Page 59 of Let's Be Forever

“Fuck,” Sylas husks, dragging his fingers down my slit before he slaps it. “You’re so wet. I’m going to have so much fun with you.”

“Hot. We were…many things, but we’re over. Things are finally better. Maya’s back. I have you girls. The bakery is doing great, and yeah.” I swallow past the lump, not bothering to fake a smile. “And we’re just not the same people.”

I’m saying good night to Maya when we hear a knock on the door.

We look at each other then the door as the knocking persists.

“Sylas?” She lifts a brow.

“No, he’s got hockey.” He told me that with the preseason about to begin, he would be busy throughout the week, but if I needed anything to text him. I haven’t, but he’s been texting me, asking about Rosie and whether I’m getting enough sleep.

I’m motioning for her to stay where she’s at as I head to the door, grabbing my bat. I look through the peephole and roll my eyes.

I open it a sliver, my fist still wrapped around cool metal. “Yes, Joel?”

“How do you know Sylas?”

I regret opening the door. “I don’t have time for this. Good night.”

He holds a palm up, preventing me from closing it. “Anna, this is a big deal. That’s Sylas Lenoir Al?—”

“I’m aware. Night,” I bite out.

He shoves his foot between the crack, keeping the door wedged open. “I shoot home videos. If you and Sylas are into that kind of thing, you could?—”

“No.” I jam the end of the bat on his foot hard. He yelps and jolts back, and I quickly shut the door and lock it.

Thankfully he doesn’t bother us, but a few hours later, I hear his bed frame smacking against the wall.

“Joel again?” Em asks when I yawn for the sixtieth time the next day after stepping up to the front as a customer leaves.

He was up for hours last night, the loudest he’s ever been, and woke up Rosie and Maya. We stayed in the living room because most of the noise could be heard from my bedroom.

I know other neighbors have also complained to management, but nothing is being done.

“Yeah, last night he came over and asked if Sylas and I wanted to join him.”

Em gapes at me then laughs. “What did you say?”

“What do you think I said?” I grimace.

“So what are you going to do?” She lifts a brow. Her tone is supposed to come off as innocent, but I know what she’s asking.

“No, I’m not going to move in with Sylas.”

Like yesterday, today was a good day, but it was busy. As much as I love what I do, I’m thankful tomorrow is Sunday. I’m in desperate need of a day off.

Which is why I rush home as soon as we close, ready to shower and sleep, but before I can unlock my front door, I find a folded note taped to it.

Now that I think about it, I saw some other doors tacked with the same paper.

When I head inside and start reading it, I almost scream, but I stop myself knowing Rosie is already sleeping.

“What’s wrong?” Maya studies me, careful eyes charting my face.

“There’s mold,” I clip, breathing harshly. “They’ve found mold in the apartment complex.”

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