CARNIVORE [MxM+]

Chapter 22 [Revised]

Tycho Black.

I PLANNED TO TRICK RILEY INTO SPENDING NOTHING ON ME DURING THIS TRIP TO THE MALL. I could tell from the moment I met him that he was incredibly generous-- something I didn't deserve, so I entered the mall with every intent to make sure he didn't spend a dime of his money on me.

It didn't work.

We were back from the mall, and the number of bags I carried was disgusting. I wish Riley had warned me before we had gone that he was more than just a damn shopper. No, that man was a sweeper, in the sense that there was nothing left untouched in those store aisles after he walked through them. 

Four trips, back and forth, were needed to bring everything into the house from their expensive-looking SUV. My plan earlier didn't work because apparently, Riley knew what I was up to from the get-go. When we were there, I tried to stick to him like glue because I didn't know what else to do, but I'd often find myself alone somehow anyway. I'd always find him in a random aisle, and he'd always apologize for losing me. I should've checked his damn bags. 

In the end, I was six outfits richer, with new curtains, bedsheets, pillows, toiletries, and about everything else I needed. The guilt and shame I felt made me sick to my stomach, but the entire time, Riley had this stupid smile on his face like he was doing his favorite thing. I hid as much of my self-hatred as I could so he wouldn't feel guilty.

Riley had also tried to buy me a phone, but I didn't allow him to go that far. I told him it'd make me feel terrible and that I literally never used my phone anyway (I really didn't), so he let it go. I had to keep track of how much money he spent on me so I could eventually pay him back. Giant purchases made that difficult. 

After this morning, I didn't know how awkward it would be around Riley, but weirdly enough, it wasn't. He was engaging throughout the entire trip and wouldn't let more than a minute go by in silence. As much as I wanted to find it annoying, I couldn't. 

From the kitchen, Riley shouted for me. I turned the corner into the room and saw him standing near the oven with his back turned to me. "Dinner will be done in an hour and a half. Both Alexei and Xavier will be home by then. I encourage you to eat with us this time." 

He looked over his shoulder to meet my eyes. "I'd really like it." He smiled, flashing his teeth. I nodded my head and just left. 

A few days ago, the three had agreed that the guest room I stayed in on my first night here would be turned into my room for as long as I lived with them. It was already equipped with everything I needed, except for what I had gotten today. 

It had furniture, and it was warm. I looked over to the pile of new items on the bed and began sorting through them, starting with the clothes. Time passed as I worked, and this guest room slowly started to feel more lively. When I was almost done, I checked the time on a clock in the hallway. 

8:03 pm.

By now, football practice would have ended. I couldn't remember what day it was off the top of my head. I wondered when the next game was. I wondered how they'll do without me. 

My heart ached a bit. I didn't want to let go of football, but there was no point in going back to a place where I wasn't welcome. I felt my jaw tighten. I didn't deserve it after what I did, anyway. 

But... Did anyone notice I was even gone? Did Coach Roy question where I was, or did Jason wonder where his favorite punching bag had gone? Did my mother think about whether her son was dead or alive?

I collapsed onto the bed, silently wishing I had brought even a single book with me, or anything to keep me occupied. It wasn't often that I had free time, so whenever I did, I usually just stared at a wall. My brain was so wired around the physical pain of football and Jason that I never had time for anything else. That made waiting seem much longer, and the hour I had to wait was going to feel like much more. I thought about doing something useful to pass the time, like putting up my curtains or something, but honestly... Fuck that.