showing up in a towel?”

“I won't traumatize anyone." I pause, smirking as I look between them. "Well... anyone except you two."

I grab the first thing I see that looks decent enough to wear outside and pull it on.

The bodysuit hugs my body like liquid, its sharp cutouts revealing just enough skin to feel dangerous rather than delicate.

Thigh-high platform boots add weight to every step, making me feel taller, colder, untouchable.

Straps cinch around my waist like restraints turned into fashion, giving the whole outfit an even sharper edge.

“Now,” Jules says with a low whistle. “You can traumatize me anytime you want, Riv.”

“Damn, girl,” Charlie gasps, jumping off the bed. “Please marry me.”

She drops dramatically to her knees in front of me, clasping her hands together like she's praying.

I scoff and snort, shaking my head.

“Yes, I will!” I answer playfully

My comm suddenly buzzes on the kitchen counter downstairs.

I look at them and they look at me.

A full five seconds pass before all three of us bolt at the exact same time, practically fighting our way toward the comm.

I hate when they get their hands on it.

Not because I've got anything to hide, but because if Liam sends me anything, they'll never let me live it down.