Paper Bride ✔️ (Book 4 - DP Series - COMPLETE)

42. Pancakes and Fists

I'm awoken with a tight throbbing in my foot. It takes me a moment to remember what could be causing such a sensation, and then, like a bucket of cold water, my eyes fly open to investigate the damage from last night.

I sit up, flinging my blankets off as I pull my foot up towards my face to get a better look. I could squeal with joy when I see the blue and purple swirls painted into my skin. Is it weird that I feel proud about having something so grotesque on my body? Because I'm definitely proud of this...

Until about thirty seconds later when I realize how obnoxious it is to have to limp everywhere. Man, sprained ankles are no fun, whatsoever. It makes me want to slip into a sizzling hot bath and pout beneath a foot of bubbles.

Thinking back to all the things I did last night makes me wonder if someone spiked my water. What on earth made me act so completely wacko? And then I realize the reason... freedom. It was the first time I'd felt truly free. I had just quite my job and I was bubbling with the excitement of winning back Seth's heart. Now that I think about it harder, last night was definitely crazy. Normal people don't do stuff like that, right? I wouldn't really know, though, because not many people in my life are normal. Honestly, I think Seth is the most down to earth person that I know. Poor guy. How'd he end up stuck with a psycho such as myself?

But then again, it was his choice. I won't apologize for his mistakes.

After using the bathroom, I saunter—as stealthily as possible with a gimp leg—out into the living room, my eyes scanning my artwork with awe. I was definitely on something last night... or, it was just me. I tend to have that kind of effect on myself. I'm my own drug, apparently. Who needs narcotics when you've got Mercy Van's blood running through your veins?

"Looks like you had a fun night."

I'm startled from thoughts of my blood as an illegal stimulant when Seth's voice jolts me into awareness. I jump slightly, my nerves spiking my body with a wave of ugly giggles as the sensation flitters out of my body. I glare evilly at Seth, who stands innocently in the kitchen peering out at me, but my face doesn't do a very good job of concealing my amusement.

"You're home?" I question, half awed and half bewildered.

"Took the morning off," he explains, turning back around. It's only when he flips something over in a skillet that I notice the spatula in his hand.

"Why?" I wonder aloud as I limp my way into the kitchen to see that he's making pancakes.

He stops what he's doing for a moment and turns to face me. He's got a questioning look in his brows, as if he's contemplating what to actually say.

"We closed the deal last night," he says, and then waits a heartbeat before adding, "and I wanted to be with you."

My heart practically flings itself out of my chest and into Seth's arms right then and there. I have to place a hand over my chest to insure my heart behaves as I smile down at the floor. Seth doesn't see my smile though because he's already turned back towards the stove. Not satisfied by this, I take a step closer to him, wrapping my arms around his waist. He stiffens for a moment and I'm not sure if it's due to my touch or his own desire to run.

But he doesn't run. Instead, he turns, causing my arms to loosen slightly as he swivels around to face me. I'm expecting him to reprimand me for something. Though, from his recent behavior, I can't fathom why he'd push me away anymore. Instead, he flings the spatula over his shoulder where it clatters around on the countertop for a moment before going still, and gently runs his hands from my wrists to my shoulders.

I stop breathing, I know I do. I can almost feel my pulse pressing repeatedly against my throat as I swallow. He's watching me, eyes intense but gentle as they roam over my face. I'm frozen in place, anticipating his next movements. But then he smiles.