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HADLEY couldn't believe how casual Percy was about almost being murdered. He went on for ten minutes, describing the exhilaration he felt about Aileen Wuornos trying to kill him. Hadley thought his experience with Aileen would have him packing right then and there, but it seemed ... nothing could scare him away. She should've been worried about that, but Hadley never felt more content.
They tried to dress as quickly as they could, just to make it out of the hotel before James could find them and wish them a happy Devil's Night. Hadley knew that if her would-be dad saw them, he would make them stay for the festivities, and Percy wouldn't just be treated like a guest. Amongst a room of dead serial killers, he would be the meal.
Percy allowed her to get dressed in the bathroom while he changed in the middle of the suite. He slapped a hand across his face once he pulled out the costume she got for him. A fucking Greek warrior. The first part of the costume was a simple, white toga hanging off one shoulder, while a small part of the left side of his chest was exposed. Then, there was a brown belt made out of the cheapest pleather, and it just barely fit around his waist. The costume was paired with a few pleather gauntlets and some discounted Greek sandals, which were a bit too big for his feet, but he'd make it work.
When he looked in the mirror, he wanted to run away and hide. There was no way he could wear this in public! He hardly wore t-shirts that showed off his lean arms – this was on another level. Hadley called for him behind the bathroom door, but her voice was muffled. He asked, "What?"
"Can you come in here and help me?" She repeated, allowing Percy another moment to take in his appearance.
He wanted to take this off and refuse to wear it, but Hadley had seemed so excited for Halloween. He'd be damned to make her unhappy.
Sighing at his reflection in the mirror, Percy stumbled off towards the bathroom. He inhaled heavily before opening the door, and she looked over her shoulder to see his costume. She tried biting back a giggle, but it was too strong to keep in. Percy slapped his hands on his sides, realizing that the toga came just a little above his knee. "I know," he said. "I look ridiculous, Hadley."
"No, you look great," she replied. "If we pass by a group of college girls tonight, they'll be all over you. Trust me."
Little did she know that Percy didn't need a group of college girls wanting him. He only needed one, and she wasn't even human.
Hadley gestured to the zipper in the back of her dress. "Can you help with this?"
"Uh – yeah, sure," he nodded quickly.
Percy swallowed hard as he reached out to grab the zipper, fingers just about brushing the small of her back. He admired the exposed part of her pale skin, realizing that her back must've been covered in faint freckles. After a moment of hesitation, he pulled the zipper up to her collar, clearing his throat and taking a step back. Hadley sent him a soft smile before turning to the mirror and fixing her gentle, brunette waves.
