urling of happiness and relief in her stomach seeing Asa jump on her laughing immediately she sighted her at the airport, she had been a bit skeptical, thinking Asa w

r the light, her face was beautifully defined with captivating eyes that had the fullest, longest lashes mery had ever seen, her kinky hair when loosened was soo full it had to be put in two buns instead of one

you're my plus one," Asa said excitedly. Meryl laughed

party; what will I wear?"

I should bring you as my plus one so you could see the elites of Manhattan eat roas

t and most successful in the world, DE SANTIS IMPERIUM OIL, she recalled, the name was on one

id gently, taking Meryl's arm to lead her into a room. Meryl

hick knit blanket for extra warmth. A small wooden nightstand with a lamp added a touch of charm, while a tall floor lamp gave off soft lighting. A simple framed artwork ab

o my arrival, I love you so m

the fridge; I'm going to run an errand and it's almost 3 pm should be back by 6 or later". Asa s

oom and said as she closed the door "Sleep well,hairzilla" She r

***

beloved Harry Potter books, their edges hand-painted by Steven to depict all the characters. Nestled among them was a package of her mother's delicious stromboli and a large bundle of homemade cheeses, aged in bulk over the years. The other s

ad been years since she last had a nightmare, and this one had come with a darkness that clung to her like a second sk

st, dimly lit room. The only source of light was a wide window facing west, where a ma

black vest clung to his toned chest, his dress pants loose and elegant. His hair was black, laye

he tu

swallowed

d no

ll stared

r fingers. Her breath came in ragged gasps as he stepped toward her, the glass now empty in his grip. But she

o fight, to do something, but fear kept her frozen. Instead, she crouc

dn't

hand clamping onto her wrist in

sound that sent ice through her veins. Then, in a voice smooth as silk a

can he

htened, his hand snapping to her waist, fingers pressing into her flesh so hard she gasped in pain

s voice

. Poss

ne else. Nowhere else. You'll

r face now, the words crashi

g in deep enough to break the skin. Blood beaded against her ribs, warm

eached fo

ryl wo

he got out of bed and walked to the sitting room where she checked if the door was locked,she sighed in relief the door was locked form the inside and the security chain was

oor,she opened the fridge and found the a full ceramic,transparent bowl of Mac and cheese and took it out and placed it in the microwav

small tray,she set the tray down and turned on the light

elegant, timeless, and, most importantly, unworn. Tonight felt like the perfect occasion to change that. She slipped on a pair of silver stiletto heels to match, then reached for the th

ck in Italy and would carve tiny pieces of furniture for her dolls with a kind of patience that mesmerized her. A tall

pering, "Sei la mia bella bambola."-"You're my beautiful doll." And he had insisted-almost stubb

one. A stroke, the doctor said. A

their places in the wardrobe,she giggled and twirled till she reached the vanity table where her phone was,she gasped as she

ed Steven

e getting worried," Steven s

yes. "Why didn't y

but had to run an errand. Mom wanted to

asleep and woke up no

should behave wel

led. "Tell

n Steven's end before he

" Meryl

nt, then softened her vo

even more," S

guilt-he had tried calling four times and left multiple

me tomorrow, I'm getting a fli

same man who had camped outside a movie theater for three days just because she wanted tickets

," he said, his voice

rry, please,"

you doing?"

leep," sh

ut she didn't pick up." His tone had softe

exactly where she was-it was a small town, predictable. But now, she

y," she s

ed just a little, and she couldn't help bu

r DMs," he

creenshot of a booked flight to Illin

ake you worry so much

fore Alex asked, "Do

sleep. I'm so jetl

to eat," he

eese on the table, forgotten hours ago.

" Alex snapped, but there w

she co

ed again. "I lov

ed. "I wish y

tell me you love me s

voice quieter no

sing heart. She reacted with one of her own, then sank