Page 11 of Grim’s Delight (The New Protectorate Syndicate #1)

Unknown Number

Did you not like my gift

I know it’s the one you wanted. Send me a picture with the necklace on. Clothing optional but strongly discouraged

Keep ignoring me and I’ll just send more diamonds. You know I love getting your attention

—Call began Saturday 1:05 AM

—Call ended Saturday 1:43 AM

Is it weird that I kind of like it when you yell at me

absolutely yes

So maybe I shouldn’t say it made me hard when you told me to fuck off

I WILL throw my phone in the ocean

I’ll just buy you a new one again. I love getting you gifts

You could find a woman who actually likes getting gifts, you know

Ah, but she wouldn’t be you

Call me when you’re done with work

no

Why not

I don’t like talking to you???

Liar

Why are you so obsessed with my work

Nice swerve.

I’m flexible like that

I can’t wait to test that out for myself

But for the record, I’m obsessed with your work because you spend your nights in a dangerous bar full of horny vampires who don’t take rejection well. Thinking of you walking home by yourself gives me fucking hives

You’d know all about horny vampires who can’t handle rejection, wouldn’t you

I’m an expert on the subject

If I hired a private car for you, would you use it to go to work

it’s literally six blocks away from my house

so no

We wouldn’t have this problem if you quit and let me take care of you

you know how many vampires have used that line on me? Dozens. Hasn’t worked yet

Names.

Names, Dahlia. Now.

enjoy your night, boogeyman

—Missed call Saturday 1:50 AM

—Missed call Saturday 1:52 AM

—Missed call Saturday 1:55 AM

Message transcribed from a voice note:

Gods, I really can’t wait to bite you, brat.