Page 45 of Secrets & Lies

“Wow, I’m speechless. What you and the chief are doing is called enabling. It’s actually very dangerous. Get him some help,” I said, shaking my head.

Be real. You have no intention of filing any complaint, stupid girl.I swore under my breath.

I turned away from him and continued my way home, blaring my music. Ignoring Marcus when he honked several times, I gave him the bird once I got to my house.

He rolled down the window once more and yelled, “Have a good evening.”

Shaking my head, I went inside, showered, and was drying off when I heard the familiar buzz of a notification. I grabbed my phone, entered my code, and smiled. Right on cue.

REAPER:

You disappoint me. Not only did you disobey me by wearing both earbuds, but it was so loud that you didn’t hear Marcus. When are you going to learn?

KINSLEY:

News flash, Reaper, I don’t care if you’re disappointed in me. Disobey you? I thought we already established I’ll never obey you.

If he only knew I’d done it on purpose. I smiled, feeling confident since he wasn’t standing in front of me.

REAPER:

You do know what happens to brats who disobey, right?

Brat, huh? I’d show him brat. I grinned as my fingers flew over the keypad.

KINSLEY:

You’re not in a position of authority over me. Fuck off.

REAPER:

Now, that’s a word we can discuss anytime.

KINSLEY:

What word? You’re hard to follow. It’s late. I have work tomorrow. What do you want?

REAPER:

Go to dinner with me. Notice that was NOT a question.

We were back here again. I took a deep breath and typed, hitting send before I could change my mind. I could handle him over the phone. It was the in-person thing I was struggling with. Hence why I refused to go out with him. I was acting foolishly—I knew that. But I wasn’t stupid enough to think I could actually manage him on a date.

KINSLEY:

I know you probably rarely get told no, so this is a new concept for you. I get it, new things can be scary. You should find someone to talk to. Call Marcel. I’ll bet he’d let you cry on his shoulder.

REAPER:

You’re cute. I find myself increasingly curious about you.

KINSLEY:

Sounds like a personal problem. There’s no shame in getting help.

REAPER:

Want to know what I think?

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