Shackled (The Lord Series) by Carlos
307. Olivia - Nail polish II

I haven't painted my nails or wore makeup since I started living at the farm. Jason always demanded I look like a hoe, and it was so refreshing to be natural. Truth be told, I love makeup and nice dresses, but I didn't have the money to buy any. If I accept Tyson's job proposal, I'll be forced to spend hours in his office with him. What a wonderful... terrible idea.

My gaze goes to Jasper. "I would love to paint your nails," I let him know.

Yesterday I went shopping with Ansel and Jasper. They didn't take me to a thrift store like Rueben and Tyson did, but it was equally fun. After trying out clothes, I also got other things women can't like without, like a blow dryer. I couldn't believe it when Jasper told me they didn't have one in the house. Not even Mose. I didn't ask for one because I was perfectly fine to let my hair dry naturally, but I got one because I saw a cute pink one and I had to have it. The guys also encouraged me to get nail polish because they saw me looking at it.

"Neon. Green," Mose says.

A demon with green toenails. This is something you don't usually see.

"That's a bold color," Ansel chuckles. "If Mose and Jasper are in, I suppose you can paint mine as well."

Three concerned faces look at me four if I count Tyson, who's standing in the doorframe, his fists opening and closing, trying to control his jealousy. Knowing that he's lurking in the shadows, ready to intervene, is a small comfort. I might not fear Mose, and I really enjoy Ansel and Jasper's company, but Tyson is always...my go-to person when I have a mental breakdown. Even if I can't allow myself to be with him, I can't let go of him either.

"Only if we paint our fingernails as well," I try to see if they are bluffing or are serious.

"We have a meeting at the Blood Lodge tonight," Jasper tries to back out.

My hands fly to my face. "I will return to my meltdown, then."

"Fine. We will paint our fingernails as well," Jasper quickly changes his mind.

I still don't believe them, so I say, "All of us will paint our fingernails black. After that, we will sit on the porch and sip cocktails. Including Rueben."

Tyson folds his arms against his chest. "Rueben would rather yank out his nails, all of them, before he agrees to this."

You know what happens when you summon the devil? He appears.

Rueben sticks his head inside the room. "Why would I yank out my nails?" he asks while his eyes stare directly at my cleavage. Tyson pretends to remove some lint from his clothes. "Olivia wants some family time and to bond over shared trauma."

Shared trauma? What is Tyson talking about?

"Don't be so dramatic," Ansel snorts. "Women pail their nails all the time, and I never saw them traumatized by it."

"True," Tyson agrees. "But they don't have to attend a meeting with other Lords who will have nothing better to do than to stare at our nails and wonder if we lost our damn minds." He rubs his temples before telling me, "But if it will make you feel better, then fuck it."

Tyson's mod swigs are killing me. "I thought you didn't want to be traumatized or have Lords laugh at you."

Turquoise eyes hold mine captive. "I'd rather have my woman happy. Besides, I like the idea of us drinking cocktails together. It's been a while since I had one."

I know it's a long shot, but I still ask, "Can we build a campfire and roast marshmallows? I can't remember the last time I had some." It's a lie. I remember perfectly when I last ate roasted marshmallows-on my last date with Tyson. He was usually broke, so our dates usually revolved around the orchard. I didn't mind as long as I got to spend time with him.

Rueben replies, "I'll take care of the fire. That way, I can stick my fingers in it because there's no way in hell I'll paint my nails," he mutters before leaving.

Now that I am convinced the guys are dead serious, I say, "Party pooper."

"That's Rueben for you," Tyson agrees. Marshmallows, cocktails, nail polish in all sorts of crazy colors-is there something else we need from the store?" "Ask Rin and Steven if they want something," Ansel suggests.

Despite the loss of their blood-brothers, Rin and Steven continue to come to the farm and patrol it at night. I haven't spoken to them since the day Rueben kicked me out. They had been avoiding the house, and I had no desire to go out, mostly because I wanted to keep a close eye on Mose. I am not the only one. The others are concerned about Mose as well. We might refer to the demon as Mose and treat him as such, but we know it's not him. It might be that I don't want to talk to Rin and be reminded of Levi. I lost so many years of friendship with him. I'll never get to spend time with him again. There were so many things I wanted to ask Levi, the most important one if he was happy or if he ever fell in love again.

So much has happened since the guys brought me here that I think they want to pretend everything is fine as long as they can. One day, we will have to discuss what happened to Mose and what that means for everyone.

"I know a short time has passed since the deaths of Levi, Gavin, and Isak, but maybe they will want to join us." When I realize what I said, I mentally slap myself. Levi and Steven probably hate me, and here I am, inviting them to hang out with

me.

"I highly doubt it. Both are still devastated about what happened, but I'll let them know," Tyson agrees.

Being able to hold a conversation with Tyson like this is...strange. Before he was so angry, and now, he is sulking most of the time. I still don't know which version of his is worse. There are days when I wish for my Tyson to return. Then again, I can't ask that of him when I know I'll never be my old self again. We've both changed, and because of that we might never find our back to each other. Only time will tell.