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My thumbs hover, shaking slightly.

Sadie

I don’t know. Maybe just… watching like you always do. Or maybe more. I don’t know why I said that.

Ghost.

You said it because you meant it. Because last night wasn’t enough for you either. You liked knowing I was listening. You liked coming for me.

I bite my lip hard. He’s right. The memory of his low, distorted voice in my ear, the way he told me exactly what to do, the way I fell apart while he listened. It's been replaying in my head all morning.

I continue down the stairs as I type.

Sadie

This is crazy. You could be dangerous. You probably are dangerous.

Ghost.

I would never hurt you, Sadie. I’d worship you. I’d stand at the foot of your bed and watch you touch yourself until you’re shaking and begging. Then I’d crawl over you, taste every inch you let me have, and make you come so hard you forget your own name.

I stop walking again and squeeze my thighs together, there’s a fresh wave of heat rolling through me. My pulse is hammering in my throat. I’m scared. Actually scared, but the fear feels electric, and addictive.

Sadie

Why did you not wake me last night, when you came to my room?

Ghost.

Because I didn’t want to. You smelled of sex and strawberries. I held your hand, the one you came on. I tasted you on your fingers, and you tasted so good.

A sharp breath escapes me, and I look around to make sure no one hears me. I look at my hand, the fingers which he touched, and I didn’t feel him do any of that.

Ghost.

Keep the bracelet on. I want something of mine to be touching you at all times.

Sadie

It’s pretty. I shouldn’t like this.

Ghost.

But you do. You like being mine. You like knowing I’ll take care of you, watch over you, give you everything you need. Next time you’re aching and wet and can’t sleep, I won’t just call. I’ll be right there in the room with you. Close enough to touch. Close enough to taste how sweet you are when you come.

I press my thighs together tighter; my breathing is uneven. Part of me wants to throw the phone back in my bag and stop this crazy conversation.

Sadie

I’m terrified. I’m shaking, scared, but at the same time I want it. I want you to touch me.

Ghost.

I want you to be happy. If you really want that, I’ll do it to make you happy.

“What are you smiling about? You looked flushed,” Juno says the moment I step outside.

“I ran down the stairs,” I quickly reply and put my phone in my bag.