Page 25 of Unrequited

---

Hey, I’m staying at Mia’s tonight. We’re gonna watch some movies, have popcorn. Nothing wild.

He doesn’t reply immediately, but I know he’s seen it. I know how this works.

Mia and I have a system.

I always carry a tracking device on me. A small, sleek little thing clipped into my clothes. She has my backup stuffed animal—my old Teddy. All she has to do is bring it into her room and drop the tracker inside. My brothers won’t ask questions. They never do because I never give them a reason to.

Until now.

Until I’m about to do something that would make them lose their minds.

I can already picture it—the vein popping in Rafail’s forehead, throbbing like it might burst. Semyon’s cold, disapproving glare, slicing right through me. Even Rodion, who’d usually take my side, would cross his arms and shake his head. Not angry. Worse, disappointed.

I’m not a child anymore. They can’t ground me or take away my phone. But I’d still be in massive trouble.

I text Mia next.

Hey, sorry, but I left early. I’m gonna be out the rest of the night. Can you cover for me?

She replies instantly.

Mia

Of course. Fill me in on the juicy details later.

Guilt twists in my chest. I’m lying to my best friend.

Sorry to disappoint, there are no juicy details. Not the kind you’re thinking of.

I gulp. My heart is beating too fast.

Mia

Fair, fair. I get it. But if juicy things do happen… you better tell me.

Will do.

I send it, even though we both know I won’t.

What am I supposed to say?

Hey, I almost got raped under the stadium bleachers. Then the dangerous Irish guy who’s definitely some kind of criminal, the one I’ve been quietly obsessing over, murdered my attacker and took me back to his flat. NBD, hugs!

Yeah. No.

Rodion’s response finally comes in. It’s brief, but it’s enough.

Rodion

Okay. Be safe.

That’s all I need.

My alibi is set.

The night is mine.

Chapter 4

---