Page 22 of Iona's Christmas
I rocked back on my heels, shocked and lost for words. The level of hate in Katie’s voice surprised me from replying.
“That’s enough, Katie,” Noble said, and Katie shot him a frightened stare.
“You are out of line. We came for you and never stopped looking. What happened wasn’t Iona’s fault. Do you really wish that on her?” Spice chided, and shame crossed Katie’s expression.
“No, I guess I was being a jealous bitch,” she answered, avoiding his gaze.
“Yes, you were, but knowing Iona, she’ll forgive you. Can you now get in the car, and let’s do this shit before I get cranky,” Spice stated, and a smile appeared on my face.
Katie remained impassive, though. But she followed us out, and we climbed into the SUV, which was being driven by Blue. The prospect didn’t seem happy at being caged as he shrugged his cut off. RBMC never wore a cut when driving a car; they thought it disrespectful.
Katie sat on edge next to me, glancing at Blue every so often. It was clear she did not trust him and was uncomfortable that he was here.
“I wanted to go alone, no offence, Iona,” Katie murmured.
“None taken. But do you get why Vogue and everyone was so worried?”
“Why is it so hard to understand that I don’t wanna be smothered? I just need to be alone. Even now, want I wanted has been ignored, and I am here with you and four babysitters. Play it any way you wish, but I know two of them are for me,” Katie hissed.
“When we hit Windfells, we can go our separate ways, although I was looking forward to your help. But never mind, I’m sure I’ll manage,” I retorted with just enough zest in my voice to peak Katie’s curiosity.
“From me?” Katie laughed bitterly.
“Yes. I knew them ten years ago, they’ve changed since then, no doubt. I wanted to buy them a special tree decoration that would mean something to them. One we can use every year. I had thought you would be useful as you knew them during the time I was gone. But if you can’t be bothered, don’t worry, I’ll manage,” I replied.
Katie studied me, trying to figure out if I was playing her or not. I held her gaze until she looked away. “Fine. I’ll help.”
The words were given begrudgingly, but Katie had uttered them. That gave me hope that the girl everyone spoke about wasn’t lost.
I hadn’t met Katie back then; I was too wrapped up in my own world and angst. We were similar ages and should have been friends.
“Yeah, that would not have happened,” Katie said, and I jumped.
“What?”
“You spoke aloud, Iona. We wouldn’t have been mates. You and Rosalea were total bitches and not likeable,” Katie stated, and I noted how she didn’t flinch at telling me.
That was interesting. Katie, despite bitching me out, was comfortable enough to do so.
“Carry on, don’t hold back,” I encouraged, and Katie sneered.
“You were. Both of you Berserker’s little princesses. Spoiled and pampered. Vogue used to come home and tell tales on you. I couldn’t believe half the shit I heard. But your sense of self-entitlement soon bit you in the ass; Warden chose the club over you,” Katie continued her attack.
“Warden did, and it hurt, but he did the right thing,” I replied.
Katie glared at me. “Do you really mean that, or just paying lip service because of being in Warden’s bed?”
“Katie, I get you suffered and are in pain. I know the need to lash out and make some hurt like you do. But being deliberatelycruel to somebody else will not help you, trust me. It will just make you feel shittier. But if you need to tear someone down to make yourself feel good, go ahead. However, your words won’t hurt me because they are the truth, and I accepted what a damn bitch I’d been months ago when Pearl’s lies were exposed,” I said.
Katie’s glare deepened, but she stayed quiet as we parked in Windfells car park and climbed out.
“Are you ready to shop?” I asked and didn’t wait for an answer. Spice and Blue took my back as Noble and Anubis took Katies. She sent them dark looks, but neither paid her any attention.
I headed for the elevator with Katie by my side. Katie was silent now and on edge. She kept swivelling her head all around, and at one point, I thought she might go full-on Exorcist. That was a terrifying thought. Katie’s hands caught my attention, and I saw she’d clenched them into fists. and I winced as I considered her nails biting into her skin.
“We can go to the car,” I whispered, and Katie shook her head.
“Let’s get these ornaments,” she gritted out. We stepped off the elevator, and Katie almost jumped back in. There were huge crowds of people.