Page 92 of Heathens

“I want you to leave me untied tonight.”

“No.”

I don’t even have to think about it.

She huffs, folding her arms across her chest, and I remember what Theo told me. Give her more freedom. Convince her any way you can. In theory, the more I slacken the rope, the more she might cooperate with me. Everything I know about Sofie, however, defies theory.

“You’re not negotiating your way out of these ropes,” I tell her.

“I’d like to sleep comfortably.”

“And I’d love to let you, but I need to trust you first. You made your feelings extremely clear.”

“You’re an asshole,” she spits.

I grin.

“Proving my point.”

I stand up and take a step toward her, gently grasping her bruised wrist and bringing it to my lips. Her cheeks flush, and I can feel that strange affection creeping back into me.

“You’ve been far too sweet.”

“I’m being a good girl,” she whispers. “Just like you want me to.”

We’re at an impasse, each of us staring straight through the other. My skin bristles as she gently pulls her arm away, forcing me to relinquish my grip on her. Her hands caress my face, nails scraping at the stubble on my chin.

“Just my wrists‌,” she whispers. “And not above my head. How’s that for negotiation?”

“Not bad, little dove.”

“You can even watch me sleep.”

I narrow my eyes and tilt my head.

“What are you planning?”

“Nothing. Why are you always so suspicious?”

“It’s in my nature.”

She trails a fingertip down my bare chest, tracing my tattoos.

“I think that’s just something you tell yourself.”

“Oh, do you? You get a minor in psychology along with that PhD?”

“Just an educated guess.”

Her arms slide around my waist. Even if this is fake, I’m content to let myself fall into the comfort of the gesture. The humanity of it. As much as I spend my time mocking and tormenting humans, part of me is afraid that I’ve lost what makes them feel so alive. I take pleasure in death, crave it. But they can still get their hooks in me, even now.

My arms wrap around her, and I close my eyes, just for a moment. I’m transported to quiet mornings with Selene, smelling her skin and hearing her silky sweet voice.

I’ve missed these moments. Holding someone, feeling a heartbeat against my body.

The thought of turning Sofie has occurred to me more than once, but it’ll have to wait. I have to monitor her, ensure I have her trust and can trust her in return, then we can move forward. That was the mistake that Rene made, after all. He was arrogant, desperate for progeny he could mold in his image. So desperate, in fact, that he created his greatest enemy.

I look down at her and smile.

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