Page 15

SLIPPING

ALEX

Shuffling sounds on the other side of the door. A soft thump strikes the wood, and it’s probably Mila’s head as she leans against it. I flatten my palms on the surface and try to ignore how her heartbeat vibrated against her chest. How her breath tickled my neck.

How she touched me.

Deep breath in.

Steady breath out.

I close my eyes, but all I see are hers staring back. Broken and begging me to answer the question she’s too scared to say out loud. One I wouldn’t answer even if she did.

Some lines can’t be crossed. She wouldn’t survive it.

I lift off the door, leaving her alone on the other side. Feeding that hate she’ll stir until she forgets that I ever walked into her life.

It’s better this way. She knows what I’ve done, even if she is lying to herself for now. At some point, she’ll let that be the reason to fear me .

Walking to my nightstand, I dig out the phone hidden in the back of my drawer.

These walls served their purpose, but the barrier is slipping.

I’m slipping.

There’s only one way to regain control.

I flip through my phone until I pull up the name I’m looking for. It won’t make what Mila wanted tonight any more possible, but it’s time.

Shooting off a text, I barely have to wait a heartbeat before I get a response.

Alex

I’m in.

Declan

Good. See you tomorrow.