Page 28 of The Phyre that Burns

She shrugged. “A man asked me to bring it to Unit 3, and since that’s where I was headed, I agreed.”

“A man?”

“Yes. I’m sorry. I gotta get going.”

“It’s fine. Thank you.”

I closed and locked the door, then looked at the envelope. Nothing was written on the outside, and it wasn’t sealed, but theflap was tucked inside. Weary of what might be inside, I decided to wait until I finished eating to indulge.

Although the envelope taunted me while I ate, I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner and two glasses of wine. I FaceTimed Devyn just in case I needed moral support for whatever the envelope contained.

“Hey, sis!” she greeted with excitement.

“Hey. Are you busy?”

“No. We just got home from a late dinner. Tariq is giving Bubba a bath. What’s up?”

“By the grace of God, I made it through the week.”

“And it looks like you’re in one piece,” she teased.

“Barely.”

“Oh God. Yesterday was the only day we didn’t talk. What happened?”

“Nothing, but I might not have made it if it weren’t for you and my family.”

“You never did tell me what they said when you told them you were working with Phyre.”

“You know they couldn’t pass up a chance to say they told me so, but once they got that off their chest, they were supportive. My parents told me to leave if I’m uncomfortable working with him, especially if he keeps pressuring me to discuss things that don’t pertain to my job. TJ thinks leaving is the easy way out and would make me look soft. He’s also prepared to square up if necessary.”

“I think they all have a point. How are you feeling now that the first week is over?”

“Like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders, but as soon as I go back to work on Monday, the weight will be back. Whenever I’m in his presence, I can’t relax.”

“What do you think is the reason?”

“Being angry with him is exhausting.”

“Then stop being angry. It’s not good for you anyway.”

“I can’t.”

“If you’re over him, you shouldn’t be angry. Let it go.”

I sighed and didn’t respond for a moment.

“I thought I was over him. It was much easier to believe that when we were thousands of miles apart.”

“You decided not to run, so now it’s time to face your fears. Listen to what he has to say and share your feelings with him.”

Again, I was quiet as I mulled over her words. My eyes landed on the letter, reminding me of why I’d called Devyn in the first place.

“So, I ordered food, and the girl who delivered it gave me an envelope. She said a man asked her to bring it to my apartment.”

Devyn’s eyes widened with intrigue. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“If you’re thinking it’s from Phyre, then yes.”