Courting Tragedy

Chapter 21

            Courting Tragedy—Chapter 21

            The next few hours were strange. I sat on the couch while Gage paced back and forth, his hair standing up wildly from how often he was running his hands through it. I sat up from where I’d been reclining and stretched my hands over my head, feeling my back pop and crack. I threw out my hand and grabbed his arm as he walked by, pulling him down next to me.

            He sprawled back on the couch and sighed, his eyes wild. I brought my hand up and ran my fingers over his hair, taming it just enough so that he didn’t look like he was going insane. His hand captured mine and pressed it against his cheek. His warm breath fanned over my skin and I involuntarily shivered.

            “You need to stop pacing before you wear a hole in the carpet.” I joked as he slung his arm over the back of the couch.

            “I can’t help it; I’m worried out of my mind. My father and I don’t have the best relationship, and if he wants me at the castle, something bad is going to happen.” He dropped his face to his hands and sighed.

            “Hey,” I moved his hands and brought his face up so that his eyes met mine. “None of that. We don’t need any negative Nancy’s here.”

            The corner of his lips turned up. “Fine, but only because I don’t like being called a girl.”

            I chuckled and gave him a quick peck before standing up.

            “I need food.” I whined as I crossed my arms over my chest and pouted.

            Gage laughed out loud as the worry disappeared from his eyes. He stood up, an evil smile on his face. I put my hands up and backed away slowly.

            “What are you planning? You have that look on your face that says—” I squealed as he stepped forward and threw me over his shoulder in one swift movement.

            “That says what?” He asked teasingly as he walked out of the living room. “You seem to have lost your train of thought there.”

            I sulked, propping my elbow on his back and resting my chin on my hand. “Jerk.”

            “Bitch.”

            “Whore.”

            “Hey!” He sounded offended. “I’m a man! I can’t be a whore.”

            I smiled. “You can be a man whore. It’s the same thing.”

            He groaned under his breath. “You’re evil sometimes.”

            I clapped my hands. “So I have succeeded.”

            He dropped me into a chair at the table and opened the fridge. I shot him a glare as I rubbed my butt.

            “Ouch, that hurt my butt.” I complained as he set bread and ham on the counter.

            “What do you want me to do, kiss it better?” He winked at me and I cracked up.

            Living with Gage would never be boring, that’s for sure.