Time seemed to stand still for Hailey. Here, finally, after decades of unfulfilled yearning and no hope in sight, her long-abandoned dreams had been fulfilled. Overnight she’d gone from Aimee’s embittered antagonist, standing for everything she hated, to her lover. She could hardly believe it; she wished she could chalk this up to any level of planning or the culmination of some sort of clever gambit. Who could have thought her success would come from a split-second request to a being of pure chthonic power? Hailey wanted to pinch herself to ensure she wasn’t dreaming, but the feel of Aimee’s lips against hers was real enough. Besides, if this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up…
Ten minutes later Aimee finally broke the kiss with a passionate gasp for breath. “Wow! That must have been pretty good for you, huh?” she grinned. “Considering you’ve been crushing on me since we were kids and all.”
Hailey sank to the ground, her legs no longer able to support her. “You’re...taking this rather well…” she panted.
“I don’t really have a choice,” Aimee grinned, joining her on the ground. “I want to see you happy. My only goal is to make your life as blissful as you’ve made mine. It’s bizarre...I know it’s all fake, but that doesn’t make it any less real.”
“It doesn’t?” Hailey felt her temperature rising as Aimee snuggled into the little spoon position. “Aimee, I know I shouldn’t be questioning this, but...I really didn’t see you taking this so well.”
“Well, it’s what you desire, right?” Aimee played with a lock of Hailey’s hair. “You know I’ve always pitied you, Hailey. Not when we were kids, but ever since we reconnected as adults. You joined an illegal underground organization and did all sorts of terrible stuff for them...then you switched sides, like a trained puppy, when I asked you too...then you were resurrected as Chong’s bitch...you’ve always let other people tell you what to do. I just...I guess I expected more of you.” She seemed innocently oblivious of how Hailey was taking her words. “Growing up, you were so independent...I always thought you’d blaze your own trail. But instead you’ve been a lapdog for two lifetimes.”
“Why are you talking like this?” Hailey interrupted, feeling like her heart was twisting in two. She’d broken out in a cold sweat and her hands felt clammy.
“Cause I love you.” Aimee rolled around so they could look face to face. “I think you could be so much more than you are. And I want to help you get there.”
“I’m trying!” Hailey blinked to keep tears from forming. “I spoke with James Zanasiu earlier today, I’m helping Stripetail’s team cause a prison breakout!”
“What? Why the hell would you do that?” Aimee frowned.
“Because...isn’t that what you would want?” Hailey bit her lip, eyes wide.
“Of course, but you should never do things for me.” Aimee smooched her again, a light peck that nevertheless sent a hot flash through Hailey’s body.
“But I will!” Hailey affirmed. “I’m gonna be the best girlfriend you could ever imagine. You’ve always put your ideals above everything, so I’m going to help those ideals. I’m gonna make you proud!”
“Uh huh. Now did you come up with all that, or did James?” Aimee smiled as Hailey couldn’t answer. “You’re not a hero, Hailey. You don’t care about Stripetail or Chong.” She nuzzled their noses. “You’re a selfish backstabbing bundle of hormones. But you’re my bundle.” She stood up. “Now come on. Let’s sound the alarm and warn Chong before James can do anything.”
“What? Why would we do that?” Hailey leaped to her feet and blocked the door.
“Because Chong will pay you a fortune in reward money and let you keep killing people.” Aimee shrugged knowingly. “You fit in far better here than the Spire. You don’t need to put on a show for me, I’m madly in love with you just the way you are.”
“In that case, promise me you won’t tell anyone about the breakout!” Hailey urged. “And stay in here with me! Don’t go anywhere.”
Aimee flashed her a knowing smile Hailey didn’t particularly like. “Are you sure? Then of course, darling. I won’t tell a soul. Not a single word,” she chuckled, then crossed to the sink to pour herself a glass of water. “Honestly, Hailey, you’re starting to make me think you need saving from yourself…”
