Shatter Me - Tahereh Mafi Page 0,97
support for my chest, a collar that goes right up to my neck, sleeves that touch my wrists, legs that touch my ankles, a zipper that pulls it all together. I examine the ultrathin material. It feels like I’m wearing nothing. It’s the richest shade of purple, skintight but not tight at all. It’s breathable, oddly comfortable.
“How does it look . . . ?” Adam asks. He sounds nervous.
“Can you help me zip it up?”
He turns around. His lips part, falter, form an incredible smile. His eyebrows are touching the ceiling. I’m blushing so hard I don’t even know where to look. He steps forward and I turn around, only too eager to hide my face, the butterflies racing through my chest. Adam touches my hair and I realize it’s almost all the way down my back. Maybe it’s time I cut it.
His fingers are so careful. He pushes the waves over my shoulder so they won’t get caught in the zipper. Trails a line from the base of my neck down to the start of the seam, down to the dip in my lower back. I can hardly keep myself upright. My spine is conducting enough electricity to power a city. He takes his time zipping me up. Runs his hands down the length of my silhouette. “God you look incredible,” is the first thing he says to me.
I turn around. He’s pressing his fist to his mouth, trying to hide his smile, trying to stop the words from tumbling out of his lips.
I touch the material. Decide I should probably say something. “It’s very . . . comfortable.”
“Sexy.”
I look up.
He’s shaking his head. “It’s sexy as hell.”
He steps forward. Slips me into his arms.
“I look like a gymnast,” I mumble.
“No,” he whispers, hot hot hot against my lips. “You look like a superhero.”
EPILOGUE
I’m still tingling when Kenji and Winston burst back into the room.
“So how is this suit supposed to make my life easier?” I ask anyone who’ll answer.
But Kenji is frozen in place, staring without apology. Opens his mouth. Closes it. Shoves his hands into his pockets.
Winston steps in. “It’s supposed to help with the touching issue,” he tells me. “You don’t have to worry about being covered from head to toe in this unpredictable weather. The material is designed to keep you cool or keep you warm based on the temperature. It’s light and breathable so your skin doesn’t suffocate. It will keep you safe from hurting someone unintentionally, but offers you the flexibility of touching someone . . . intentionally, too. If you ever needed to.”
“That’s amazing.”
He smiles. Big. “You’re welcome.”
I study the suit more closely. Realize something. “But my hands and feet are totally exposed. How’s that supposed to—”
“Oh—shoot,” Winston interrupts. “I almost forgot.” He runs over to the closet and pulls out a pair of flat-heeled black ankle boots and a pair of black gloves that stop right before the elbow. He hands them to me. I study the soft leather of the accessories and marvel at the springy, flexible build of the boots. I could do ballet and run a mile in these shoes. “These should fit you,” he says. “They complete the outfit.”
I slip them on and tip up on my toes, luxuriate in the feeling of my new outfit. I feel invincible. I really wish I had a mirror for once in my life. I look from Kenji to Adam to Winston. “What do you think? Is it . . . okay?”
Kenji makes a strange noise.
Winston looks at his watch.
Adam can’t stop smiling.
He and I follow Kenji and Winston out of the room, but Adam pauses to slip off my left glove. He takes my hand. Intertwines our fingers. Offers me a smile that manages to kiss my heart.
And I look around.
Flex my fist.
Touch the material hugging my skin.
I feel incredible. My bones feel rejuvenated; my skin feels vibrant, healthy. I take big lungfuls of air and savor the taste.
Things are changing, but this time I’m not afraid. This time I know who I am. This time I’ve made the right choice and I’m fighting for the right team. I feel safe. Confident.
Excited, even.
Because this time?
I’m ready.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My infinite thanks go to:
My husband, my best friend, my biggest fan, and the only man in the world who understands the inside of my brain. You are the brightest star in my universe.
My parents, who’ve been cheering for me every minute of my life, never once doubting me, never once discouraging me. You inspire me every single day.
My brothers, because no one knows our stories like we do. Because we stick together. Because you’ve always believed in me and I will forever believe in you.
Tana & Randa, for everything. For every moment, every word of encouragement, every laugh, every cherished memory. You’ve been there from the very beginning.
Sarah, who gave me the strength to be brave. You held my hand in the moments I needed it most and I will never forget that.
Jodi Reamer, the most incredible superhuman I’ve ever known. You’ve filled my days with shooting stars, and one day I will pluck the moon from the sky and fit it in your mailbox.
Alec Shane, who gave me the one chance that changed my world.
Tara Weikum, the best editor a girl could ask for. It’s been such a privilege working with someone who so absolutely understands my story. My characters are safe with you in a way they wouldn’t have been anywhere else and I still can’t believe I got so lucky. You are unbelievable and I adore you.
A big thank-you to everyone at and Writers House who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make my dreams come true: Melissa Miller, for being nothing less than fabulous; Christina Colangelo, Diane Naughton, and Lauren Flower, for their endless enthusiasm and marketing genius; and Allison Verost, my fearless publicist! Thanks also to Alison Donalty, art director and purse carrier and coffee savior—you are an absolute gem; Ray Shappell, the brilliant man behind the cover design; Brenna Franzitta, whose copyediting skills are worth millions; Cecilia de la Campa, for her indefatigable efforts in acquiring foreign rights; and Beth Miller, for being one of my first cheerleaders.
To all of my first readers, including Sumayyah, Bahareh, and Saba, as well as my brilliant blog and Twitter friends who make my days so much brighter and infinitely more beautiful: Thank you for sharing my journey and honoring me with your friendship—I hope you know I’m always cheering for you!
And for every reader who picks up this book: Well. Without you, where would we be?
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Table of Contents
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Nineteen
Twenty
Twenty-One
Twenty-Two
Twenty-Three
Twenty-Four
Twenty-Five
Twenty-Six
Twenty-Seven
Twenty-Eight
Twenty-Nine
Thirty
Thirty-One
Thirty-Two
Thirty-Three
Thirty-Four
Thirty-Five
Thirty-Six
Thirty-Seven
Thirty-Eight
Thirty-Nine
Forty
Forty-One
Forty-Two
Forty-Three
Forty-Four
Forty-Five
Forty-Six
Forty-Seven
Forty-Eight
Forty-Nine
Fifty
Epilogue
Acknowledgments