𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬

Fifteen

Lille has to be the most gorgeous city in the world.

We walk a path making a circle around a building that looks like a tiny castle surrounded by plants and bricks. Buses and cars are parked on the sides of the streets and many homes are lined up decorated with trees and flowers.

"Next rule is to never take anything Odette says seriously," Jasper explains as he puts an arm around Evangeline while we're walking. "She really puts a damper on things."

Evangeline shrugs his arm off. "Okay—maybe don't listen to that. But she really isn't as big and scary as everyone says she is."

"Why does she make those lists?" I look over to them.

"She's gone mad with power," Jasper replies. "At least, that's what Adam says."

"Adam doesn't know where the fuck he is half the time," Evangeline scrunches her nose.

"He's my hero," Jasper fake swoons on Evangeline's shoulder.

She shoves him off, almost pushing him into the road. "Fuck off."

While they bicker, I survey the city. They were supposed to be giving me an actual tour, but I think they're so wrapped up in themselves they forgot. I see us heading towards Moineau again.

Great.

"I'm sorry for the distractions," Evangeline takes her attention away from her boyfriend—who quickly starts fake pouting. "The whole point of this was to let you breathe a bit. I don't think that worked, though, from the look on your face."

"I think I just need some time alone," I run my hands through my hair.

This was a total waste of time. What the fuck did I even get out of this? I'm not a big fan of these two.

"Basically just don't take this too seriously," Jasper pipes in. "It'll all be over soon."

-

"Where the fuck were you?" Bastien's annoyed expression is what I'm greeted with back at the cottage—along with Adam, Summer, Madeline, and Liana. "We thought someone killed you."

He runs over to me as if to check for injuries.

I softly shove him off and say, "Relax, I was just with Evangeline and Jasper."

They had left when we got to the path of Moineau—apparently they can't stay here long.

"She's not a kid, Bastien," Madeline calls from the porch, sipping tea with her sister. "Besides, you've barely known her for twenty-four hours."

"Yet, I've known you my whole life and already like her better," Bastien retorts.

Madeline flips him off. Liana sighs and shakes her head.

"I should've taken you to the gardens," Adam mutters. "You wouldn't believe the amount of torture came from trying to calm these motherfuckers down."

"As if you weren't worried too," Summer flicks his shoulder and he rubs it.

"Guys, I was gone for like an hour," I walk up to them. "It's not that big of a deal. Now can I go in my room?"

Adam and Summer look at each other.

Madeline snorts. "You don't need permission, princess."

"Apparently I do," I whisper under my breath before walking into the cottage.