Free The Seven Devils (YA "New Adult" Romance) by Sara Danvers Page B

soon.”
     
    “Awww,” I groaned and moved back to back to my spot beside him.
     
    Neil laughed again and kissed the top of my head. “You may as well continue torturing me with more questions.”
     
    I was silent for several moments. “Why do you always wear long sleeve shirts and long pants? Melanie said it’s because you’re absolutely covered head to toe with devil worshiper tattoos.”
     
    Neil smirked a little. “No tattoos,” he said, looking into my eyes. “I just… don’t want anyone to see me. It’s safer for everyone if I am overlooked.”
     
    I thought that over and tried to understand what he meant. “What else would you like to know?” Neil pressed.
     
    “I can’t think of anything else right now.”
     
    Neil was silent for a moment and then shook his head. “I hate to push, but I feel as though you’re holding something back. I feel like there’s something you want to ask but won’t let yourself.”
    I looked away and thought for a moment, going back over all that had happened since moving to Minster. “How did you find me in the bathroom after those guys attacked me? You burst in right afterwards like you knew what had happened. I was so upset that I didn’t realize how strange it was at the time.”
     
    Neil nodded and rubbed my hands. Looking me in the eyes, he said, “That’s something I’d like to talk to you about, but I want to do it sometime when we have more time and privacy. Would it be alright if I answer you this weekend?”
     
    I looked into his eyes, searching for some indication as to what this secret could be.
     
    “Tomorrow’s Friday,” I said.
     
    Neil smiled. “Tomorrow then. We’ll find a quiet place after school and I’ll tell you everything.”
    I remained quiet. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
     
    “I’m just a little nervous,” I replied. “Is it something bad, this thing you’re not telling me?”
     
    “No, I don’t believe it is. And I hope you will see it that way also,” he replied, and stood up. “I should go. Your mom will be home any minute and I don’t want to spoil your family dinner.”
     
    “Okay,” I said.
     
    “Hey, don’t look so worried,” Neil said, leaning down to kiss me. “Just twenty-four hours and there won’t be any more secrets between us.”
     
    I nodded and walked him to the door. “I just wish I didn’t have to wait.”
     
    He kissed me one last time on his way out. “Just remember, the wait is even harder on me. I get to spend all night worrying about how you’ll react.”
     
    My mother pulled into the driveway as he walked out.
     
    “Is that boy your boyfriend?” she asked me when she walked through the door.
     
    I smiled and nodded. “He’s great,” I said.
     
    “Oh, I was hoping you would go out with Austin’s nice friend Derrick. He seems to really like you, Ellen.”
     
    “He’s okay,” I said carefully.
     
    Mom shrugged. “Well, it’s your choice. You know, I think it may be time for us to have a little talk about sex and responsibility.”
     
    My face reddened. “Mom! Neil and I just met… we’re so far from sex right now!” I cried.
    “Besides, I know all about it from health class. Use a condom, use birth control, etcetera etcetera…”
     
    Mom rolled her eyes and said, “Alright Miss Smarty-Pants, we’ll put off the talk for now, but someday, okay? I do want to talk about something else though. I wish your brother were here but he called and said he wouldn’t be home for dinner.”
     
    “What’s up?” I asked.
     
    “I’ve decided to file for divorce,” my mom said quietly. “And I think I may start to date around. I’m ready for a fresh start. How do you feel about that?”
     
    I was quiet for some time. “Wow. Well I guess I’m a little surprised that you’re going to jump into dating right away, but you know I’m all for divorcing Dad,” I said.
     
    Mom smiled. “I’m glad you’re okay with it. I wanted to talk to you and Austin about