I stare at the closed door for a long while after he’s gone.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I don’t want to believe Alex. He’s desperate, unhinged, lashing out to hurt me because he’s lost control. But part of me can’t shake the worry, the tiny voice in the back of my mind wondering if there’s more to Benedict than I’ve allowed myself to see.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, making me jump. I pull it out and see Benedict’s name on the screen. My breath hitches as I stare at it, my heart racing. Relief and doubt mix as I swipe to answer, not sure what he’ll say—but knowing I need to hear his voice.
When did my life become so fucking complicated?
I take a deep breath and answer the phone. “Hey you.”
“Hey, you.” His deep, familiar voice washes over me, grounding me. “How was the rest of your first day?”
I should tell him about the break-in. About Alex showing up and everything he said. But something holds me back.