Page 60 of Ruthless Dream

“Next time text me before you come over,” I tell her, pulling her in for a kiss.

Her cheeks flush when she pulls away. “Are you mad?”

No. “What if I hadn’t been here?”

“Guess I’d have knocked on the neighbor’s door.” She sinks into the oversized cushions. “I wasn’t joking. I’m going to study.”

Since her cheeks are still pink, and I don’t want her to be overwhelmed, I push off the sofa.

“What are you doing?” she asks, chewing the end of a pen.

“Work.” I sit down at my computer, checking emails.

“Which is?” she asks quietly, like she’s not sure if she should.

“I’m good with computers,” I say. If I’d been anyone else, maybe I’d have gone off to university, gotten some fancy IT job, or gotten into coding.

My uncle is envisioning a future where we lead the city by taking over major suppliers. Being a hacker isn’t in the master plan, but it’s certainly fucking helpful.

“You know,” Adeline says slowly. “Good boyfriends don’t usually hack into their girlfriends’ phones.”

I don’t respond, staring into the abyss of my computer screens. I’ve got multiple monitors, everything placed exactly where I want it. I’m cautious with Adeline nearby on the sofa, but the need to do something other than sit on my arse overcomes me.

“Ciaran.”

When I look away from the computer, I realize the sun has shifted, shadows overtaking the living room.

Adeline has closed her textbook. “Are. . . Are you going to fuck me again?”

I’m out of my chair, a madman set loose, before she’s even finished asking.

CHAPTER 14

Adeline

There is nothing quieter than a corporate office.

Other than the occasional munch of a snack, typing, or an office phone ringing, a hushed silence has descended over the cubicles dedicated to interns.

How is it that it’s a perfectly crisp autumn day outside but glum inside? I get work isn’t glamorous, but this is bleak. Despairing.

Or maybe it’s just me.

My arms are folded over the desk, my head on top. There are only two other interns working today, and both have made it very clear they’re not interested in striking up a conversation with me.

Which is great; I love hearing whispers and giggles that they try to cover.

Nothing like a corporate office to really make you feel left out.

I never thought I’d be so desperate to participate in the office gossip.

My phone is dark, no notifications coming in.

Our family group chat has gone mute. Dad usually sends a good morning text to all of us, but he hasn’t today.

Neither did Ciaran.

I tap my phone screen. The time comes up, but nothing else. Not even a news notification.