Page 55 of King of Sinners

“Where the hell have you been?” She asks by way of greeting.

It actually makes me smile. She’s worried. I’ve missed her. “It’s such a long story. How are you?”

“Crappy.” But I hear her smile. “Gus has me working doubles so I can barely get into the studio.”

“Where are you now?”

“Getting ready to head into Rebel’s. I can only assume that since you don’t care about work, you’re actually graduating.”

“I am.”

“Good for you,” she gushes and I know she means it. We’re planning to go to New York together, though she has a summer course to take. Time at the dance studio has put her behind schedule. “One more piece of our plan is in place.”

“Working extra will help you too,” I offer weakly. As much as she needs money, she also needs rehearsal time if she’s going to get into a reputable dance company.

“You know I love you, but since you left, Gus has us working doubles every day to cover for you and he is not happy about it, either.”

My smile grows. This conversation is just so…normal. “Gus is going to be so disappointed when I quit.”

“Charlotte, I know how quiet you can be, but I don’t have time to draw it out of you. Spill now.”

With a deep breath, I try to think about what I’m going to say. I can’t tell her everything. It’s too dangerous. “I started seeing a guy.”

“You’re ditching your life for a guy? You? Are you changing your mind about New York?”

I shake my head. She’s not wrong. “It’s a long story, and I can’t tell you all of it now, but I am not changing my mind about New York, though it might be a moot point because, while I really like him, I’m not sure if he feels the same about me.”

Kim sucks her teeth, the sound filling the phone line. “I wish I could come see you.”

I can’t tell her that’s not even possible. “Me too.”

“But you can start by pressing him for information. I know you and you haven’t.” She is totally right. “If he’s shady in his answers, he’s not legit.”

“He’s too alpha to be a liar, but he is a high roller and used to getting his way.” Mason won’t lie, but he might really avoid a question to suit his purposes. Sort of like the shower this morning where he didn’t answer direct questions.

“That’s great advice. Thanks, Kim.”

“And I’m glad to hear your graduating. That was kind of touch and go with Professor Burke.”

“Me too. Now we need to get you situated.”

Kim lets out a long breath. It hasn’t been easy for her either. “Listen, I have to go, but first, I just need to know. Are you okay?”

I nod, realize she can’t see me, and then say. “Yeah. I’m good. I’m working on a few more of those bucket list items.”

Kim laughs. “We’ve got our whole lives for a bucket list.”

“True.” I swallow down a lump. Some days, I wonder if that’s true for me.

“Call me tomorrow?” she says in a rush, clearly racing out the door.

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you too,” she says, keys jingling, before she hangs up.

I sit at the vanity, staring at the gloss. I’d been feeling more relaxed yesterday then I had in years. I felt safe with Mason these past few days and I’d let down my guard.

I’d always known that Mason was a predator. What I’d always wondered, the question I couldn’t allow myself to forget…was I his prey?

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