Spiral

Keep the black swan outfit. I want to watch you take it off tonight. —Elias

If I could handcuff you to myself, I would. But you’re a star, Sage Beaumont, and you’re too precious to be kept a secret.” A stray tear slips down her cheek, but I wipe it away. “The studio will be here when you get back, but right now, you know what your heart wants

“If anyone gets it, it’s me. You don’t have to pretend that you’re okay, but I’ll never let you doubt yourself. There’s nothing that can dim your light, and if you think there is, I’d crush it before it ever touched you

Let’s go home,” she whispers into the crook of my neck.

I nod, but she doesn’t know that I’m already there

“You could just really love the herb.”

“No, I think I really love the girl

Hi, Elias,” she whispers.

“Hi, baby.”

That’s mine,” I say, reaching for it, but he snatches it away.

“Mine now

I kiss her. “Say it.”

“Fine,” she relents. “I’ll be your girlfriend.”

Will you be my real girlfriend, Sage Beaumont?”

“If you think I’d fuck anyone other than my girlfriend like that, you’re mistaken.”