Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 52 Ava: Its Personal

Why not tell him you need to buy some sensitive things you don't want him around for? Selene asks.

It isn't that I hadn't thought of that—but the electronics section is far from someplace that sells menstrual products.

"What's wrong?" Rowan asks, and I realize with a start that I'm scowling in his direction.

Oops. "Nothing, I just—" I nibble on my thumbnail, trying my best to look a little distraught. "I need some things, but I didn't think you'd be following me the entire time, so…"

Rowan smiles in relief, thinking he understands. "It's fine. You can get anything you want. Clayton can afford it. He's obnoxiously loaded."

I was worried my acting was too much, but I guess it's not enough. I wrinkle my nose and shift from foot to foot. After a moment, I start rubbing one arm, as if I'm beyond uncomfortable with my request.

I was never a very whiny teenager, but I'm trying to channel one anyway.

"Oh, no, it's not that it's expensive, but—you know. Personal."

"Personal… Oh. Oh." Rowan's furrowed brow clears as he looks me over. "It's fine. I have younger sisters."

I stare at Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy act as I settle my hands on my hips.

This guy really has no clue.

stuff for my period," I say, channeling my inner dramatic teenager,

I have

I see. That would be…" His words trail off, and he

him to just let me have this bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene hums her approval in my head. He holds my gaze for a beat before letting out

letting triumph show on my face as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something I can't

black wallet and thumbs through it. He peels off a few bills and hands them to me. "Here, get what

feel guilty using a man's money when I have no interest in sticking around the way he wants, but—well,

once, already turning to leave. "Just don't go far. And

of his mutterings. Something about the store being well-guarded, so it should be

glance over my shoulder to make sure he's really leaving me alone, I head toward the personal

really need them right now, but the act sells the story. I toss in a couple of shirts from the clearance rack,

The coast is clear, so I beeline for the phone accessories. Burner phones are easy enough to find, and I grab one along with a prepaid

giving me a friendly smile that I return with a tight-lipped one of my own. I have to resist the urge to look over my shoulder, worried that Rowan might

bag close to my body. The restroom is

hums her approval in my

like a shoplifter, even though I already bought the things. I

you ready? Selene

breath, steadying myself. "As

entrance, just as he said he would be, and I offer him a small wave as I approach.