Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 52

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

12:12 —

1/7

channel one anyway.

“Oh, no, it’s not that 

Personal” 

it’s expensive, but–you know.

“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.

“Well, I don’t have any brothers who follow me around when I’m buying stuff for my period,” I say, channeling my inner dramatic teenager, instead. We all have one. Somewhere. Right?

It’s embarrassing, but I have a goal.

Rowan clears his throat. “Oh, I see. That would be…” His words trail off, and he looks conflicted.

We stand there for a few moments, locked in an uncomfortable silence. I raise an eyebrow, challenging him to just let me have this bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene hums her approval in my head. He holds my gaze for a beat before letting out a resigned sigh.

12:12

52 Ava: Its Personal

I fight from letting triumph show on my face as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something I can’t quite

catch.

Reaching into his back pocket, Rowan pulls out a sleek black wallet and thumbs through it. He 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. I’m here to help.”

I take the cash, relief 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 times.

He nods once, already turning to leave. “Just don’t go far. And be quick about it.”

As Rowan walks away, I catch the faint sound of hist mutterings. Something about the store being well–guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking the money into my pocket. At least he’s finally giving me some space.

With one last glance over my shoulder to make sure he’s really leaving me alone, I head toward the personal products section to make it all believable.

12012

52 Ava: Its Personal

Are you ready? Selene asks.