Page 30 of Just Between Us

Mutt charges out out, barking at my feet, and I hear Liam say, “Fucking sky rats.”

“Liam,” I hiss, “do you mean to tell me there is a goddamn bat stuck in my hair?” My voice is shaking and I feel near to panicking. The bat starts to move in my hair, and that’s when the panic really sets in. I fling my head over, hoping to jostle it loose, but this only causes the bat to become more entangled.

“Get it out, Liam. Do something. Shave my head if you have to.”

“Cassie, you have to hold still. If that bat scratches your head, you’ll need a rabies shot.”

I’m trying to imagine myself with a shaved head, when I feel Liam’s hands gently untangle my hair.

“You’re doing great, angel. I’ve almost got him.” Liam’s words cause some of my panic to ebb, his gentle hands calming my racing heart. And then I feel the weight of the bat leave my hair, and it’s taking flight. Slowly, I straighten, sucking in a deep lungful of air.

Before I can say anything, Liam’s fingers are in my hair again, parting it section by section.

“What are you doing?”

“Just making sure he didn’t get you.”

When he’s satisfied, his hands slide down to frame my face, and I peel my eyes open to meet his concerned gaze.

“Are you okay? That was insane.”

Wordlessly, I nod, and Liam pulls me to him, wrapping his arms around me, the panic I felt seconds ago already dissolving as he squeezes me tight. With my head burrowed against his chest, the only words I think to say fall from my lips.

“I guess we won’t be watchingThe Birdsnext movie night.”

An hour later, I’ve showered to wash away any trace of the sky rat but I swear I still feel those leathery wings in my hair. I let out an involuntary shiver at the thought. I’m just climbing into bed to do my nightly scrolling when a text notification pops up on my screen.

My Favorite Person

Every time I close my eyes I think I’m being attacked by Bathsheba. You said you’d hold my hand through the scary parts.

My Favorite Person

What happened to your pinky swear?

I long press the text until the reactions pop up and I select the crying laughing face, then type out my response.

Well, every time I close my eyes I see a bat flying at me.

My Favorite Person

What a fucking night.

You can say that again.

My Favorite Person

Goodnight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite.

My Favorite Person

Or in your case the sky rats.

Too soon, Liam.

My Favorite Person

Night Cassandra.