Page 20 of House of Wolves
I can’t feign mock annoyance at her comment for long. She’s too cute and helpless. I run to her aid, hiking up her leg so she can ungracefully roll onto the bed. We’d be quite a sight to see if anyone walked in on us. Me in my black lacy bra and underwear, pushing a large pregnant woman onto a bed. I laugh once she groans, rolling to her side and grabbing a pillow next to her to shove between her legs. “That was enough physical exertion for me for the day.”
I tuck a strand of bright red hair behind her ear, examining the dark bags under her green eyes. “You know you didn’t actually have to help me get ready. I just wanted to hang out with you before I’m stuck in a hell of my own creation for the next few hours.”
She props her head with her hand, staring at me. “And you need advice.” She reaches and taps her fingers like tiny claws. “Would you hand me those chips?”
I do as I’m asked, passing her the bag before sitting on the floor and rummaging through the bag of clothes I brought. “Advice? Why do I need your advice?”
“Rude,” she says through a mouth full of crispy potato skins. “I happen to be very skilled at acquiring information from the enemy and even more proficient at the art of seduction. Evidence A.” She rubs a hand over her large belly.
I laugh. “If I end up pregnant after this, something has gone horribly wrong. And besides, you got knocked up by my brother. I wouldn’t be bragging about that.”
The bag of half-eaten chips hits the side of my head. “Rude! Your brother’s hot and has a huge di…”
I pop to my feet, a black cotton dress in my hands. “Okay! Stop right there!”
She throws her head back with a laugh. “I love freaking you out.”
I force my hand into the bag, pulling out a clump of chips and shoving it into my mouth. “You’re not getting this back,” I say, crumbs dropping from my lips.
“No!” she yells.
I toss them to the floor with a smile and step into the stretchy fabric. Just when the straps hit my shoulders, the bedroom door swings open. “What’s going on?”
I scream. “Cameron! I could have been naked!”
“Ew!” he says, charging the bed and climbing toward his wife. “Why aren’t you naked?” he asks, looming over her. Red giggles underneath him and attempts to push him away.
“Get out!” I yell, turning away from the disgusting smooch-fest happening before me.
“Um, this is my bedroom. You can’t tell me to get out,” Cameron says, eyes still fixed on Red.
“This is our bedroom.” Red slaps a hand to his chest from underneath him. “And I want her here.”
“I heard you two discussing me in rather explicit detail. I think I should be allowed to listen.”
I catch a glimpse of the two kissing through giddy smiles through the reflection of the vanity mirror as I sweep off the remains of potato chips from my lips. I’m gonna throw up. I focus my attention back to myself with a groan. Upon closer inspection, I hate my dress, and I hate my lipstick. I grab a tissue and rub the shade off before climbing back to the floor to continue my search through my mess of garments.
“What are you doing?” Red asks, laying on her side to face me, Cameron spooning her from behind.
“I look too slutty. It’s too obvious.”
“Well…” Cameron says, his pitch rising an octave.
“Shut up, fuckface.”
Red slaps him. “You don’t look slutty. You look hot. Why do you seem nervous?”
My cheeks heat, and my eyes dart to her. “I’m about to go on a date with Brick. A man who’s hated me for years and is working with the Hunters. This could end very badly.” My mind replays my last fake date, only a few days ago. That was the definition of disaster. This time, I’m not drinking. Brick may still be able to overpower me, but I’ll put up a hell of a fight.
Cameron scoots to the head of the bed, leaning against the headboard. “Grimm told you what to plant?” he asks, his voice all serious now.
I sigh, pulling out a short forest green dress. It’s basically the same style as the one before, but something about green seems less sultry than black. At least, I think. “Yes, I will mention how Josie is supposed to be home alone tonight, and I’m worried about her. If the Hunters show up at Josie’s house, we know Brick is our man.”
“I don’t understand,” Red asks. “Don’t we already know that Brick is our man? How does this help us?”
“I mean, we’re pretty sure,” I counter, walking toward their closet, shutting the door behind me, and raising my voice so they hear me through the slats. “His aloof behavior to the disappearances, him talking to Richard, and the file on his desk, are all damning pieces of evidence, but we need to be sure.”
“Then what?” Red asks.
