Page 45 of The Donor’s Dilemma

His finger tapped on Verity instantly. She never texted him first. The last message was her insisting she was alright that evening when he’d pestered. Sleep had all but eluded him and if she’d slept, it was in blissful ignorance.

Verity

Can I come a bit earlier today?

She didn’t need to come at all. He’d taken more than enough at the club, so much he’d felt her pulse dip. Too much. But he couldn’t help himself, she never looked at him while he fed and the way she curled in, watched every draw, eyes rolling and lashes fluttering. Gods, she was perfect. It had been hard to stop but holding her after was almost as sweet.

No. Fucking stop it.

You don't need to come if you're busy.

Three dots appeared. Disappeared. Appeared.

But I want to see you

He ran a hand through his hair. She wants to see me…

On the ride home that morning he’d made it crystal clear where they stood with each other and she seemed to understand. Was this resistance? Or did she need to talk? Had something happened? What if Petra had done something? Or Abe?

The heart that no longer needed to beat raced, as every terrible thing that could happen to his Verity flashed through his mind.

Come whenever you want.

If something were truly wrong, she’d call, like she had after the flowers.

Next was Elliot.

Elliot

We had so much fun last night. Marcy's

desperate to see Birth of a God next

week and desperate to see Verity again

too. Two birds, one stone?

Then a second message.

I meant it, she's too good for you

If there were one good thing to come from all this, other than spending time with Verity, it was having his friend back.

Theatre with the girls sounds great.

Finally, his brother.

Jesse

Call me

Theo checked the time then hit call. He was almost an hour behind already. An extra five minutes would make no difference at this point.

“Hey, you got a minute?” Jesse asked.

“No, but tell me anyway.”

“So, Abe’s negotiating a trade deal. With the Cliffhaven port officially cut off, Salvation are offering their port to connect to the east.”