Page 80 of Serena

“Your bedroom?”

“No.”

“Your home office?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, I just wanted to know. So, how does it work? Does Miles just tell you what’s going on, or do you have access to the cameras?” I grab the hem of my shirt and pull it over my head.

“What do you mean?” he asks. I pull down my shorts.

“Like today, when Veronica was over. Was he listening?”

“He checks the feed often. Why so interested?”

I unclasp my bra. Flashing my breasts to whatever camera is watching me. “Let’s say I was getting naked in the kitchen right now. Would he or you be watching?” There’s a pause. I pull down my underwear so I’m standing completely naked. I hear typing on a keyboard.

“Serena, did you just strip for the camera?”

“Maybe. Maybe I stripped for whoever was behind the camera.” As soon as I said it, I knew it wasn't my best choice of words. “Goodnight, baby.”

“Ser—” I cut him off, walking to the bedroom naked, knowing he’s watching.

Knife Guy

You’re going to pay for that.

And I send him a screenshot of my canceled dating app account.

The next morning,I wake up to make Veronica and me breakfast. I fill my mug with coffee and my favorite sweetener. Felix arrives just in time. We all eat and chat. I drink more of my coffee; I can’t live without this drink. It’s a necessity to function.

“I can’t believe Ian likes his coffee sweet. I didn’t peg him for a sweets type of guy. More of a citrus and bitter palate.” I look up and find them both staring at me.

“He doesn’t,” Vee says.

“What she said.” Felix looks at Vee, then back at me. “He likes his coffee black. Ian hates sweets,” Felix adds.

“What? He’s always making himself coffee with sweet creamer. He has chocolate cake in the refrigerator.”

“Serena, that isn’t for him. Ian’s hated cake since we were kids.”

I let that sink in while we sit and finish our breakfast, then Vee heads out to meet with her real estate agent. She’s looking for her own place. I check my phone as I head to work. Nothing from Ian, no call, no texts. I turn to Felix.

“Hey, have you heard from Ian and Caleb?”

“Nope.” He’s lying. I don’t ask; I just mentally get ready for my day. As soon as I walk in, the meetings start. Felix let me know that he had errands to run but that there would be extra security surrounding the building. I decide to decompress, so I have lunch in my office. As soon as I close my door, I hear my phone ring. It’s Ian.

“Hello.”

“Hi, baby, how’s your day?” His tone is calm. Too calm.

“I thought you’d be too mad to talk to me.”

“Oh, I’m pissed that you gave another man a view of what’s mine.” I roll my eyes. Men and their egos. “But I needed to hear your voice. I wanted to tell you how beautiful you look in the red dress.”

I look around, trying to find the camera. “Are you looking for something?” he taunts.

“No, I’m just admiring the lighting.” I walk to my office door and lock it. Then I make my way to my desk and see what I can use. There, a highlighter. I make a mental note. “Where is it?” My voice is firm.