Chapter 103 *
Scarlett’s POV
"Is that a duck?"
"Yes."
"A rubber duck."
"Yes."
He held it up. The duck face grinned at him. Those cartoon eyes. That orange beak.
"There's a tail," he said. His voice was flat.
"I know! I love this set!" I held up mine. "They only sold them as matching pairs. So you can wear the other one."
Complete silence.
Damon looked at the onesie. Then at me. Then back at the onesie.
I watched his jaw clench. Watched him take a slow breath.
"Unless you want to sleep in your suit?" I offered. "But that seems uncomfortable."
More silence.
Then he folded the onesie carefully. Tucked it under his arm.
"The bathroom?" His voice came out controlled.
"Down the hall. First door on the left."
He walked past me. Didn't say another word.
I heard the bathroom door close.
I looked down at my own duck onesie. At the ridiculous smiling face.
This is going to be hilarious.
I changed in my bedroom. Put on the matching onesie. It was soft. Comfortable. Warm.
The hood had little duck eyes on top. The tail bounced when I walked.
I loved it. It was adorable.
I wrapped my hair in a towel. Washed my face. Brushed my teeth.
When I came out, I grabbed two bottles of Coke from the fridge. Ice cold.
Figured we could both use something to drink.
I walked into the living room. Started opening one of the bottles.
Then I heard the bathroom door open.
I looked up.
Froze completely.
Damon stood in the hallway.
Wearing the rubber duck onesie.
The bright yellow fabric. The cartoon duck face across his broad chest. The little feet pockets. The tail.
His hair was damp. Pushed back from his face. His expression was completely neutral.
Like he was daring me to comment.
I bit my lip. Hard. Tried not to laugh.
He looked... I couldn't even describe it.
This massive, terrifying crime lord. Dressed like a children's bath toy.
"Not a word," he said.
I pressed my lips together. Shook my head.
He walked into the living room. Sat down on the couch.
The tail made a crinkling sound against the cushion.
I lost it. Started laughing.
"Sorry!" I covered my mouth. "I'm sorry. It's justâ€"you lookâ€""
"Ridiculous. I know."
"I was going to say cute."
His eyes went dark. "Don't."
"But you are! Look at your little duck tail!"
"Scarlett."
"And the feet pockets! Did you see the feet pockets?"
He looked down at his chest. At the smiling duck face.
Then he sighed. Long and deep.
"This is my life now," he muttered.
I walked over. Held out the Coke. "I got you something cold. Thought you might want it."
He took it. Our fingers brushed.
I felt that stupid electric jolt again. Ignored it.
He opened the bottle. Started drinking.
I sat down on the other end of the couch. Tucked my feet under me.
We sat there. Both in matching duck onesies. Drinking Coke.
This has to be the weirdest night of my life.
I glanced at him. He was staring straight ahead. His jaw was tight.
"You okay?" I asked. "You look kind of flushed."
He coughed. "I'm fine."
"Did the hot pot not agree with you?"
"No. It's not that."
"Because if you're feeling sick, I have medicine. Antacidsâ€""
"I'm fine." His voice came out rougher than usual.
He drank more Coke. Almost desperately. Like he was trying to cool down.
Weird. Maybe the spice really got to him.
I yawned. Checked my phone. Twelve thirty.
"I'm exhausted," I said. "I'm gonna head to bed."
I stood up. My duck slippers squeaked against the floor.
"The guest room is all yours. Let me know if you need anything."
He nodded. Didn't look at me.
"Goodnight, Damon."
"Goodnight."
I walked to my bedroom. Closed the door behind me.
Climbed into bed. Pulled the covers up.
I was just starting to drift off when I heard it.
The sound of the shower turning on.
I frowned. Looked at my clock. Twelve forty-five.
Is he taking another shower?
That's weird. He just showered like twenty minutes ago.
The water kept running. For a long time.
Maybe he's a germaphobe or something.
I rolled over. Pulled the pillow over my head.
Mafia bosses have strange habits.
That was my last thought before I fell asleep.