Page 19

A message appears at the top.

Unknown: Hello, Sunshine.

My blood runs cold, and I sit up, goosebumps dotting my arms. Sunshine?

Who is this?

Unknown: Who do you want it to be?

My chest rises and falls rapidly. I don’t want it to be anyone. Someone is contacting me who is not on my pre-approved list, and that is dangerous for me.

What if Roman sees?

Go away.

There’s a slight pause before he responds.

Unknown: No.

Fear clamps an icy fist around my throat.

I don’t know anyone, at least anyone who would want to terrorize me. Could it be Marco or an associate? He might be testing my loyalty. He’s a sadist— I wouldn’t doubt it.

My hand shakes as I respond.

I’m not doing anything wrong.

Unknown: No? The spent cigarette butt on the ground says otherwise.

I glance around, breath caught.

What do you want?

Three dots appear and disappear in rapid succession.

Unknown: Everything.

Standing, I trip over my ballet flats and grip the wall for support.

Can you see me?

Unknown: Do you want me to?

I scoff.

No.

Certainly not while I’m naked.

Moving back to my balcony, I glance out and peer through the new shadows. The moon overhead gives little light, and the grounds are covered in ebony. If he’s out there, I wouldn’t be able to tell.

Thumb to my mouth, I wait a moment before responding.

Leave me alone.

Unknown: Can’t do that.

There’s a delay before his second message comes in.