Did I want to keep this ruse up? That it was Moth she was with, and not me? I’d have to change the code on this asap if I did. Fuck it, I decided, and typed back.
Moth: For you, I can be.
Rule 26- Delaney
Know who you’re talking to.
Moth: Shouldn't you be sleeping?
Irolled my eyes at his text.
Me: Not you too. I thought we were done with this little girl thing.
All evening, after dinner at the bar, Annie and Juniper had been making comments about my age. Moth and I spent hours exchanging knowing looks. I was far from innocent. He'd made sure of that last night in the study.
Moth: I like it. It makes me feel even dirtier.
My belly fluttered. Should I go for it?
Me: I was kind of hoping to be the dirty one.
Mybedroom was dead silent. I could hear the crackling of the fire in the next room. The door opened in the other room and my eyes flicked to mine, checking again to make sure it was locked. If this were really happening, I didn't need Priest storming in. Especially after this afternoon. Another thing I'd have to talk to him about. I needed to draw clear lines for us. It was easy when he wasn't around to say we shouldn't do those things, but when he was here, right in front of me, it was a whole different ball game.
A second door opened and shut, telling me that Priest had gone to his room. A moment later, my phone lit up.
Moth: I didn't think you could be dirty. Why don't you show me what you mean?
Was he asking what I thought he was asking?
Moth: I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.
Oh my god.I looked down. I was ready for this, I reassured myself. After drinks, I'd gone up and taken a long, luxurious bath. Then, I curled my hair, reapplied my makeup, and put on my sexiest nightie. I knew that tonight was the night based on how much Moth was touching my thigh under the table at dinner.
I turned the camera on my phone and aimed it to take a selfie showing off my ample cleavage. It was too dark to see anything. I stood and went to the window, opening the curtains to search for moonlight. I took the picture, and it wasn't until I sent it that I saw that my nipples showed very clearly through my dress. My nerves went crazy, but... this was what I wanted... right?
A picture for me came through a moment later, and I found my heart racing. I'd never seen... not one that wasn't in a movie before. This photo was meant for me. Or, was this one he sent to multiple girls? My paranoia and self-doubt washed over me. What if he still saw me as immature and silly? A text came through, pulling at my curiosity enough to click the photo.
Moth: I did something. Let me know what you think.
I clicked the photo and gasped.It wasn't the whole thing, just the base, which was... thick. But that wasn't what I'd been meant to focus on. I looked past his rigid length, past the well-groomed tussle of dark hair, and stared at the cursive tattoo on his lower hip. It said my name.
Laney.
I typed back furiously.
Me: You didn’t.
Moth: I did. I knew bringing my equipment would come in handy. Do you like it?
My mind raced. I thought back to that first evening. He had said he was taking an apprenticeship. But he was meant to tattoo Tristan, not himself!And not… my name.
Moth: I’ve been practicing on oranges, but I had to do this. You inspired me last night, Laney.
Moth: Care to see the rest of me?
I counted my heartbeat. Did I?
Moth: Did I scare you off?
