Page 36 of Untamed

Scrolling through my messages, my pulse skitters when I see his name pop up again. I know it’s him—I don’t even have to check. His replies are always short, sharp, and smug as hell.

Bratvabloodline

I never asked. Enjoy the present, little queen?

My breath catches, and heat prickles up my neck. I narrow my eyes at the screen, hating that I can practically hear his voice—low, rough, dangerously calm—when I read those words.

I type out my response with a little too much aggression, my fingers flying across the keys.

You think leaving a creepy camera at my door makes you charming?

The dots appear immediately.Of coursehe’s waiting. He always is.

Bratvabloodline

I’m nothing if not resourceful.

I groan and slump back against the cushions, biting my lip to keep from smiling. He’s infuriating. Maddening. And yet, I can’t bring myself to block him.

You sound so proud of yourself. Stalker goals unlocked. Congrats.

Bratvabloodline

Careful, Ember. I might start thinking you like my attention.

The nerve. My heart slams against my ribs, and I sit up straighter, my fingers trembling slightly as I type.

I don’t.

Bratvabloodline

Liar. If you were mine, I’d punish you for that.

I blink at the screen, my throat going dry. It’s just one message, but it hits like a punch—cutting through my thin defenses,forcing me to confront the truth I don’t want to admit. Idolike the attention. I shouldn’t, but I do.

And the worst part? He knows it.

You’re full of shit.

Bratvabloodline

Maybe. But I’m also right.

I let out a soft growl, the sound echoing in the quiet of my apartment. Of all the arrogant, self-righteous—god, he’s infuriating. I shouldn’t reply. I should shut the laptop and go to bed, pretend this conversation never happened.

Of courseI don’t. Instead, I type out a reply, my fingers hesitating before I hit send.

What is it you want, anyway?

The dots blink in and out again, taking longer this time. For a second, I think maybe he’s backed off. Maybe he’s realized this whole thing is ridiculous and crossed a line.

Then his response comes through.

Bratvabloodline

What I want? I want you to admit the truth. That you like the attention. That you want a man who sees you—not just your camera, not just your posts. YOU.

I swallow hard, my cheeks heating as the words sink in.

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