Page 78 of Power Play

“I love you too.”

I watched the car pull into traffic before looking down at the dress bag hanging from my hand.

It was navy. It was beautiful. I had technically chosen it.

I couldn’t remember whether any part of the choice still belonged to me.

By the time I reached my apartment, the fragile control I’d held throughout the day had started fraying, and exhaustion had taken its place.

I hung the dress from the closet door and removed my shoes before catching myself in the mirror beside the dresser.

My eyes went directly to my arm.

Soft.

Then my shoulders.

Too sharp.

My waist looked wrong again.

Crystal’s voice replayed through my head with humiliating precision.

Tiny. Impressive. Sickly. Tone.

My hand moved toward the vanity drawer.

The phone vibrated on my bed before I opened it.

Ryan’s name glowed across the screen.

Ryan: Home?

I stared at the message with my fingers resting against the drawer handle.

Then I closed it.

Charm: Just got here.

The phone rang before I had time to put it down.

I answered and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Hello?”

“Did the rich survive?”

His voice filled the room, rough and amused enough that something inside my chest loosened.

“Barely. Several dresses were harmed.”

“I knew shopping was violent.”

“You mocked my need for body armor.”

“I offered body armor.”

“You offered to steal military equipment.”