Page 64 of Where's Molly

“If a man ever calls you something you don’t like, I’ll fucking kill him. I’ll always respect your boundaries.”

I catch my bottom lip between my teeth before it can tremble. It takes a moment as the urge to cry subsides.

I’ve never felt so… respected. Like my feelings about what happens to my body are actually valued. Like theymeansomething to him.

“You’re different,” I mumble. “Thank you for showing me how to enjoy something I never thought I’d enjoy. For respecting my body. And for giving me something to hold on to before I disappear.”

His eyes soften. “You can always hold on to me, Molly. Always.”

Molly

Present

2022

“I can't do adelivery today,” I tell Legion, attempting to keep my nerves in check. I've never told him no before.

But this is necessary.

There's a pause. “May I ask why?”

I chew my bottom lip, contemplating if I should just tell the truth or not. However, I don't want my personal issues to come between me and my job. Or at least, I don't wish for Legion to know that.

“I'm uncomfortable with Cage,” I blurt out.

That wasn't what I was planning to say. I was supposed to tell him my pigs are sick. Although it's technically the truth, though not in the way Legion is probably thinking.

I'm not uncomfortable because I don't like Cage; I'muncomfortable because I like him way too much.

More silence.

After a few beats, I can't take it anymore. “I don't know if anyone has ever told you this, but your silence is super unnerving.”

I'm sweating. It's forming along my hairline and between my boobs. I shake out my free hand to release some tension. I don't even knowwhyI'm so nervous. Legion’s never made me feel threatened. Butfuck,he's really intimidating for a dude that never shows his face.

“What has he done?”

“Nothing!” I exclaim. “Don't kill him, please.”

“Is this because he's in love with you? Or because you're in love with him?”

I slap my hand over my face. None of this is going to plan.

“That… No, neither,” I stutter.

“Are you lying?”

“Legion,” I groan. “I just think it's best that Cage and I no longer work together. That's all. Nothing personal.”

It'ssopersonal. I am such a liar—and not even a good one.

“Where's Eli? Isn't it time for him to come back?” I ask.

One Mississippi. Two Mississippi. Three Mississippi…

“Eli will do the delivery tonight. Your comfort is my priority.”

My shoulders slump in relief. “Thank you, Legion.”

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