Page 63 of Strings

“Well, it’s my turn. Now I need more time.”

“Talia… I…”

“I know you were planning on breaking up with me when you got home, but I’m begging you. Can you please not fake break up with me yet? Please?”

Reaching out, I take his hands in mine. I’m certain I look and sound as desperate as I feel, but I know deep down inside that I’ll have a better chance of fighting off Mercer if he thinks I’m dating someone.

“Tell me what happened here. Did he threaten you in some way?”

“No!” I release his hands and sit back in my chair. I attempt to compose myself.

“I’ve never seen you like this. Are you shaking?”

“It’s cold in here.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Just because you’re not cold doesn’t mean I can’t be cold. You’re not the temperature police.” I cross my arms and stare at the floor.

“You’re avoiding the question. What happened?”

I can’t look at him. What would he think of me if I told him the truth?

He takes my hands in his and scoots closer to me. “Talk to me.”

Forcing myself to look at him, I notice he has a dimple in the middle of his chin. I’d never seen it before because he always had facial hair. I can’t help but smirk. “What in the fuck is that?” I ask, reaching out and gripping his chin with my fingers.

“What is what?”

“You shaved?”

“Yeah.”

“You shouldn’t have.” I laugh.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“You have an ass chin.”

He rolls his eyes and releases my hand.

“Seb-ass-chin has an ass chin.” I laugh and cover my mouth with my hand to stifle it.

“Wow. You’re rich. Is this how you beg for my help? I’m not feeling the groveling, Natalia. I’m actually feeling like… I don’t know. Like weshouldbreak up.”

“Don’t get your panties in a twist. You have a nice face, I just prefer it with some hair.”

“Well, I fucked up and had to shave it off.”

“So this is temporary?”

“I don’t know.” He stands and crosses his arms. “Now that I know you hate it, I may keep it this way.”

“Do you play your fiddle better with that little groove?”

He sighs.

I snicker as I step toward him. “Is having an ass chin a prerequisite to play?”