Page 100 of Dance of Madness

I lick my lips as my pulse beats erratically.

Whatif?

What if my pen pal from all those years ago wasn’t Nero? And what if that first time—myfirst time—was withLaz?

I roll onto my back and drop the phone next to me, shivering. A strange sensation slithers through me, and I hug myself to try to shake it away.

My phone dings next to my head, startling me. I reach for it and hold it over my face before I blink and sit up when see who's just texted me.

Nero

It’s been suggested…mostly by me…that I may be a bit of a fucking mess at times. Not the fun kind, either.

Heat throbs in my chest. My cheeks warm as my lips pull to a grin.

Nero

I shouldn’t have walked out like that.

It’s not an apology. But I think it's the closest I'm going to get from him.

I swallow, biting my lip before starting to type with my thumbs.

Me

No, you shouldn’t.

Me

I had to call some other randos to come over and finish the job. They were okay, I guess. Not great, but decent fucks.

I’mobviouslyteasing. But the second I send it, I’m worried if he’ll realize that. I’m typing “that was a joke” when my phone dings.

Nero

Hey, don’t blame them. Can you imagine having to follow ME?

I roll my eyes, giggling at my phone.

Nero

It’s not exactly a fair contest. Imagine having Elvis open for you. You’d be fucked.

Me

Right?

Nero

Decent dicks, though?

I snort out a laugh. This is…weird. But fun. And suddenly, I'm in the best mood I’ve been in for days.

Me

I’ve had better.

Nero

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