His chuckle is low, dark. "You still think that's possible?"
I shrug, keeping my expression blank. "I think you left me alone for a reason."
His smirk fades, just a bit. He's obviously holding something back. And the need to know what that is, what he's guarding, is riding me like a fever, burning hotter with every second.
When I speak, I force my voice to stay neutral.
"You're getting lazy with your mind games."
He laughs quietly, crouching in front of me, his gaze too knowing.
"You think this is a game?" he murmurs.
I force myself to smile. "Isn't it?"
His eyes darken. And then, fast as a lightning bolt, his hand wraps around my throat.
"Is that what you tell yourself? Thatthisis a game?"
I swallow hard. "You're trying to turn me into the girl I used to be. But here's the thing, Ghost. She doesn't fucking exist anymore."
Something in his gaze shifts. I wish it was anger, but it’s something worse, and it makes my stomach twist into a pretzel.
He lets go of my throat and leans back slightly.
"Then who the fuck are you now?" he asks, voice quiet.
I clench my jaw. "It doesn't matter. What matters is that I'm someone who deserves the punishment. And who also doesn't belong to you anymore. This remembering game is stupid. You don't think I see what you're trying to do?"
His fingers flex. And fuck, I see it.
I see it.
I've hit something real and he wasn't expecting it.
His tongue swipes over his bottom lip, slow, calculated. "Is that right?"
Ghost
She's lying. But she thinks she isn't.
Her fingers grip the fabric of my hoodie tight, like it's a lifeline she desperately needs. Like it's still hers, and she's still mine.
I run my tongue over my teeth, watching her. She thinks she's gained something. That's cute.
"You don't belong to me anymore?" I look straight into her eyes, daring her to deny it.
She lifts her chin. "That's what I said."
I shake my head, with a quiet sigh. "Then take it off."
She blinks. "What?"
I nod toward the hoodie. "If you don't belong to me anymore," I say, my voice steady, with a hint of danger, "then take it the fuck off. I'll wait. You still have a blanket. I'll even trade you something else for it. Something warm and soft."
Her throat bobs in a swallow. And there it is. It's her turn to hesitate now. She's not so sure of herself anymore. She wants to fight but her body betrays her.
I smirk. "Go on, adorable."
