Page 99 of Salvatore

I nod and do my best to hide how her silent approach to my room has creeped me out. “I’m absolutely famished.”

“Good.” She continues forward and places the tray down on my bed. “It’s almost lunch but I thought you might still appreciate breakfast. There’s freshly squeezed juice, fruit, yoghurt, muesli, and also a bacon and egg muffin.”

My stomach squeezes, not only at the sight but the delicious smell. “Will you always spoil me like this?”

She beams and returns to the hall. “I’m glad to be of service. Please message or call out if you need anything else.”

I’m tempted to ask her to stay. To talk. To give me some more kind-hearted feminine company to wipe away a little of the threatening male attention I’ve grown accustomed to. But instead of leaning into the weakness, I murmur my appreciation and reclaim my new cell to type a reply to Salvatore.

Ivy

The things that trigger your dirty thoughts are alarming. You should get that checked. I only call you Sally because life is too short to have to deal with all the consonants and vowels in your diabolical name. My fingers aren’t cut out for that kind of work.

I press send, well aware I’m volleying back his flirtation and not entirely pleased with myself.

Salvatore

I guess my fingers are far more willing to put in the hard work. Remember that for when I return and you feel like calling me names.

My body heats. It’s ridiculous and uncalled for. It’s also entirely freeing and welcome after the past weeks.

Maybe he knows that. Maybe that’s exactly why he’s volleying over-the-top texts—just to distract me. But regardless of the reason, my smile is wide as I reply with a vomit emoji.

I change the setting on the phone, turning the volume off and switching to vibrate notifications like a mentally stable person. Then I go in search of Liv. I can’t remember her number, however it’s easy to find our message thread on Insta.

Liv

Please, Ivy, I’m freaking out that you’re in trouble. I know you wanted space, but something doesn’t feel right. Please return my calls.

She’s sent a string of messages while I’d been captive. Screen upon screen full of fear for my safety that I’m not ready to read through.

Instead I scour through the paperwork in the bag that came with the SIM until I find a typed sheet of paper with my new phone number.

Ivy

Hey Liv, I’m sure you’ve already heard from Remy that I’m safe. Thank you. I miss you. I love you. Here’s my new number.

I type in the ten digits and send the message into cyberspace, then climb from the floor and set my sights on sustenance. I spoon a mouthful of yoghurt as the message turns from delivered to read. It isn’t more than a heartbeat later that the cell starts to vibrate with an incoming call.

I drag in a deep breath, suddenly overwhelmed with uncertainty.

For as long as Liv’s known me I’ve been the easygoing, confident badass who doesn’t take shit from anyone, when the reality is a blinding contrast. I hope this unexpected peek behind the curtain isn’t too much for her.

“Liv?” I ask in greeting.

“Oh, God, Ivy,” she gushes. “Are you okay? Jesus Christ, of course you’re not—that was a stupid question, I’m sorry,” she rambles. “Is there anything I can do? I’ve missed you so much.”

I close my eyes, simply enjoying the sound of her voice. “I’m good. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”

The line goes quiet, the seconds ticking by with slowly building unease.

“Ive, I know you’re not good,” she says softly. “And I hate myself for how we parted ways. If only I’d?—”

“Liv, I love you.” I place my spoon down, needing to concentrate to stop sadness taking hold. “You’re my best friend, and willalways bemy best friend, and yes, we’ve got a crap-ton of baggage to unpack, but I’m still really tired and need some time to…” I shrug. “I don’t know… I just need some time.”

I hear her pained exhale. Can visualize the effects of her concern through the image of her in my mind.

“I understand.” Her voice softens. “I won’t push. I do want to come see you though. Remy said it’s not a great idea right now—that Lorenzo is a little temperamental—but soon?”

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