Page 22 of They Are Mine

I pluck the vial from its place, rolling it between my fingers, feeling the cool glass press into my skin.

A few drops.

No taste. No scent.

Just a smooth, easy descent into sleep.

I swirl the cup gently, watching the liquid settle.

It’s not dangerous.

I’d never hurt him.

Never.

I just need him out, just for a little while.

Just long enough to… get what I need.

I let my fingers trail over the rim of the cup, exhaling slowly.

This isn’t wrong.

If he knew, if he understood, he’d let me.

He’d want me to.

Because love takes time. Love requires trust.

And soon, Noah will trust me completely.

I hand him the drink, and sit back down, watching him in the corner of my eye.

It doesn’t take long. Fifteen minutes, maybe.

The first signs are subtle. His blinks slowing, his fingers going slack against his thigh, the gradual sinking of his body into the cushions.

Then his breathing evens out.

His head tips back.

His body goes still.

I wait.

I watch.

And when I’m sure, when I’m certain, I touch.

Not his body, not yet.

His phone.

I lift it gently, holding it near his relaxed, sleeping face.

It unlocks.

My pulse pounds.

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