Page 11 of A Wolf of War

“No,” she muttered to herself, shaking her head as she stood up and grabbed her phone. She began pacing the room, typing and deleting multiple messages, frustration bubbling. Finally, she paused, took a breath, and settled on something simple.

WILLOW: Hey

She cringed as soon as she sent it.

Was ittoocasual? Too nonchalant? Would he think she didn’t care?

Well, then, good. Because I don’t care.

Her phone pinged. Willow nearly jumped out of her skin, hands shaking as she tried and failed to unlock it. After another attempt, the text popped up.

MILO: What’s up, sleepyhead?

Her eyebrow raised. It was an odd way to respond, given that he had no idea when she had gotten up. She decided to ignore it.

WILLOW: Found ur jacket

MILO: Did you like it?

WILLOW: Why would I like it?

She was back to feeling trepidation. He was just so odd. The entire thing was so strange. She had only been guessing that the jacket had been left on purpose. Willowfelt herself shiver.

MILO: I’ll have you know that’s a nice jacket lol

He avoided the real question. She decided that she would let him go for now.

WILLOW: ur never getting it back now

MILO: Guess I’ll have to come take what’s mine

It struck her like a bolt of lightning. Her core was throbbing at the thought of him, broad shoulders and strong hands, coming into her room, ripping the jacket off her to reveal a vulnerable nakedness beneath…

WILLOW: I’d like to see u try

MILO: Be careful what you wish for

WILLOW: I prefer living dangerously

MILO: Now, Willow

MILO: Don’t lie to me, naughty girl

She couldn’t help but squeal at the last message, eyes widening. Before she could stop herself, she was shooting off her response.

6

MILO

Milo was sprawled out on a sofa in the manor’s primary living room. His lips curled into a devilish smile as the next message came in.

WILLOW: I like that

MILO: Lying to me? That’s fucked up

WILLOW: No omg

WILLOW: What u called me, I guess