Total pages in book: 139
Estimated words: 134133 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 671(@200wpm)___ 537(@250wpm)___ 447(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 134133 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 671(@200wpm)___ 537(@250wpm)___ 447(@300wpm)
I take one last look around because, while I have no particular fondness for this place, I know it’s the last bit of separation I had between me and Silvan. When I lived here, I could come and go as I pleased, and I don’t know what that’s going to look like now. Honestly, I can’t see him being cool with me not coming home one random day because I decided to go sleep at my mom’s.
He'll want to know where I am at all times, like he said today. His wording was more romantic, but the gist was the same.
His words from this past weekend resurface in my mind.
“Am I free now?”
“No. Just moving you to a comfier cage.”
I move my arm and pull my cell phone out of the back pocket of my Marc Jacobs bag. There are no new texts from Silvan, but I pull up our chain of messages and type one out to him.
“So… I guess my stuff is all packed and… wherever those men took it.”
“Good. Come home.”
Home.
I bite down on my bottom lip uncertainly.
“Is Hugh coming back for me?”
“He never left,” Silvan answers. “Once you’ve said goodbye to your old roommates, go downstairs and he’ll bring you to me.”
“Do I need to do anything here? Talk to the movers?”
“Nope, I’ve handled everything. All you have to do is get in the car.”
I’m relieved I don’t have to deal with this move I never asked for, at least. Maybe he picked up my world and moved it, but at least he didn’t also leave me with a to-do list.
“Thank you,” I type back.
“You’re welcome. Now, I miss you. Get your pretty ass downstairs.”
I crack a smile and darken the screen, slipping my phone back into my bag and heading back to the kitchen.
Rumi is distributing food to three plates. Since they’re about to eat, this is probably a good time to make my exit.
“Well, I’m sorry for the abrupt departure. It’s been cool living with you guys this semester, and I hope your next roommate is an awesome fit.”
Sabrina must have simmered down—or at least realized she couldn’t fish for an invitation if she was still mad at me—because she says, “Well, you better have us over.”
“And if Silvan has any similarly hot, rich friends in the market for a live-in girlfriend, hook a girl up.”
I crack a smile. “I’ll keep you in mind. I’ve only briefly met one of his friends, and he’s definitely taken.”
“Are you sure you’re not moving too fast?” Kendra asks me. “You haven’t even met this man’s friends. Girl, what are you doing?”
I offer a little smile and, in an uncharacteristic move, give her a quick hug. “Thanks for looking out for me. I appreciate it, but I’ll be okay.”
She pulls back and her dark eyes meet mine. “You sure? Hot guys can be crazy, too.”
I nod. “Believe me, I know.”
“Well, we’re just a text away if you need us.”
In the car on the way to Silvan’s new apartment, I debate texting my mom, but I don’t know what to say. I need to let her know my address has changed, but I have no idea how to explain it.
It might be easier than I’m expecting. She has made terrible choices for guys over the years, so maybe moving in with someone after a week and a half won’t seem that crazy to her. Or, if it does, at least a relatable kind of crazy and not the sort where she schedules an intervention.
Before I can talk myself into it, we pull up on the side road Hugh didn’t pull onto earlier where the front entry doors are.
When Hugh lets me out of the car, he hands me a key card like the one Silvan used to scan in earlier. “This is a very secure building, so you’ll need this to get in.”
“Thanks, Hugh.”
He nods, looking past me. “As I’m sure Master Silvan has already told you, each card is registered to its resident, so there will be a log of when you specifically come and go.”
My heart sinks and my gaze darts to him. He’s still looking ahead at the door, his posture stiff and proper.
I recognize he probably wasn’t supposed to tell me that, so I offer a small smile. “Thanks, Hugh.”
My expression is grim as I scan my key card over the reader before opening the door.
I knew this place would come with strings.
I head for the elevators and get out on the top floor.
I go right and try to imagine coming home to this every day.
I feel like I should be here to clean or something, not to live.
I don’t have a key, so I almost knock on the door, but I decide to try turning the knob first.
It’s open.
I let myself inside and lock it behind me.