Page 68 of Phantom

“You didn’t want to get ready with me?” I ask hesitantly.

I don’t know the etiquette with this stuff. I don’t know why this is hard for me to ask. And I don’t know why I care. But something about the fact that he knows almost literally everything about me and he won’t even brush his teeth around me puts me off. But thenagain, I shouldn’t care… right?

“I didn’t want to interrupt your routine with mine,” he answers casually.

I snort. “Aren’t boy routines step one: wash your face, step two: brush your teeth. Rinse and repeat? That was my dad’s anyway. Everywhere we went, he had that damn bottle of three-in-one shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Years of neglecting my own skincare and hair is one of the reasons why I’m so religious about it now.”

He huffs, still not looking at me. “Mine’s a little more involved.”

I want to tease him more, but my eyes narrow when I realize his brow is still furrowed.

“Is everything okay?” I ask.

He looks up at me and lays his phone face down on the nightstand.

“Yes, everything is fine. Just business.” He gestures for me to come to him and pats the bed.

I crawl in beside him underneath the thick quilt, trying not to think too much about that answer.

How many times had my dad said the same thing? Only to go off and be gone for hours, leaving me in random hotels or rental homes in strange cities? I’ve often wondered if the men my father associated with were responsible for his death. If so, then he put me in danger that night too.

Will Sol do the same?

“Business huh?” I finally ask, not able to hold the question in. “What kind of business?”

He chuckles and lies on his side, facing me. He’s now back to his usual white skull mask, and he rubs his right eyelid as he chuckles. “So inquisitive, little muse.”

I shrug, attempting to play it off. “I’ve got questions for my kidnapper. So sue me.”

“I didn’t kidnap you, Scarlett.” The scowl on his face only makes me giggle. “I couldn’t let you be alone without knowing the extent of what you took and I want to make sure you’re still in a good headspace before I let you venture back out into the world alone.”

I sigh. “I know. You probably saved my life. But when can I go back to my dorm? I’ve got another rehearsal on Monday, y’know. I realized just tonight that I don’t even have my phone with me. Jaime’s probably worried sick.”

“I figured it would be good to be radio silent while you recouped. If you want your phone, I can send someone to retrieve it. As for going back to your dorm… we’ll see how well you sleep tonight. If you feel relaxed and healthy tomorrow, I’ll consider it.”

A pang in my heart confuses me. I’m not sure why what he said hurt my feelings… or maybe it’s just because I don’t reallywantto leave yet. I turn over to hide my emotions from him either way.

“Perfect,” I lie.

For once, Sol doesn’t seem to notice my fib, and for once, I wish he would. With my back to his front, he pulls me into his chest. His hard length presses against my backside and he does nothing to hide it. I wiggle against it to tease him, but Sol nips the shell of my ear, forcing a yelp from me. He squeezes me close so I can’t escape him as he growls into my ear.

“Good night, Scarlett.”

We lie on our sides and Sol scoops his arm underneath my neck before curving his forearm over my chest. His other hand pulls me closer to him by my hip bone. It’s comfortable and secure, and for the first time ever, I feel… safe.

“Good night, Sol,” I finally whisper back.

Scene 17

HANGING BEADS ON FLEUR-DE-LIS

Sol

Scarlett’s deep, restful breaths arrive in minutes, no doubt contributed to by medication, the excitement of the night, and the orgasm I gave her. A sense of pride swells in me that I’ve sated her and that she feels safe with me despite my havingkidnappedher.

My watch lights up on my wrist where I’m holding Scarlett to me. A lone glance at the screen tells me Sabine’s contact has finally gotten back to her with answers. If they’re ready to meet then I must go, no matter how much I loathe leaving her.

I pull my arm out from underneath her and roll her so she’s comfortably on her back before I slide out of bed. The Edison lamps beam a warm glow over her curly raven strands fanning around her head like a halo and her angelic face is still rosy from her orgasm.