Lauren's pov,
I smiled calmly at Elaine even though it stung on my lips and skin, but still my breath pulsed beneath the fabric of my blouse.
“I'm sorry– did you just say something?” I asked softly, feigning ignorance to the statement she had just said earlier, I even tilted my head genuinely like I didn't hear s**t.
She blinked, clearly startled that I had not reacted the way she had expected me to. Her lips curved slowly into a sweet smile— too sweet.
“I only asked if it hurt,” she said, clasping her hands together. “I'm so sorry. It was my mistake, I should have been way more careful.” She said sarcastically.
“Careful…” I whispered.
I allowed the word to seat between us and then just smiled again, this time slow and composed.
“Yes,” she said lightly. “A little tilt can turn a pr
