Page 63 of Isolation

Milo is sitting on his desk chair, and Alexa is standing next to him, leaning over his desk to show him some paperwork. The exchange is friendly enough. I have seen them work in close proximity. But this scene is hitting a little too close.

He forgot to visit me today because he was engrossed in Alexa.

I try to shake away my irrational thoughts. Right as I am about to turn away I see Alexa moving her hand to take Milo in a one-handed hug, pressing her breasts against his body.

What.

The.

Fuck.

My mind is spiraling from the scene in front of me.

I want to gouge someone’s eyes out.

I want to rip out someone’s hair.

I want to claw the shit out of someone.

And Alexa seems like a good enough target for all of those things.

Before I can react, I hear Brandon’s booming voice. “Raven, we missed you!”

Both Milo and Alexa turn around simultaneously, but I don’t get to see their reactions. Brandon picks me up in a one-handed bear hug and twirls me around.

“Whoa!” I squeal in surprise. “Nice to see you too, Brandon.”

I am still levitating in the air when I feel two strong hands gripping my waist and yanking me out of Brandon’s grasp. My back hits a hard chest.

I turn my face to find Milo hovering over me, but his glare is steadfast on Brandon, while mine drifts back to Alexa.

“Tell me Brandon, would you rather finish your workday and sleep peacefully in a warm bed, or have me drag you outside so you can sleep in the cold?”

“I come in peace,” Brandon smiles at Milo and makes peace signs with both of his hands.

Alexa gives me a sad smile as she watches Milo holding me tightly to his chest. I immediately feel horrendous, knowing I am the reason for that look on her face.

For all intents and purposes, this is Alexa’s office and home for the next few weeks. It should be her sanctuary, her haven. I shouldn’t have come here and made her feel bad.

Alexa has feelings for Milo, but she can’t control her feelings. She can only control her actions, which she does. She has never been rude, nor has she ever mistreated me, despite knowing of Milo’s not so little “crush” on me.

I try to push Milo off, but his hold tightens, like an automatic learned response.

“Stop being so touchy, M,” Brandon teases again.

“It’s been a shitty fucking day. Don’t test me.”

“I was just excited to see Raven,” Brandon gives him another cheeky response.

“Be less fucking excited,” Milo says it with his calm voice and stoic eyes. It's a look on him that always drops my stomach to the ground.

I push against Milo’s chest again, and this time he does let go. “I came by to say hello. I didn’t realize you guys were so busy.”

“Shit hit the fan today,” Jaci twirls in her revolving chair, her headset sitting on her ears.

“Yeah, it’s been insane. Milo locked us up in this basement,” Brandon pouts. “I haven’t seen the sun at all. Tell me, Rave. Do people still laugh out there?”

Despite myself, I let out a giggle. Milo narrows his eyes at me and entwines our fingers.