I try not to grin at her rapid replies as she fights with her internal monologue. I let out a breath and clear my throat as if I’m actually talking with her face-to-face.
Skye:Just checking in. Couldn’t stay away.
I hit send before I can overthink it. The admission is a crack in my own armor, but if I expect her to be open with communication, then I have to do the same.
The dots dance again, but longer this time.
Violet:I’m glad you did. I’ve been thinking about you since you left me tied up in my bed.
I grin and catch Paige staring at me.
“Let it go,” I tell her.
She holds up her hands in surrender as I text Violet back.
Skye:Enjoy your night, baby girl. I won’t keep you. Don’t let Cassie talk you into anything that requires bail money.
Violet:Too late. We’re already planning our escape route from a vintage Vespa dealership.
I stare at the screen and notice Paige is still watching me with full amusement.
“So? Is the prisoner secure?”
“She’s out with Cassie.” My voice is back to its usual moody tone. “In Navigli.”
Paige whistles low. “Fancy.”
I want to laugh and say, “If you only knew,” but I know I can’t.
“And you’re just letting it happen? After the great collar betrayal?”
I almost hate that I told her, but it’s nice to have our banter include more than sticks and pucks. This is real. People know who I am, and they aren’t staring at me like I’m a freak. Hell, some of them almost looked turned on.
Too bad I’m spoken for.
“The punishment stands.” I start back down the hall toward the elevators. “The silent treatment is counterproductive. She needs to feel the absence of my control, not the absence of my presence. They’re different things.”
“Uh-huh.” Paige falls into step beside me. “And you texting her that you ‘couldn’t stay away’ is your way of demonstrating control?”
“Stop looking at my phone,” I groan, stepping inside the elevator and pressing the button for our floor. “It’s a strategic play in my role.” The lie tasted thin, even to me.
Paige cackles. “Right. Well, while you’re being strategic, what’s the plan for tomorrow? We have film at ten.”
The elevator starts rising, and I jam my hands into my pockets, pulling out my phone once more.
One more message. This isn’t a crack, it’s just reassertion.
Skye:I’ll need to steal you a bit tomorrow morning. Be ready.
Violet:I can swing by after I take Cassie to breakfast. She’s going to see that weird Vertical Forest building that my security double took his husband to see. It’s not really something I’m dying to see, so I’ll skip it.
Violet:P.S. You have to meet Michel and Tommy.
A ghost of a smile touches my lips. No, the Vertical Forest is not her style, or my style. Our style is shadows and possession, not trees growing on skyscrapers. Though I feel Violet would have a good time regardless of what she does, I know she’s only skipping to spend time with me.
My Grinch heart starts to grow.
Skye:Have fun at breakfast. I’ll see you at 9.
