“So… you going to answer my question?”
“I don’t… I mean,yes,I did, but also…” My face heats at the memories of all the kinky things Seven did to me, and I realizethere are some things I’ll never share with Saffron. “I’m really happy to see you again.”
“Sure you are. I’m a treat.” She gazes out of the corner of her eye. “So, what? Did he keep you tied up in his basement or something?”
“Something like that…” I pick at a stray thread on my shirt.
Saffron clears her throat, stealing a glance of the animal in my lap. “I know you don’t want to hash it out until we get home, but… I gotta ask about the raccoon. What in the fuck is up with that?”
I laugh under my breath, instinctually, reaching to pet Zorro's soft fur. “Seven—Archer saved him. We tried to release him back to the wild, but he didn’t want to go. He’s kind of like my pet now.”
“Huh.” She sneaks a look at him out of the corner of her eye. “He is pretty cute.”
“You should see him eat a grape. It’s adorable.”
“I think I have some grapes in the fridge… we might just have to try it out.”
“Okay. That’s enough pacing. Come have a sitter.” Saffron pats the cushion next to her, and I know by her expression it would be pointless to refuse.
With a sigh, I walk over to the couch and plop down. As soon as I do, Saffron pulls her legs up under her, turning to face me fully. “You need to tell me what’s going on, Grace. I want to help you, to support you, but I can’t if you leave me in the dark.”
“You promise you won’t judge me?”
Saffron scoffs. “With all you know about me?Please.” She reaches out, placing her hand on my thigh, her face creased in worry. “Tell me everything, Grace. From the very beginning.”
I break down and tell her everything—about the night I met Seven, the day I was introduced to Archer Graves, and how I began falling for the killer and my boss at the same time. I tell her about the work trip and how Corey tried to assault me. I explain how I discovered Archer and Seven were the same person, and how Seven kidnapped me and kept me in a cage.
The whole time, Saffron sits and listens, her expression unchanging as she takes it all in. The hardest part is explaining to Saffron that I’ve fallen for the masked killer, and telling her the story of how he was taken away breaks my heart all over again.
When I’m done, I let out a deep breath, staring hard at my hands clasped in my lap.
“Holy shit.”
“I know.” I wring my hands together. “It’s all so messed up, Saf. I don’t know how it happened. I don’t know what to do.”
She reaches over, grabbing my hand and looking deep into my eyes. “Do you love him, Grace?”
I bite my lip, nodding once resolutely. “I do,” I say, the words barely a whisper.
Saffron squeezes my hand tight. “Then there’s only one thing youcando. You have to help your man.”
“How?” I shake my head. “The police have him. It’s not like I can bust him out or something.”
She shrugs. “Maybe not. I think before you lose hope, you need to call that old guy Seven told you about. Viktor? He might know how to help.”
“Yeah… but what if he’s dangerous?”
She snorts. “If Seven trusts him, I’m sure he is. But if you want to help Seven, he’s your only chance, Grace.”
“You’re right.” I take a deep steadying breath, standing from the couch. “Okay. I’ll call him.”
“Take your time.” Saffron turns her attention to Zorro. “I’ll watch after the fluffy guy.”
I walk into the bedroom, closing the door softly behind me as I pull out Seven’s phone. I scroll through his contacts, but there doesn’t seem to be one labeled with Viktor’s name. I do, however, come across someone called ‘Old fuck—V’. I’m going to take a wild guess and assume that must be him. If it’s not, I’ll just hang up and call random numbers until I find him.
I press the call button and bring the phone to my ear, holding my breath as I wait for him to pick up. On the third ring, the call clicks through.
“I’m busy, Seven. Make this shit quick.”
