Page 132 of Sorrow & Strangers

Unknown

It helps me escape.

I can feel his vulnerability through the phone. It reminds me of the few times last year when we connected on a personal level, when we truly understood each other. When we were friends. I know it’s the truth.

Summer

You can watch until I tell you to stop.

Unknown

Tell me to stop?

Summer

Yes. If I tell you to stop watching, you must stop until I give you permission to look again.

Nothing happens for a long moment, and then he starts typing again.

Unknown

Deal.

The palm of my hand glows again.

Unknown

It is done.

I swallow, looking down at the mark. It has altered slightly, a small line now dissecting the top of the circle. I brush my fingers over it before closing my hand into a fist, pushing down the uncomfortable feelings his honesty and vulnerability roused in me.

Summer

The potion for Alice.

The message has barely been delivered before a second vial appears next to my empty one. I take a breath. What have I just agreed to?

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Summer

Alice barely moves as I force her to drink the potion, but she immediately starts to improve. A rosy flush fills her cheeks, and she pulls Steve from his position over her eyes. She releases him, and he slumps away, crawling off the bed to slip back beneath it, his tail swishing as he goes.

Unknown

You’re welcome, princess.

Summer

It’s not an act of kindness if you ask for something in return, asshole.

I am still unhappy about the deal, but I’m glad Alice is feeling better.

Unknown

Says who?

Summer