Page 142 of Scattered Glitter

Yet, I can’t quite bring myself to let it go. The idea of a new life, a truly fresh start, dangles in front of me, so tantalizingly close that I’m desperate enough to reach for it, even if it feels like grasping at smoke.

I’m not doing this for them,I remind myself, putting the finishing touches on my makeup.I’m doing this for me.Because even if I hate myself most days, I don’t hate myself enough to keep living like this.

My phone vibrates noisily against the porcelain sink,snapping me out of my spiraling thoughts, and the screen lights up with a message from an unknown number. A small smile breaks through as I read it.

You awake, Sparkle?

Sylus.

Yet again, after he brought me home yesterday, no texts from him followed. Not a single word all day after he promised not to do this again. I think about ignoring him to make a point, but the memory of waking up to his hands on me, making me come while I was barely conscious, is still branded into my memory, casting some light on the shadows of the other ones that linger. Still, he deserves a little teasing. I save his number and grin like an idiot as I type back.

Who’s this?

The reply comes almost instantly.

Did I fuck your brain out?

You know who I am, baby.

I laugh, leaning my hip against the sink as I answer.

What do you want, Sylus?

He takes so long to respond that I get antsy, gripping my phone tighter as the seconds tick by, but then he finally responds.

What are you up to?

Getting ready.

Showme.

I snap a selfie, neck-down, making sure the crop top shows off my assets just right.

Holy fuck.

I licked my screen, you fucking goddess.

I roll my eyes, but warmth blooms in my chest.

He really is such a dork.

Did you really? Gross.

It’s not my fault you’re so goddamn delicious.

But if you’re offering a taste, I’m ready to worship.

My lips curve into a smile, and for a moment, the nerves about today fade away.

What do you really want?

His reply takes only a second.

I’m outside. Ready to take you to the Lane Building.

What the fuck?

What for?

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