Chapter 43

Xena's POV

"Heading to bed?" he asked.

"Yeah, got school tomorrow." I leaned against my doorframe, feeling the exhaustion of the

day settle into my bones.

"Next week's a big one," Dad said, his tone casual but probing. I could tell he was fishing

for something.

"Is there something you want to ask me, Dad?" I questioned directly, too tired for

games.

His hand unconsciously rubbed the back of his neck-a nervous habit he'd had for as long

as I could remember. "Did you find a dress?"

"Yes." I kept my answer short, watching his reaction carefully.

"One that fits the theme?" Damn it...Logan couldn't have sold me out. My mind raced through possibilities, calculating my response.

"I bought two dresses," I said carefully. "One for my birthday and one for the dance." I wasn't lying-not completely anyway.

I waited for his interrogation, but after a pause, he simply said, "Wear whichever one you

turning

me off guard. "Weird," I muttered to myself as I closed my bedroom

the lights and settling into bed,

to ignore it and

jet of all terrible Mondays. I hadn't even gotten out of bed yet, and I could already feel the day imploding. Martha would be frantic with the birthday party and Saturday's challenge match, which meant people coming and going all week, tension in the air,

mate on

1/3

Chapter 43

run. Part of me thought Samuel would be easy, uncomplicated. But since our last heart-to-heart, he'd grown less

I wasn't sure I could fully trust. The hottest guy I'd ever laid eyes on, with a kiss that left me breathless. But realistically, he

almost back to normal, but that feeling vanished when I saw two messages-one from Samuel, one

birthday week! Hope your day

was now 6:45. I texted back a quick thanks before

message.

been handled. Location is cleared and ready for

sent before I went to sleep. I didn't feel

and took a quick shower. I could skip today

from Martha,

couldn't be bothered with my hair, so I braided it to the side,

a tee. This week was supposed to be scorching.

I almost contacted Ama before remembering she

to school alone.

my bag and headed

woke up," Samuel

leaped into my throat, startled by his presence

to see him. "What are you

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