Page 14 of The KING Review

I know I said that already, but obviously the safe word is for you, since like I said, I’m the pushy one here

but if I think I need to check you’re okay, I will

Something behind my sternum aches. It feels split open, the sensation spreading under my ribs, warm and sticky. What is this woman doing to me?

Me:

I know. Thank you. I appreciate you being conscientious.

Don’t:

so… now we’ve got that out of the way, if I may turn the safe word system on its head for a moment. How do you celebrate a small victory?

I huff a soft laugh, unsure of how to respond, until my thumb and forefinger start moving almost of their own accord.

Me:

I let myself message the off-limits student I shouldn’t be messaging.

Don’t:

well

now I’m a little insulted you only consider that a SMALL victory

but, I guess, baby steps, yknow

I’m sure I’ll win you over

I blow out a breath, trying to steel myself before I respond, unsure if I even will—because honestly… yeah, she’s right. That’s what I’m afraid of.

Chapter Five

Like a Superpower

Neve

Ihaven’t messaged Grant in about a week. It’s not been a test or some shit, I’ve just been busy. I guess he has, too. It’s not personal or intentional, and honestly, from the point of view of knowing from the get-go that I want this to be a real relationship, I kind of like it.

I like him; I don’t just want to fuck him because I think he’s hot—though I do want that—I want a real thing. A real thing means that we’re individual people. He’s got his shit; I’ve got mine. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. If anything, I think it’s healthy.

But I’m starting to get… an itch.

I want to talk to him. Classic crush. He’s at the center of my thoughts when they wander. I’ve seen him around campus, but tonight, that’s suddenly no longer enough—so I fire off a message, leaning back in my corduroy sofa.

Me:

sooo… is it true that you can actually read body language through voice?

you told me that before

“voice is body” – which honestly, still haunts me

I force myself to stop. I’m a piecemeal message girlie; I send bits and pieces instead of sending a paragraph. I have friends and family who do the same (Vida, Cade), and those who find it absolutely maddening (Fia).

Professor Daddy:

Nice to hear from you again, Miss Hart.