My blood runs cold. He sent someone into my apartment, into my private space. The violation is so profound, so absolute that I feel dizzy. He has anticipated my every move.
I sit up, swinging my legs over the side of the bed, my back to him. The movement sends a sharp ache through my core, another humiliating reminder. I scan the room for my clothes—the emerald dress lies in a heap on the floor, a discarded snakeskin.
“Looking for this?”
I turn. He’s holding up a dark t-shirt. His t-shirt. It’s the same one from the other night, the one he wore in the lab.
“I thought you got my clothes sent here,” I challenge, my voice tight.
“Your clothes are in the guest room closet, but I prefer you in this for now,” he says, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
He holds it out to me. It’s not a request. I snatch it from his hand, pulling it on with a frustrated grunt. It swallows me whole, the hem falling to my mid-thigh. It smells of him. Of his soap, his skin, his scent. I am wrapped in him, branded by him, inside and out.
My phone, which he had placed on his nightstand, rings.Chloe.
I lunge for it, but he’s faster. He picks it up, glances at the caller ID, and a knowing smile plays on his lips. “Your friend.” He hands it to me. “Answer it. Don’t make her worry.”
I snatch the phone. “Chloe?!”
“Kinsley! Oh my god, where are you?! I’ve been calling you all morning! I was about to send out a search party!” Her voice is a frantic torrent of worry.
I glance at West, who is watching me with an unnerving intensity. “I’m… I’m okay, Chloe. I just… stayed with West last night.”
“I know you’re dating, but you just disappeared after that dinner with his uncle! I was worried sick! Are you okay? Did he finally… You know?” Her voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper. “Was it amazing?”
My stomach churns. She’s celebrating my surrender. She’s cheering for my captor. “I’m fine, Chloe. Really. I’ll call you later, okay? I just woke up.”
“Okay, okay! But don’t you dare come back until you have every single detail for me! And for god’s sake, text me more often! You scared me half to death!”
No sooner do I put the phone down than it rings again. This time, it’s a different name.Blair. My brother’s wife. Blair is sharp, perceptive, and has always had a knack for seeing through my carefully constructed facades.
West gestures for me to answer. He wants to see how I handle this.
“Blair? Hi!” I manage a more genuine smile this time, the familiar comfort of her name a small anchor.
“Hey, Kins! Good morning! Just doing my usual weekend check-in. How’s my bestie doing?” Blair’s voice is warm, easy, a familiar balm. “Braxton just learned to say ‘ball,’ and he won’t stop throwing everything he can get his hands on. Kane’s about to lose his mind.” She chuckles.
I laugh, a real, unforced sound that surprises me. “Oh god, tell him I said good luck. I’m sure he’s loving it.”
“He is, secretly. So, what are you up to this weekend? Anything exciting?” Blair asks, her tone casual, but I can feel West’s gaze on me, sharp and expectant.
“Just… studying,” I say, trying to keep my voice even. “Big exam coming up. And… hanging out.”
“Hanging out, huh? With anyone special?” Her voice holds a teasing note. Blair knows about West from Chloe’s excited gossip, but she’s more reserved, more observant.
“You could say that,” I reply, forcing a lightness I don’t feel.
“Well, don’t work too hard, and don’t forget about your favorite nephew. He misses his Aunt Kinsley.”
“I miss him too. Give him a big hug for me, and tell Kane I said hi.”
“Will do. And you call me later, okay? Don’t be a stranger.”
“I won’t. Love you, Blair.”
“Love you too, Kins. Bye!”
I hang up the phone. Blair knows about my vulnerability, about the fragile balance of my mind. She’s a lifeline, a connection to a world where I am loved and seen for who I truly am.
