Page 40 of Wicked Ends
I tugged the box open. The phone sat, all shiny and new, and mocked me with another Post-it on the top.
Lose the old one, or use it as a doorstop. This is what you use now. M
I pulled the Post-it off, and the screen lit up. Someone had already set up the phone. I unlocked it without a passcode and went to the contact list. There was only one number saved there.
Star Pupil.
I swallowed a tight knot in my throat as I gripped the expensive gadget.What the hell?A message popped up while my mind was spinning.
M: Like it, birthday girl?
I replied quickly.
A: What the hell is this for? You know I can’t accept it, right?
M: It’s for making calls, sending messages, and taking photos. I know you’re older than me, but smartphones have been around for a while now.
A: Very funny. I can’t keep it.
M: You can, and you will.
A: I don’t even need it. I have one already.
M: Not one that can perform the vital functions of a cell phone—like sending me nudes and video calling me for phone sex.
I stared at the words, at a loss for what to respond until, finally, the words came.
A: First of all, I’m not going to do any of those things. Second of all, you said you’d be done if we… you know… last night.
M: First of all, yes you are. Second of all, how the fuck are you my professor when you can’t even say we fucked last night? Third—I never said we’d be done.
My heartbeat picked up, and my palms grew sweaty. This was it. Marcus had to back down and admit he’d lost interest. Anything else was impossible to imagine.
A: Well, what did you say?
M: I said that I’d see if one more night would make me reconsider what I need from you to forget any of this ever happened…
A: And?
M: And I’ve reconsidered. I’m afraid there’s no way around it, Ari. From now on, you’re mine.
I stared at the phone, dumbfounded by his words.
M: I don’t need you to agree. It’s too late for that. I realized last night that you’re already mine, and you were from the moment we met.
A: That’s insane. You can’t be serious.
M: As serious as a puck to the face… so take it from the veneer I have on my front tooth, pretty damn serious.
A: Marcus, this isn’t funny anymore.
M: Was it ever? I don’t joke around about my things. In fact, I should apologize in advance. No one has ever belonged to me before… I think I might be a possessive person, but we will see. Time will tell.
A: Marcus!
M: Call me Mr. Bailey. It turns me on.
I sighed deeply, dragging air into my cramped lungs. Frustration filled my veins. This fucker was driving my blood pressure up and playing with my sanity, just because he could. Well, I was done with it.
