waiting. We’re not standing for long when I hear a giggle behind me, prompting my jaw to clench. I’d know that laugh anywhere. I peek over my shoulder and, of course, it’s Reina and Holly. My annoyance is indeed confirmed. She catches my eyes, still looking angry and blatantly bitchy.
I’m not surprised.
I clutch Luna a little tighter to me, thinking about all the things she said in front of her. I’ve never been much of a violent person, but at this moment, I’d like nothing more than to sock Holly in her pretty face. Obviously, I can’t do that in front of my daughter, so I keep my gaze trained ahead of me, doing my best to tune them out.
The line moves along slowly with no issues. That is, until they purposely raise their voices, so I can hear their conversation.
“She was out in the middle of the night. Probably asking for it,” Holly confirms under her breath. “I don’t feel bad for her. Everyone is acting like she’s some kind of victim. She just wants the attention. She always has.”
Something inside me snaps at her words. A spark of anger lights within my chest, and I grind my back teeth together. I turn, softly pulling Luna behind me, shielding her.
“I didn’t ask for anything. Your boyfriend assaulted me. I don’t know what your problem is with me, Holly, but get over it. So what, I had a child with Endymion. Stop blaming me for your failed relationship. I feel sorry for you. The fact that you have to belittle me and name call my daughter is just sad. All for what? To make your miserable, boring life seem all that better?”
Holly jerks back as if I’ve slapped her. Color rises to her cheeks, and she looks like she’s going to blow. “You’re a stupid cunt, and so is your daughter.”
My arm swings out, and I strike her across the face. Resounding gasps from bystanders ring out across the expanse of the barn.
“That’s enough.” Endymion’s sharp voice materializes from thin air. Silence descends around the barn. He steps up beside me, frustration emanating off him in waves, and takes Luna into his protective arms. He’s a knight in shining armor at this moment, slaying every dragon out to cause us harm. “Back away now, or you’ll regret it.”
“You never cared about me, did you?” End’s jaw clenches with anger at Holly’s accusation. He’s so close to losing it. “It was always her, wasn’t it?” The way she utters “her” while glaring daggers at me takes me by surprise.
She can’t mean me, can she?
Endymion didn’t even know I was alive back then.
“You think I didn’t notice the way you would look at her? You never looked at me the way you do her. You never fought for my honor or got upset when someone flirted with me.”
“That’s because I love her. That should be answer enough for you. Now leave.”
Holly looks as if she’s going to argue, but she tosses the plate down and storms away. I watch her go, a frown marring my face as I try to make sense of what she said. Does she really believe End cared more about me all those years ago than he did her?
What the hell is she smoking?
I jolt at the sensation of End’s hand sliding around the nape of my neck. He squeezes me reassuringly, prompting me to glance up at him.
“You okay?” he asks, his intense gaze searching mine.
I smile, though it comes out wobbly. “Yeah, I’m okay. I didn’t mean to snap like that,” I mumble, glancing around at all the eyes that are now firmly fixed on us.
Great.
His brows dip. “Don’t apologize for defending yourself or our daughter, Selene. Holly is and will always be a troublemaker. Angry with the whole world because the attention isn’t on her.”
I want to ask him about all the other things she said, but as I glance around at the barn filled with people, I realize now may not be the best time.
As if sensing I’m ready to let this go, End presses a kiss against my lips in front of everyone, and I feel my cheeks redden in embarrassment. There are a few whistles and hollers from everyone around us, but all I see is him.
Always him.
From the doorway, I watch as Endymion lies down in that small bed with Luna snuggled on his chest. He’s been reading the same princess book for the past hour, and my sweet girl is