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.

around when I'm buying stuff for my period," I say, channeling my inner dramatic

but I have a

would be…" His words trail off, and he

this bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as

triumph show on my face as he looks to the

peels off a few bills and hands them to me. "Here, get what you need. I'll wait by the entrance. Let me know if you need more.

the cash, relief flooding through me. "Thanks." I feel guilty using a man's money when I have no

leave. "Just don't go far. And be

mutterings. Something about the store being well-guarded, so it should be okay. I

last glance over my shoulder to make sure he's really leaving me

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

way back toward the electronics section, keeping an eye out for Rowan. The coast is clear, so I beeline for the phone accessories. Burner phones are

cashier 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

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

her approval in my

me feel a little like a shoplifter,

you ready?

myself. "As ready as I'll ever

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