The Arrangement Anthology 2(106)

I stare at the mesh outfit in my hand. It's a body suit that's almost sheer. "Are you kidding me?"

"It's what all the dancers wear. One of them usually dances with me, well, more like licks my chest and slides against me during the show. Tonight, you're taking her spot. Just wear that and stand by me. No one will think it's you." I hesitate. Trystan comes toward me, still bare foot. He has no shirt on and they've made his abs look more ripped than they already are with stage make-up and an airbrushing machine. "I won't let him get to you. If you're next to me, he can't take a shot at you, even if the guy knows who you are. It's a public place. Getting a gun in here is nearly impossible and I'll know you're safe. And if you don't want to lick me, you don't have to." He's trying not to smile when he says the last part.

I laugh and shove him aside. "Fine, where do I change?"

"Are you kidding?" I stare at him and shake my head. "You can't leave my sight. You're changing in here, and it's not just because I like seeing you naked." He winks, which makes me roll my eyes.

I reply, "I could have liked you if you didn't say that last part."

"Yeah," he laughs, "And, I could have liked you if you didn't drive me crazy." He stares at me for a moment and I swear he's seeing someone else. I break the stare and throw my arms around his neck and peck his cheek.

"Thank you."

"For what?" He looks confused.

"For what? For looking out for me. For following me around. For making sure I'm safe. You act like it's nothing, like you'd do it for anyone."

"No, you're not just anyone." His gaze drops to the floor. "Go change over there. I'll keep my eyes to myself."





CHAPTER 14

After I have on the costume, which consists of stocking like material with blacked out fishnet over tiny areas of my boobs and crotch, I grab a blonde wig and a pair of heels. I feel ridiculous wearing this thing. When I step toward Trystan, he turns around. The man's jaw drops and I swear it's ten minutes before he remembers to blink. "Wow."

"You've seen me naked and now you say wow."

"Yes, look at yourself." He steps aside from the mirror and when I don't walk toward it, he takes my shoulders and shoves me. Gripping my arms, he whispers in my ear, "You have no idea how beautiful you are, do you?"

His question makes me squirm. I laugh nervously. "I'm not a cover model."

"No," my stomach dips when he confesses it, but he continues, "You're more beautiful, by far."

"Trystan." I try to twist out of his grip, but he holds onto me.

"Look at yourself Avery. Why can't you see what the rest of us already know? You're stunning."

"I'm too heavy."

He laughs. "You're real. Every curve is perfect, from your lips to your ass. Seriously. Accept it. If you don't, some asshole will take advantage of you." There's a knock at the door. "Speak of the devil."

When the door opens, my heart stops. "Sean."

His eyes go wide and darken as his gaze moves slowly over my costume. He speaks to Trystan without looking at him. "Scott."

"Asshole."

"I should break your pretty face for letting her approach Thomas today."

I reach out and take Sean's hand. "I did that."

"Yes," Sean smiles at me. "I know. But I told your friend here to keep you safe, and walking into that lunatic's home alone was foolish. The fact that he let you tells me how big of an idiot he truly is."

"Sean, Henry didn't do it. And the bodies, they're gone." This confession leaves both men shocked into silence.

They say in unison, "How do you know?"

I shrink back a little bit, waiting for the onslaught of screaming. "I went into my room after I talked to Asia. She said that she saw Henry leave and seemed to have no clue that Amber and Naked Guy were dead. She was happy, and there was no yellow tape or cops. So I opened the door. Everything was spotless, exactly the way it'd been before they were shot."

"Holy shit." Trystan stares at me and then locks his jaw to keep from saying more.

Sean has a blank expression on his face. I wish he'd react so I can tell he still cares about me. "Scott, get me an all areas pass. I'm staying near her tonight. We're missing something."

Trystan nods and then walks over to a couch and sits down, leaving me standing in front of Sean. My ex-fiancée's face is devoid of any readable expression. He's made of stone once more and I doubt I'll ever see the softer side of him again.

I ask, "Did your mother tell you the same thing?"

"She hasn't said, yet. Knowing her, she won't tell me anything until she knows everything."