~ Linda ~

I slip the phone from my bag and see the home number blinking. Bryan. He’s awake now searching for his phone, panicking. And I can’t help the rush that flares inside me.

My thumb hovers over the answer icon. Part of me wants to ignore it but the louder part wants him to hear what’s happening.

“Hello?” My voice is steadier than I feel.

“What the fuck, Linda? Why do you have my—” His voice cuts off.

Something dark, bitter, and delicious rises in me; rage, betrayal, the need to make him squirm the way I am.

“Oh, Bryan,” I murmur, dragging the word out like it’s...