Page 219 of Sorrow & Strangers

Unknown

Maybe?

I smile, biting my lip.

Summer

Definitely.

Unknown

Better. I’m finishing up in Paradis. I should be back soon.

My stomach flutters a little more.

Unknown

Would you like to see me later?

That nervous energy returns, and I have no idea why I feel so fucking giddy about seeing him already.

Unknown

It would be in my avatar, but I’d be there.

This is a bad idea. I know it is. I need to put some distance between us, but . . .

Summer

Where?

Unknown

Your room.

Summer

Okay.

Unknown

I’m leaving Paradis now. I have some things to take care of before I come to you. Behave.

“There’s better service on the roof!” Alice calls to Rafe, pulling my attention away from my conversation with the stranger. I hear Rafe pounding up the stairs behind me.

“Rafe, no . . .” I start, sitting up on the couch, but he’s already out of earshot, too distracted by his goal. Or maybe he is just choosing to ignore me. I turn and glare at Alice.

“What?” She looks at me, taking a loud slurp from her blood pouch.

“He’s already Fallen once this year,” I grumble.

Alice rolls her eyes. “He’ll be fine.”

“If he falls, you’re looking after him,” I say, standing from the couch. “I’m going to take a shower.”

“Please. He’s a grown demon baby—” Her words are cut off by a big crash from outside the house, and she winces when I glare at her over my shoulder.

“That’s all you,” I say, continuing upstairs.