Page 95 of Blackwood

Pretty little gasps, each one made me numb.

Not from pain, but something worse.

A rage that comes with every curse.

You bled for him, you gave him more,

So now I’m kicking down the door.

Your painter’s sweet, all charm and art,

But I know how to pull you apart.

He paints in red? I’ll give him shades,

Of broken bones and unmarked graves.

His hands, his smile, his fucking voice,

Gone, because you made the choice.

The door swings open and Ellie waltzes in wearing a pink silk robe, vanilla iced coffee in hand.

“Ok seriously,” she groans. “next time you decide to fuck my brother, please send out a warning so I can book a hotel. Or a priest. Or both.”

I shoot her a look but I’m not biting.

She pauses mid-dramatic-sip. “Wait, hey. I’m kidding. I mean, not about the warning—I definitely don’t want to hear that—but you know I totally ship you and Cade together.”

She softens. “What’s up?”

I don’t say anything. I just tilt the screen toward her.

She sets her cup down fast. “Again? Okay, what the actual fuck! Who is this guy and why the hell can’t you find him?”

“I don’t know,” I mutter. “I’ve tried. Knox has tried. Nate’s tried. No luck. Whoever this creep is, he’s good.”

Ellie sinks onto the bed beside me, eyes still glued to the screen. “And he’s watching you. Like… watchingwatching. But from where? Mommy and daddy’s basement?”

“Probably. Ugh, internet creeps I swear!” I say as I start typing.

Ellie’s eyes go wide. “Wait, what are you doing?”

“Messaging him,” I say, fingers flying. “If this poet wants to play, fine. Let’s play.”

@BellaBlackwood

Ok fucker. You got my attention.

What do you want?

Ellie’s eyebrows launch halfway up her forehead. “Babe, are you sure about this?”

“I literally have a criminal empire working for me. I shouldn’t be scared of some creep probably hiding in his parents’ basement just like you said.”

@LucaWasHere

Got your attention, didn’t I, pet?