Page 53 of Silent Desires

Tucker:What did you say when you saw it?

Max:We asked if she knew why she was flirting, then told her it’s what you do when you want something more with someone.

Jasper:Then he kissed her.

Me:The fuck?!

Dom:She better have consented.

Max:Calm down, it was on the cheek! And you think I’d kiss her against her will?

Dom:You’re right, sorry Max

It’s not like we all didn’t want to kiss her ourselves. The age gap itself isn’t necessarily a problem, but she is only seventeen. Even if it is legal and we’d be doing nothing wrong… pursuing a relationship with her doesn’t seem right under these circumstances.

Ben:I know we haven’t talked about this yet, but we need to have a conversation about what our intentions are with her beyond this case. I don’t think I’m the only one feeling something for her.

Well shit, someone’s finally bringing it up. And he’s right, I’m definitely feeling it too. And the fact that Ben is bringing it up makes me feel hopeful that she could be the one for us. We just need to tread very carefully here since she’s seventeen. Although technically legal in this state, it’s not in every state.

Me:Gideon, when does she turn eighteen?

Gideon:Her birthday is in six months.

Six months… we could wait that long, couldn’t we? We’d have to. Besides, she will still be in high school and a minor until then. Her mother was in her right to keep her away from us if she wanted to, unfortunately.

Jasper:Max, how is she now?

Max:She looks worried.

I wonder what Mina is thinking. She must be scared, learning there’s a serial killer targeting women who look like her. She doesn’t even know about all the others yet. It’s not public knowledge that all these deaths are connected across multiple states. So far, the FBI has been good at keeping quiet, so the killer doesn’t get spooked and change his MO. Unfortunately, this killer isn’t at the top of their priority list yet, so they don’t have any men on it right now, which is why it’s so important for us to figure it out.

Feeling worried about Mina, I decide to send her a text.

Me:Are you ok, Malishka?

Malishka:Not really.

Me:Tell me what’s wrong.

Malishka:There isn’t enough time in the day.

Me:Don’t say that, you’re breaking my heart when I can’t be there to comfort you.

Malishka:I didn’t mean to upset you.

Me:It’s ok. Why don’t you start by telling me 2 of the things you’re worried about right now?

Malishka:I’m afraid the killer is going to come after me.

Me:We’ll all be watching out for you Malishka.

Me:Tell me what else you’re worried about.

Malishka:I’m afraid you’re all gonna disappear.

Me:What do you mean?

Malishka:What if you guys all leave? What if I leave? Or what if you aren’t even here and this is all just a dream? What if you get busy with something and I never see you again?

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