Page 38 of Reckless Vow

“I have people.”

My heart speeds up. Another gesture to throw me off kilter. “Thank you.”

“I got your old number ported to this, so you wouldn’t miss any calls.”

It’s sad that I don’t remember the last time someone did anything thoughtful for me.

Or what to do with the fact that this phone isn’t the first, nor the only thoughtful thing from him.

Or how to accept it in light of his rejection last night.

“Thank you,” I repeat.

He shrugs. “It’s just a phone, sis.”

Sis?Fuck him.

* * *

The next several days pass in a blur of work and tension. For the most part, we avoid each other.

I bury myself in my latest manuscript. Baldo is out of the house more than he’s here, and when he is home he stays out of my way.

I can’t decide how I feel about it. His distance is for the best, I try to argue with myself.

And yet, it’s like getting a dose of rejection every single day. It seeps through my veins, poisoning me with foul feelings. And a bit of self-pity.

I hate all of it.

My latest book will feature an unprecedented amount of murder. And a lot of sibling hate.

Perched on my bed, I type away to finish the chapter. I’m hungry, but I don’t want to go downstairs because I heard Baldo come home earlier.

As I finally reach a cliffhanger that satisfies me, I call it quits for the day. I save my work and create several backups.

Putting my laptop on the floor, I slide on to my back and stare at the ceiling. We have been married for a week. That leaves us with another fifty-one.

My phone pings with a message.

Syd

Vegas was amazing. We needed to get away.

Lo

And elope (laughing emoji)

Paris

Don’t call it that, Lo.

Lo

(eye-roll emoji)

How is the honeymoon, Brook? (laughing emoji)

Fuck off, a few more days and it might end in bloodshed.

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