Page 17 of 8-Bit & Cat

Omnis absorbed his answer, watching Zero closely as they circled each other again. “Hesitation can equal calculation. Overthinking can equal caution. Crying can equal a power you and I both know is rare yet required for this position. Empathy and compassion.”

“Add another five for debating,” Zero said between breaths before ducking and jabbing, catching Omnis on the elbow blocking his ribs. “She’ll want a way out, bottom line.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

Zero scoffed, rolling his neck while pacing. “She’llwanta way out,” he guaranteed.

Omnis hummed, stepping in. “You sure?”

Zero caught his strike, holding him there for a moment before shoving back. “Are you asking if I think she’ll enjoy it?”

Omnis didn’t blink. “I’m asking if you think she’llunderstandit.”

Zero’s fingers curled at his sides. “I think it’ll break her.” It was just a fact.

Omnis nodded slightly. “That’s the point.”

Zero huffed a dry breath, not arguing. “And you think she can handlethat?”

Omnis held his gaze. “I think she’s meant to.”

Zero inhaled deeply through his nose, shaking his head in an effort to reject the thought—but failing. “Like I said. Can’t wait for lesson two.”

****

Cat lay on her bed, book open, eyes staring blindly in the aftermath-shock of it all. They were soreal. She couldtouchthem. They couldtouch her. Andhad.Her body still buzzed with leftover tension. The weight of Omnis’ hand. The heat of Zero’s breath. The way they surrounded her.

A tingle zapped through the nipple Zero had touched, bringing her sharp gasp. Dear God.

Her fingers clenched around the edge of the book.

It wasn’t real.

It was virtual.

It just felt real.

It was just a lesson.

It has to feel real to learn.

Her eyes suddenly lifted off the page, going wide.

Oh God. She would have to endure more tomorrow.

At 7:00 PM.

Sharp.

She forced her breaths to slow the heck down. Thank God they’d decided not to communicate with her outside of emergencies while the lessons were being conducted. She couldn’t imagine having to have a casual conversation about any of it, even though she did have a million questions to ask about the lessons themselves.

Her stomach lurched when she considered what might be required of her. What kind of pain was she going to have to give? And what would they be doing? To her? If the barest touch had affected her that much, what wouldmoredo? And she was sure more was coming, this whole thing revolved around pain and pleasure.

Repeating the mantraThey’re Ethan, They’re Ethan, They’re Ethandidnotfeel like a great shield.

Every breath brought her fears together for a sickening concert until she knew in her gut. It was a bad idea. Her, this. Trying to help Ethan with shit she was so damncluelessabout. Then there was the wholehidingit from him.

Hail Mary, she was in it deep.

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