Page 63 of Blackwood

And that’s exactly how I like it.

The door clicks shut. The suite goes silent. I tug down my shirt and head toward the bed.

My phone vibrates on the dresser.

INSTAGRAM

New Message Request.

@LucaWasHere

Profile photo: a grainy shot of the New York City skyline at night.

No posts. No followers. No bio.

@LucaWasHere

Nice work tonight, my sweet Blackwood,

Though I had hoped you’d choose someone good.

Your plaything’s dull, his edge is fake.

I’ve seen wolves with more at stake.

Oh and Ollie’s cries? A lullaby.

A quiet sound as you walked by.

Sleep tight, Izzy. Don’t ask why,

I never watch without goodbye.

Chapter 23

BELLA

Dr. Monroe’s office - Manhattan, New York

528 Days Since Zeke’s Death

Therapy Homework Assignment

Name:Bella Blackwood

Date:528 days since my brother was murdered.

Session #:Who the fuck knows. Too many.

1. How have you been feeling since our last session?

Shitty. We lost to the Brazilian bitches at Worlds. Got second fucking place. Total bullshit. We saved some kids, took down some bad guys like always. I fucked Laing, again. I know what you are going to say but the damn dragon tattoo doc. Gets me every time!

2. What would you like to focus on in our next session?

Honestly, I think we should dive deep into why my coping mechanisms make you more uncomfortable than me. Or we can just sit in awkward silence while you write notes about my “avoidant behavior.” Dealer’s choice.

♥♥♥