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.

when I'm buying stuff for my period," I say, channeling my inner dramatic teenager, instead. We

but I have

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

of privacy, holding

fight from letting triumph show on my face as he looks to the ceiling,

sleek black wallet and thumbs through it. He peels off a few bills and hands them

flooding through me. "Thanks." I feel guilty using a man's money when I have no interest in sticking around the way he wants, but—well, desperate

"Just don't

should be okay. I shake my head, tucking the money into

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

to linger too long on any one brand or box. It's not like I really need them right now, but the act sells the story. I toss in a couple of shirts from the clearance rack, too—might as well

my way back toward the electronics section, keeping an eye out for Rowan. The coast is clear, so I beeline

giving me a friendly smile that I return with a tight-lipped one of my own. I have to resist the urge

close to my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and I duck into the largest

hums her approval

phone and stuffing the plastic and cardboard into the trash makes me feel a little like a shoplifter, even though I already

ready? Selene

deep breath, steadying myself. "As ready as

he said he would be, and I offer him a small wave as I approach. "All set," I announce, keeping my