The Scumbag's Guide To Heroism novel Chapter 221

Chapter 221: 221 | Girlfriend Negotiations

That was a lie. A transparent, obvious lie designed to make Sloane feel better. But something in Felicity’s delivery made it work. Made it seem like maybe it wasn’t entirely a lie.

Sloane’s grip on Felicity’s hand loosened slightly.

"He does that," she said. "It’s one of his better qualities."

"He has a lot of good qualities. Hidden under all the mysterious bullshit, obviously. But they’re there."

Sloane’s mouth twitched. Almost a smile. "The mysterious bullshit is part of the package."

"I’m getting that. It’s fine. I like puzzles."

They released each other’s hands. The tension in the air had shifted from hostile to something more like cautious assessment. Two women taking each other’s measure and deciding, tentatively, that violence wasn’t immediately necessary.

I stood between them, holding shopping bags and wondering if this was what having a harem was actually like. Not the sexy parts that the System seemed to think were inevitable. Just two women having a conversation about me while I stood there feeling vaguely objectified.

"The bags look heavy," Sloane said to me.

"They are."

"You could have asked her to help carry them."

"She’s the one who made me buy all this stuff."

Sloane looked at Felicity. "You spent his money?"

"I encouraged him to invest in himself. There’s a difference."

"How much did he invest?"

Felicity told her the number.

Sloane’s eyebrows rose. "That’s a lot of investment."

"He needed it. You’ve seen his hoodies."

"The hoodies are fine."

"The hoodies are a cry for help. He’s been dressing like a man who’s given up on life. I’m trying to restore his will to live through fashion."

Something extraordinary happened then. Sloane laughed.

Not a big laugh. Not the kind of laugh that drew attention from people nearby. Just a small, surprised sound that escaped before she could stop it. Her hand came up to cover her mouth and her eyes went wide, like she couldn’t believe what had just happened.

"I like her," she said to me.

"What?"

"I like her. She’s funny." Sloane lowered her hand and looked at Felicity with something approaching respect. "You’re not what I expected."

"What did you expect?"

"Someone who would try to steal my boyfriend through manipulation and subtle undermining."

Felicity shrugged. "That sounds exhausting. I’m too lazy for manipulation. If I wanted your boyfriend, I’d just tell him and see what happened."

"And do you want my boyfriend?"

The question hung in the air between them. Direct and brutal and exactly the kind of thing Sloane would ask without warning.

Felicity didn’t flinch.

"He’s attractive and interesting and he saved my life. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious about what dating him would be like." She held up her hand before Sloane could respond. "But I’m not trying to date him. I’m trying to be his friend. Actual friend. The kind who helps him pick out clothes and makes him laugh and doesn’t expect anything romantic in return."

"Why?"

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