Maddox vanished.
I touched my cheek again.
And smiled.
???
I grinned until my cheeks hurt, and as soon as I stepped off the escalator, my phone vibrated.
Unknown Number:Save my number.
Unknown Number:You can message me anytime, day or night.
Unknown Number:I can help you in ways you couldn’t even comprehend.
My body went completely still until people began pushing past me.
I quickly moved to the side, rereading his messages again and again.
Another message popped up.
Unknown Number:Are you ready to play, Stella?
Excitement bubbled in the pit of my belly.
Fuck.
Yes to everything.
I paused, forcing myself to control my breathing.
My fingers trembled as they hovered over the keypad.
Me:YES.
Unknown Number:Good girl. Now message me as soon as you get home.
Good girl?
I closed my eyes.
My parents had found the perfect therapist for me, and they had no idea.
I began to chortle, causing people to stare as they passed by.
The stars had aligned.
The universe was tossing me a bone.
I prayed to any and all gods fervently that it was a big one.
The rest of the weekend dragged, but his messages kept me afloat.
It took me hours to pick out the perfect outfit for work—and for our appointment.
I lost count of how many times I came. In the shower. In bed. Even out in the garden, away from my mother. The open-bedroom-door policy was unacceptable. I had a right to privacy.
Anger and resentment came in waves throughout the weekend.
