Page 43 of Any Means Necessary

“What is that?” Callum's voice speaks over my shoulder, closer than I expected him to be.

He’s always standing so damn close.

“It’s a weighted stuffie.” Pulling the bear to my chest, I give it a test hug. The weight of it feels satisfying in my arms. Hopefully it’s heavy enough to crush the anxiety out of me long enough to fall asleep at night.

“I didn’t figure a girl like you would try to replace a man with a pillow when you’re lonely at night.” Callum’s comment has a wave of heat washing over me, a mix of arousal and embarrassment.

“I’m not,” I say defensively, frowning up at him over my shoulder. Despite my protest, he remains unconvinced. Hazel eyes take their time looking me up and down, his lips twitching smugly under his beard.

“That poor panda doesn’t stand a chance when you need satisfaction, Dewdrop.” There’s a patronizing edge to his voice. His taunting pisses me off.

“It’s not for that, Callum,” I insist, growing exasperated. The smirk on his lips spreads into a self-satisfied smile.

“Then what’s it for?” His brows raise, waiting for another explanation. He’s not expecting there to be one.

“It’s so I can actually sleep when—” Realizing I’ve said too much, my voice trails off and I press my lips together. All humor drops from Callum’s face, growing intensely serious in the blink of an eye. His eyes narrow.

“When what?” he asks slowly, distinctly. There’s no way out of this, I’ve dug myself too big of a hole. I let out a sigh and avert my eyes.

“When I have nightmares,” I admit. A line forms between Callum’s dark brows, his shoulders tensing.

“Nightmares about what?” He’s demanding answers that I’m not going to give him. Callum’s compulsive need to know everything I’m thinking until he’s in my head is an exhausting game I’m not in the mood to play. All teasing aside, there are some things he doesn’t get to know.

“That’s none of your business.” Toting my new stuffed friend, I skirt around his demanding stare and head to my room.

Placing the oversized panda on the bed next to my pillow, I mull over what to name her. If we’re going to be cuddling every night, she deserves to have a name. And a cute one to match how adorable she is.

Buttercup. It’s perfect.

My phone chimes as a notification from one of my dating apps lights the screen—Eric C. matched with you! Opening the app, I click on Eric’s profile. He’s cute with a full head of dark curls, and dimples decorating his wide smile. His entire profile screams ‘golden retriever’ energy.

I’m in the bathroom getting ready to go out for the night when my phone chimes again, this time with a message from the golden retriever. My makeup sponge pauses mid-beat to open the message.

Eric: You are stunning

Lexie: Aww stop, you’re making me blush. Thank you! You’re not so bad yourself.

Eric: Oregon, huh? What brings you all the way to NYC?

Lexie: I’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to get bitten by someone on the subway. This was my chance

Eric: And were your dreams fulfilled? I’d hate for you to miss out on the real NY experience haha

Lexie: Absolutely, and I have the teeth marks to prove it. On another note, my tetanus shots are up to date in case you were wondering.

Eric: Good, I was worried about that. If you’re planning on eating anywhere in Brooklyn, you’ll probably want to get a rabies shot too.

Lexie: I have yet to eat in Brooklyn, but I’ll keep that in mind.

Eric: We’ll have to change that, won’t we?

Lexie: I guess that depends on what you have in mind…

***

My chunky heels click on the floor as I walk into the kitchen. Tossing my curled hair to one side to put my small gold hoop earring in, my fingers struggle with the backing. Callum sits facing the tv on the other side of the living space, a newscaster displayed on the screen.

“I’m leaving,” I announce, finally securing my jewelry.

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