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I move away from him, quickly pulling up my underwear. He takes off the condom and tosses it in the trash, then pulls up his pants. He’s smirking. He doesn’t look ashamed. He walks over and pulls me into his arms. “That was perfect,” he says huskily. “The best sex I’ve ever had.”

Me too, but I don’t know if he means it. “It was fun,” I reply. “But I should get back to work.”

“It was more than fun,” he says. “It was… life-changing.”

I laugh, rolling my eyes. “Now, you’re being dramatic.”

“Come here.”

He pulls me in for another kiss. It’s blazing passion. A wildfire of desire. I pull myself away before we have sex again.

“Don’t be so cheesy,” I say. “Though I know it’s your specialty.”

Or is that Iris who knows that? Now I’m all jumbled up.

When I move toward the door, he says, “Wait, Serena. Let me get your cell. That way, I can call you up and ask you on a real date every day for a morning treat.”

He makes me laugh so easily. I give him my number, then leave.

But later, I don’t text him from my own number. I text him as Iris.

Iris: Do you think it’s a good idea for two broken people to fall for each other?

CHAPTER 12

NIKOLAI

Ilook at Iris’ message, wondering if it’s a coincidence that she messaged this after Serena and I had sex.

X: Why are you asking me this?

To Serena, I send a message from my personal phone.

Nikolai: Just so you know, I wasn’t kidding about the daily calls. Expect one tomorrow at ten AM sharp.

Serena: For the record, if you do that, you will face my wrath.

Nikolai: Hmm, that sounds interesting.

I’m still hot from the incredible sex in this very office, the way she owned the moment, the way she moved against me. Most of all, it was how consumed she was by the pleasure, seizing on it like an escape, like she could forget everything else and just be with me. That was how she made me feel, too.

Iris: Can’t a girl be curious?

X: I think damaged people can break each other even more, or they can heal each other like any other people. It depends on the effort people are willing to put in.

Iris: So, you’re a relationship guru now?

Serena: Let me work.

Both women text at almost the same time. She could just be texting fast, or maybe she’s being sneakier. Getting the messages ready and pressing send at the same time. This is exactly the sort of thing I’m not supposed to think about. Iris was right when she said this system needs an extra person.

Nikolai: I’m here if you need a break.

X: You asked for my opinion, and that’s it.

Iris: But how does a person know beforehand if someone will break or heal them?

X: I have no idea, Iris.