I reach for the duffel beside me, unzip it, and pull out a clean shirt and slacks. Blood has dried on my gloves and sleeves, but I don’t mind. I’ve worn worse.
As I shrug off the soiled clothes and button up the fresh shirt, my phone buzzes.
The corner of my mouth lifts when I see who it’s from—the only person who makes any of this shit feel worth it.
Lucas.
We’d FaceTimed earlier tonight, right before I left my hotel to handle things. His voice had been soft, a little sleepy, asking when I’d be back. He had asked the same question this morning, when I told him I wouldn’t be coming home tonight.
I open the message, and it’s a selfie.
He’s lying on his stomach, tangled in the sheets, his blonde curls messy on the pillow. A bored, tired look on his face… and a pout on his lips. No text, just the picture. But it says enough.
Alex:Why are you still
awake krasivy, it’s late.
Krasivy:It feels really weird
to sleep here all alone, and
I should have gone back to
my place until you’re back
Alex:I want you home. And
Baby, you’re just sleeping
alone just for tonight
Krasivy:I am home… But
You are not here with me.
Alex:I’ll be home in the
Morning, and I promise
to make it up to you.
Krasivy:Okay. I won’t be home
In the morning, I have that photo-
Shoot your mom wants me to do
for her brand. I’m nervous about it.
I sigh, leaning my head back against the seat.
Of course, the shoot. My mother insisted on having Lucas in her campaign for her brand after noticing how flawless his skin looked. Said he’s been using her products for weeks and now his skin “radiates.” I didn’t have the heart to tell her Lucas has always radiated. He didn’t need creams or lighting or filters. He just… glows.
I told him he could back out, that he didn’t have to do anything just because my mother asked. But he had only smiled and said he gets bored most times, so he might as well go and “see how it is.” My fingers hover over the screen for a second before I type.
Alex:You can still back out.
But I know you’ll be amazing.
