“Sloane.” His gaze drops down to my wrist and then back up to me. His next words are nearly a whisper. “Be careful.” He lets go of my wrist, and the momentum carries me back out of the vehicle. The automatic door closes, and I stand there awestruck for several seconds. The next thing I know, the vehicle is gone.
? ? ?
Whatwasthat? I think, as I’m sitting shoulder deep in my claw-foot tub that’s filled to the brim with hot water and bubbles. Vanis so intense and soodd. Maybe it comes with the territory of being a masked vocalist of a number-one rock band. Maybe it’s something else, though. The way he said my name still echoes in my mind, playing on repeat like a melody I never asked to remember. What is with these intense men? First, the professor. Now Van.
I’m lost in my thoughts as I remove my hand from its resting place on the tub edge. I trail my fingers down between my breasts and over my right nipple, flicking it between my fingertips as I lean my head back against the tub and release a sigh. I continue trailing my hand down my wet body, dipping it below the water until my index and middle fingers are circling over my sensitive bud. I moan as images of a beautiful masked man grabbing my throat and possessing me flash through my mind. I hear Van growling my name in my head in that way he does when he’s warning me. I imagine him warning me to come for him. I circle my fingers faster and faster, reaching for that spine-tingling sensation as a name forces its way to the front of my mind and escapes my parted lips.
“Professor Reilly,” I moan, throwing my head back against the tub. Now, I’m seeinghisstrong hand gripped firmly around my wrist. Riven’s distinctive eyes look up at me through thick black lashes. And before I can think about it, I’m shattering into a million pieces as I find my release.Shit.
? ? ?
I’m sitting downstairs on my sofa, curled up in a soft plum-colored throw, remote in hand. I’m unsure how long I’ve been holding it and staring at the dark TV. My thoughts are entirely occupied by someone else.Twosomeones, to be exact. I cannot believe that I just got myself off while thinking about VanandProfessor Reilly. Maybe I’ll attribute this to the Sahara Desertthat is my current sex life. I was just …thirsty, is all. I’m internally cringing at myself when I hear a text alert on my phone.
Professor Reilly:Hey, Sloane. I wanted to check in and see how your story was going. I’d be happy to assist you more if needed.
I sigh. Well, speak of the devil. I shake my head and type out a response.
Sloane:Hi, Mr. Reilly. Um, about that. Can we meet up? There are some things that I’d like to get your thoughts on. Are you free tomorrow morning?
Professor Reilly:Is that so? Yes, I am. Same place?
Sloane:Yep! Meet you there at 9 am. Have a good night, Mr. Reilly. (;
OhmyGod. I never allow my inhibited thoughts to become actions. I am notthatgirl. Awink? Now I’m internally cringing. I see three dots appear on the screen and throw my phone to the other side of the sofa, covering my mouth. No, no, no. I sigh, collect myself, and crawl over to pick the phone up. I peek at the screen through squinted eyes, like I can shield myself from the humiliation. When I open them, there’s no response.
I bite my bottom lip while holding my phone in both hands, staring at it. Okay, maybe that’s for the best. I close my phone and stand from the sofa. It’s time to call it a night. Maybe all I need is a good night’s rest. Right?
? ? ?
I wake the next morning with a throbbing headache andimmediately roll over to reach into my bedside table and grab the bottle of pain relievers. So much for agoodnight’s rest. I down two of them with the bottle of water on my nightstand. I finish off the water as I sort through my memories, landing on one of me sending a wink face to Professor Reilly. My cheeks burn, and I instantly want to hide under my covers for the remainder of the day. Then, I remember the meeting with him and jump out of bed, looking down at my bedside clock that reads 8:30 am.Shit. I grab my phone and shoot him a text before running into my bathroom to get ready.
Sloane:Hey, I’m running a little late. I am so sorry! If you need to reschedule, I would completely understand.
I’m brushing through my tangled hair while scolding my reflection in the mirror when he responds.
Professor Reilly:No worries, it’s all good. I’m early. I got a table in the corner. I have some papers to grade, anyway. Take your time. I’ll be here.
Whew. I relax a little, but hurriedly wash my face and brush my teeth before responding.
Sloane:Okay, perfect! I’ll be there shortly. I am so sorry again.
I throw my hair up in a claw clip, throw on some mascara, and light pink lip gloss. I rush to my closet and pull out a medium-length black skirt and a white blouse that I tuck into it. I throw on a pair of black heels and take one final look in the mirror before heading downstairs. I sigh at my reflection; it will have to do.
I climb into my Volvo and head to Books and Brews, considering what I plan to tell Professor Reilly. ConsideringhowmuchI plan to tell him. Something about him is so familiar, and it makes me feel like I can trust him. Telling someone else about the experiment would ease some of the burden that this secret brings me. I considered telling Lydia, but she is such a gossip. As much as she truly tries, she would never be able to keep it to herself. I even thought about going straight to the police, but I can’t help but feel this strange protectiveness over Reverb and Van. I believed Graf when he said they were going to find a way out. From my short encounter with Graf, he seems like the type who means what he says. I arrive at the coffee shop as my car screen reads 10:11 am. One hour late.
I’m walking through the parking lot toward the entrance when I’m pretty sure I spot the blacked-out Mercedes passing the street in my peripheral vision. I’m unable to stop the smile as I turn and walk into the coffee shop.
15
Riven
Oh, Sloane.My little nightmare.
As I sit at a table near the back of Books and Brews, I’m still thinking about that text slip last night. Awinkface? I almost replied, but thought better of it. Let’s just say that my response would not have been a “keep things professional” one. Keeping Van and Professor Reilly separate is becoming quite the challenge.
I need to meet with her as Professor Reilly to find out what she plans to do with her newfound knowledge of the social experiment and her EEG results. I need to get closer to her to make sure she doesn’t run to the feds, and Professor Reilly is just the man for the job. I’ll ensure she trusts him,me, enough to share her secrets. If she’s spending time withhim, then I’ll be able to keep my eyes on her and ensure her safety. It’s a win-win.I open my emails while waiting for Sloane and find one from Sabel. I sigh, opening it.
To: Vantros
