Page 145 of Barinov

@LucaWasHere

You have something that belongs to me.

A shade of red, glowing so perfectly.

Please understand, I really do enjoy the view.

But pretty things like that were never meant for you.

I hit send and wait.

And wait.

“Come on, Ellie,” I whisper, my leg bouncing.

Ten minutes pass and still no response.

“Maybe she isn’t carrying her phone,” Ivan says.

“She is,” I snap. “She always has—”

DING.

“Finally,” I say as the screen lights back up.

@EllieWhitmoreXO

I don’t know. I kinda like it. Goes great with my skin tone. Don’t you think?

“Jesus Christ, Whitmore.” I huff out a laugh, shaking my head as I type again. “All these years and somehow you still manage to be a perfect little pain in my ass.”

@LucaWasHere

Oh sweetheart, you don’t choose where this goes. I do.

For I’ve always known exactly how to get to you.

Now come alone and don’t you dare make me repeat.

Or you’ll watch as that big, strong cowboy bleeds at my feet.

@EllieWhitmoreXO

Where?

“Got her,” I say. “I’m going to type this up, but don’t send it until I get back in there and give you the signal.”

Ivan nods.

“Any chance you’d give me a few bullets?”

He scoffs. “What do you think?”

“Worth a shot.” I shrug.

@LucaWasHere

Don’t make a scene, just step out of sight.