the awkwardly tense ride home after dropping Sam off. The air inside feels too still, like it's been disturbed. I'm tired-inside and out. If I can't handle one night, then Italy

when I

erflowing with red roses. Not just a bouquet-at least fifty red

as been i

ote-tucked between the blooms, written in that

an to walk away fr

remble as I clutch the note, my breat

ned beneath him, wrists tied with his silk tie to the headboard. His voice

ywhere, how he got in my house didn't matter even slightly. I tried catching my breath. My eyes clothed. Subconsciously I inhale the sca

dy aches with the ghost of him-his mouth on my neck, the pressure of his hand at my throat, t

need is already there, undeniable. I head for the bathroom, needing the cool of the tiles, the

memories

tracing the shape of need that's lived inside me since the first time he touched me. My eyes flut

quiet, my body unraveling with

did this on purpose . he knew I would en

him. A

shaking, and step into my room.

e him I never knew what it felt like the day nate told me he loved me, I went to my mothers grave to t

I remember coming home at sixteen to find strange men in the house. The shouti

allway. I wasn't. Was she f*ck*ng right This whole time? I have always blamed her for h

her was hell. And she's gone. Dead. The day she died I was relieved for both of us. Because for her i

ash That gave her a break from this f*ck*d *p world, from living from one jail

e buzze

ick

her voice soft.

opped you off. You w

in," Sam groans. Then,

my apartment." I tell her, inca

" she e

A note.

tic, Suzzane. That's weird. h

tried not to read the note in my mind. if only she knew how much I resisted touching myself

ter sleep with a bat under my bed and maybe call

ouse, and heels. My armor. The girl I have to be at work. The capabl

ent-and I'm good at it. The best, according to Mr. Johnathan, my sharp-eyed, shark-su

as I pass his gla

tes," I reply with

my heels click

is already

ea

, flashing that anno

the way it used to. Not

rks. "The CEO's mistress just posted their text

already switchi

y. "You sure you're okay?"

m f

red last nigh

sh.

h. But he is the one who broke up with you. and I don't li

ow does he

e he'd burn the world down if

ight. It was scary. But was I sca

ne and silence. I threw my heals and purse everywhere and go to my fridge, cold water looked like a dream. I closed my fridge putting the jar back,

step rolled the curtians with one hand . Stan

owly, breath catc

e he

hing me through the window like he's been waiting all da

The lights in my kitchen spill golden onto

wave. Do

screams wi

oesn't l

t