Touching Oblivion (Tasting Madness, #2)

by Albany Walker

“Did you tell her I was sorry?” “Yeah.” I wince. “What did she say?” “That she appreciated the sentiment. Then she tried to tell me she would see me around.” “She’s still mad,” Memphis murmurs. “I don’t think she’s mad at all. I think she’s hurt. She wouldn’t even look at me.” “Shit. I think that’s worse,” he admits. I think he’s right.

“Stop!” Waylynn freezes for half a second, and then she does something she told me she never does—she actually runs.

“But nothing, Waylynn. I’m trying to let you get comfortable so I know I’m not forcing you to do something you don’t want, but I need you to understand. You’re already ours, whether you get that or not.”

“You can’t have both. I won’t be in that class and be…around you guys. If I decide to…let you be around.” Her brows furrow deeply. She’s fucking adorable, acting like she has a choice.

“Good fucking girl,” Memphis rumbles before crashing his mouth down onto mine.

“I went with my gut,” she finally says. “Your gut?” Memphis tilts to the side to see her better. “Yeah. When I was checking out schools, this one felt right.” Her fingers are tangled in the ends of her hair, tugging. She seems nervous. “I’m glad you trusted your gut.” I bump her shoulder, drawing her attention back to me. “You should always listen to those little voices.” Her face goes stark white for a breath, and then she lets out a forced little laugh as her color returns. “I usually do, that’s why I talked to you that day outside the south quad.” I lean forward and smack a kiss on her lips, not caring that I have pizza breath. I just want her to know I’m happy she’s here.

My lips dip down to the top of her head, and I realize Bates was right—I do love her.

“People are much more important than things,” I manage to say right before the light above the sink clicks on, drawing my attention. There’s a strange whir as the power surges through the house, turning the fridge and other appliances back on. Oswald captures my lips in a soft kiss, and my eyes sink closed. I have lots of money, and it’s never once made me feel like this.

“Waylynn, I love you, and you are perfect the way you are,” I say, speaking the words I’ve thought before but couldn’t voice. I don’t want her to worry I’m going to leave her or that she isn’t good enough. I need her to understand just how important she is.

Memphis is pretty good at taking care of the things he loves.