Unknown Number:That’s impressive for a senior citizen.
Burner Number:Ha. Ha. She has jokes.
Unknown Number:You like my jokes *wink face emoji*
Burner Number:I do. Glad life is treating you better. I worry about you. Same time next month?
Unknown Number:You know it. Love you!
Burner Number:Love you, too.
Nik scrolls up to the previous exchange.
February 25
Burner Number:Hey, kid. Haven’t heard from you. Everything good?
Unknown Number:Yeah. Just having kind of a hard time. Nothing you need to worry about.
Burner Number:Wish I could make things better.
Unknown Number:Just hearing from you makes things better. It’s hard when people don’t know the real me, ya know?
Burner Number:I understand. That can’t be easy for you. Just remember, it’s necessary. Your safety is always the priority.
Unknown Number:I know, and I’ll never compromise that. It just makes it hard to connect. I always feel like I’m hiding. But I’ll be ok. I got this!
Burner Number:You do. And if you ever need to talk more, I’m here. I know we’re limited in how often we talk, but I’m always thinking about you. I’m always here.
Unknown Number:That means more than you know. Gotta go. Love you!
Burner Number:Love you, too, kid.
I swallow hard. The ache in my chest comes fast and sharp. Reading these, it’s not just clear who it is, it’s obvious. The warmth. The vulnerability. The signature use of "kid."
Nik turns to me, eyes shining with the same quiet hopechurning in my gut.
“You know what this means?” he asks quietly.
I meet his gaze.
“Lina’s alive.”
Chapter 17
Aro
Last night was… weird.
Sean finally uncuffed me from Johnny’s bed, and Johnny handed me a t-shirt and sweatpants with a drawstring, like this was just a sleepover and not a hostage situation. Then he gave us a tour of his penthouse, acting like none of this was insane.
I didn’t want to be impressed. But damn, this is impressive.
Beyond the sleek kitchen and massive living room, there’s his office and a hallway leading tofourbedrooms. Four bedrooms! In a penthouse?! Not including the master suite. One’s a full-blown gym. Another, a personal library. Two more are guest suites. There arefivebathrooms. The whole place is crazy clean, modern, and expensive. Marcus had money and a penthouse, too, but nothing like this.
After the tour, I disappeared into the guest suite Johnny claimed was mine. I needed time and space to process. I’m not exactly thrilled with either of them right now.
Johnny? I don’t trust him. I can’t. The last time we saw each other, he looked me in the eye and told me I ruined his life. Told me I killed his mother. Whatever kindness he’s showing now, it’s not out of the goodness of his heart. He wants something.
