It’s been torment, the lack of physical contact driving me to insanity. I’ve had to take matters into my own hands to relieve the pent-up pressure, and I’ve told myself that I don’t need dreams of Valdemar Montresor to turn me on, but I’m failing miserably, as every time I try to imagine some other man, my thoughts stray to him.
By seven o’clock, I’ve showered and changed into loungewear when my mobile rings with a withheld number.
“Hello?”
“Angel.” His voice travels down the line.
For a second, I contemplate the viability of his gift extending to reading my mind as I grip the handset.
“Valdemar.”
“I apologise for the wait for this phone call, but I only get one a week on Sundays.”
“And you’ve wasted it on me? Wait—how did you get this number?” I ask.
“I have my sources. I don’t have long. I just wanted to see if you’re okay.” The line crackles.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
He pauses. “After last week? The fight that broke out.”
“I’m fine. Surely you should already know that having seen me every night.”
“Dreams are different. They don’t represent you as you are in real life. If you break your arm in reality, you don’t necessarily have a broken arm in your dreams,” he says.
“Well, I can assure you, I don’t have a broken arm. I’m fine. And speaking of dreams, you need to stop.”
“Stop what?”
“Don’t play games with me,” I say.
“I wouldn’t dare.” There’s a mocking tone to his voice that suggests the opposite.
“But you are. You need to stop visiting me.” I try to sound firm.
“Not going to happen,” he replies.
“Why not?”
“Because until I’m released, it’s the only way I get to see you without a stupid table and three guards between us.”
His words sink in.
“Until I’m released.”
“I can’t wait a week until I see you again, so the dreams are the next best thing,” he says.
“I don’t think I can stand another night of the same dream,” I confess.
“Then do something about it.”
“How?” This comes out strangled.
“You hold the cards, angel. Only you have the power to change the dream.”
Aware of what he’s asking, I close my eyes.
“Look, if you really want me to stop, then I will. It’ll kill me, but I’ll stop if that’s what you want,” he says, defeat behind his words.
