Page 31 of Believe it or Knot

I stare at the screen.

It is definitely not a response from Vee or Sadie.

Unknown Number:

Hello, sweet thing.

I hope it’s not too late to message.

Grayson. My fingers fumble over the screen of my phone in my haste to type a response.

Me

No, it’s not too late.

I was actually just messaging my friends.

Unknown Number:

Excellent. I wanted to formally invite you for dinner again tomorrow.

I know we sort of sprung it on you tonight.

And you rushed out before we could make plans.

Guilt swells in my stomach.

Me:

I’m sorry. I know that was rude.

I’m not usually like that. I promise.

Unknown Number:

I know, sweet thing.

We can be… a lot.

But that doesn’t mean you should run from us and put yourself at risk.

Me

What risk?

Unknown Number:

Wandering through the woods alone at night isn’t exactly safe, now is it?

Oh, god. That tone. I can practically see him pinning me with an intense look, those muscled forearms of his on display as he stalks toward me and murmurs, ‘are you going to take your punishment like a good girl?’ I blink the image away and ignore how my breathing’s gone a little gasping and how my panties are more than a little wet.

Me:

It’s not unsafe, Gray.

I’ve been wandering these woods since I was a toddler.

I always know exactly where I am.

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