Page 4 of Shattered

Seeing that she hasn’t replied yet, I drag the beanbag closer to the guys once again. “What are we playing?”

...

Sunflower: I still think you should go by your real name.

Neilix: Maybe one day.

Sunflower: And your friends really don’t know it?

Neilix: No one does, except you.

Sunflower: I feel special :)

Neilix: You are . . .

CHAPTER TWO

Neilix

I squint my eyes open, stretching as much as I can on the damn beanbag. Locating my glasses, I slide them onto my face and see that the other two are still passed out; Jason with his legs hanging over the end of the couch, and Campbell in his bed, arm flung over his head.

Grabbing my phone, I quickly check for messages, which has become a habit over the past several months. A smile widens my cheeks when I read her text.

Sunflower: I had a dream about you last night.

In a way, I wish she hadn’t brought up the virgin thing last night. Mainly because I feel like I’ve suddenly turned into a horny teenager, my mind immediately telling me it was a sexual dream. Of course, it doesn’t help that I’ve woken up with morning wood.

Me: What type of dream?

Sunflower: Wouldn’t you like to know ;)

Yes.

Sunflower: Also, good morning!

Me: Good morning :) I hope you had a good sleep.

Sunflower: I did! You?

Me: Well, I slept on a beanbag at Campbell’s house, so not really.

Sunflower: That sucks. Probably would have slept better in my bed.

A groan rumbles from my chest.

Me: You’re killing me.

Sunflower: Sorry, Neilix.

I can’t help but smile at her use of my real name. It feels good for her to know it and not think it’s weird. It’s just one more thing that makes my soul gravitate toward her.

Sunflower: What are you doing today?

“What are you groaning about over there?”

Jason’s voice has me fumbling with my phone and nearly dropping it on my face. “Nothing,” I answer, pushing myself into a sitting position. He’s stretching out on the couch, eyes still closed. “Just my back.”

Sitting up, he runs a hand over his face. “I’ll take the beanbag next time.”

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