Satisfied, I close the app and tuck my phone away. I pull the balaclava into place, adjust my hood, and pull my gloves tight until the pressure steadies me. The fence panel I carved out years ago slides aside with barely a whisper, and I army crawl through.
This isn’t my favorite hiding place. It’s cramped, damp, and achingly lonely, but it’s the nearest I can get to him without shattering the boundary we both pretend is real.
My eyes fall to the note again, and my feet move before I can stop them, pulling me closer. A shiver races up my arm as my gloved fingers close around the folded paper.
Too much fabric.
Too much distance.
The barrier makes my jaw clench. I scowl, tempted for a heartbeat to rip off the gloves and feel it for real.
Stupid.
Tomcat’s watched me work often enough that he’d recognize my hands anywhere.
No. Safer to keep them on.
The barrier is the price I pay until I’m ready for him to know it’s me.
I bring the note to my face and breathe in, but the mask steals it all—his scent, his nearness—everything trapped behind layers meant to keep me hidden.
Disappointing.
I stall, afraid of what the note might hold. Tomcat wouldn’t hurt me. He loves me. He sees me. He likes it when I watch him. He wouldn’t tell me to stop.
Right?
My stomach knots anyway, twisting the air inside me tight.
Pull your big girl britches on, Marigold.
I would if I had any on, so I’ll just have to pretend.
I draw in a slow breath and hold it as I unfold the paper, like that might keep anything ugly from bleeding off the page and into me.
My little shadow…
Okay.
That’s not so bad.
A low, thrilling hum vibrates through my body at the claiming title, settling deep and warm in my chest.Little shadow.The words curl around me, possessive and intimate, and my shoes dig into the dirt as if I need the ground to keep me still.
I like that.
No. I absolutelyadorethat.
A delighted shiver runs through me, excitement crackling electric and fierce as I read on.
What a little voyeur you are.
Do you like watching me from the dark?
Yes. Yes, I do.
The answer surges, swift and shameless.
Do you like knowing everything about me while I know nothing about you?
