Page 27 of Spooked
"It's not just physical," I say softly. "Though that part is...wow. There's something much deeper going on with us.”
Willa's expression goes soft. "I'm happy for you, hon."
My phone buzzes again, and we both look at it expectantly.
I pick it up.
Working on a new mask. Thinking of you while I sculpt. Everything I create is more beautiful when you're in my thoughts.
I melt a little, and show Willa the text.
She squeals. “That's so romantic! Lately, all Dash sends me are pictures of motorcycle parts.”
“Aww, that’s his love language, Will.” I laugh.
Willa giggles. “So, what happens now? Long distance?” She leans forward and grabs my arm. Hard. “Are you moving to Montana?"
“Chill,” I reply with a chuckle. Honestly, the questions make my stomach twist anxiously. “I don't know yet. We're still figuring that stuff out.”
Willa and I talk until late into the night. She fills me in on local gossip while I try to focus on anything other than how much I want to be back at the manor and in Wolfe’s arms.
Eventually, I excuse myself to my laptop to edit and submit my photos to the magazine.
I work methodically, selecting the best shots of the manor, the exhibits, and Wolfe himself. The masked photos are stunning, dramatic and mysterious, capturing the Gothic romance of both the man and his creation. But as I’m scrolling through the images, I come upon the unmasked photo from the library. The one Wolfe said I could take just for me…the intimate portrait that shows the vulnerable, beautiful man beneath the Beast of Marsden Manor.
This photo isn't for public consumption.
It's private, personal, mine.
But god, it's spectacular. The way the light catches the strong line of his jaw, the intensity in his eyes, the rawness of his expression. It shows exactly what I see when I look at him—not a monster, but a hero.
I set it aside and upload the approved photos to the magazine's portal, then fire off a quick email to my editor explaining the context and story behind each shot.
By the time I'm finished, it's nearly 2 a.m. I pick up my phone and send a text.
You awake? Finally finished uploading photos. Missing you like crazy.
Yeah, I can't sleep. Keep thinking about you in my bed. And how much I want to devour every inch of you.
I groan softly, pressing my thighs together. This man is going to be the death of me.
I'll be back soon. Promise.
Not soon enough. Sweet dreams, beautiful.
The next morning dawns crisp and clear, and I wake to the sound of Brynn giggling in the kitchen. I stretch, already reaching for my phone to see if Wolfe has texted.
But when I read the text, my blood turns to ice.
Congratulations. Your piece will make quite the sensation. Nothing like exploiting the freak for career advancement. I should have known better than to trust someone whose job it is to expose people's secrets.
"What the hell happened?" I whisper, staring at the message in horror.
My phone suddenly rings. It’s my editor, Jane.
I pick it up. “Jane?”
"Ash! Brilliant work on the Marsden Manor piece," she gushes. "The photos are superb! Especially that unmasked shot. I sent the photos to Devin Zhao, Marsden Manor’s business manager, for final approval before we publish. It’s standard for a feature this size, but I wanted to give you a heads up that they might request changes."
