Locke:
Say it again.
But ask nicely.
A smile tugs at my lips, rounding my cheeks in a way that makes the expression difficult to hide.Ask nicely,he says… Like he isn’t watching me right now. Like he didn’t just reference the color of my underwear and casually mention putting a sock on the doorknob.
Eris:
Come to my apartment.
Show me who you are.
I don’t even bother typing my address because I know they’ve got it by now… But before I can mention that, an unsaved number pops onto my screen, green button glowing for me to answer.
I decline it.
Two seconds later, another call comes through.
Decline.
A third call, perfectly timed with the others, has my brows furrowing and my irritation sparking hotter than any worry I might feel.
I hit decline again, teeth clenched as I wait for the next call.
He’s persistent. I’ll give him that.
Then a text comes through, and for the first time in weeks, it doesn’t read asProbably Daniel. It comes from a five-digit number.
76381:
I see you.
Everything in me goes still. I stare at the screen, breath held like I’m waiting for it to blink first or break into song and dance. It does nothing, and I glance out the window of my bedroom as I open the HimLock app… Just to be sure.
I’m on the second floor, but that doesn’t mean much.
Eris:
Was that you?
Locke:
No.
That wasn’t me.
Eris:
Are you sure?
Locke:
Do you feel safe?
I don’t answer.
There’s no need.
