Page 202 of Sweet Nightmare

“So?”

“You don’t text for twenty minutes.”

She shrugs.“People change.”

I stare at her.

“People, yes. You? I don’t think so.”

She shoots me a look before returning her attention to her phone.

She must think I’m an idiot.

I know what’s going on and I’ve known for a while now.

Stevie and my mother have corrupted my bodyguard.

Unbelievable. Well, not really since Mika loves to mess with me as a hobby.

I decide to ignore it for now and carry on as if I don’t have three traitors conspiring against me.

I return to my work, determined to focus.

I last all of five seconds before my phone vibrates and starts ringing.

I glance at the screen.

A group video call from members of my family.

Oh, that’s never a good sign.

I consider ignoring it.

Then, against my better judgment, I answer.

The second the video call connects, far too many faces appear.

“ARTEMIS!”

I wince.

Allegra.

“Hello.”

“You look tired.”

“I am tired.”

“That’s because you’re allergic to happiness, sissy.”

I stare at her and her smile widens.

Then Mom appears, perfect as always, smiling just like her eldest.

“Hello, my precious moonbeam.”

“Hello, Mother.”