episode 5: Between the lines

...Between the Lines ...

Scarlett’s phone buzzed beneath her pillow, the vibration sending a thrill through her fingertips as she reached for it.

Valen: Still awake, baby?

A smile tugged at her lips. That nickname. It was new. And it made her stomach flutter in a way she wasn’t ready to admit.

Scarlett: Maybe. What if I was waiting for you?

Valen: Then I’d say you’re exactly where I want you to be.

Scarlett bit her lip. He had a way with words—dangerous, intoxicating, and impossible to resist.

Scarlett: And where do you want me to be, exactly?

There was a pause before a picture popped up. The dim lighting cast sharp shadows across his features—his jawline defined, his lips slightly parted as if he had just run his tongue over them. The way he held his phone low made it clear: he wanted her to look.

Valen: Here. In my bed. Wrapped in my sheets. Wearing nothing but my hoodie.

Scarlett’s breath hitched.

Scarlett: Your hoodie? That’s all?

Valen: You’d look so damn good in it. But I’d make sure it doesn’t stay on for long.

A shiver ran down her spine. The distance between them was unbearable, but nights like this blurred the lines. She turned onto her side, gripping her phone tighter.

Scarlett: You like teasing me, don’t you?

Valen: I like making you imagine all the things I’d do if I were there.

A video call request popped up. Her heart pounded. She hesitated for half a second before answering.

Valen’s face filled the screen, his dark eyes burning into hers. His voice was lower than usual, smooth and heavy with something unspoken. “Let me hear your voice, baby.”

Scarlett swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. “You have my voice.”

“Not the way I want it,” he murmured.

Her body tensed. “And how do you want it?”

Valen leaned closer to the camera, his gaze locked onto hers. “Breathless. Saying my name.”

Her whole body flushed. He was so far away, yet he made her feel as if he was right there, whispering against her skin.

“I hate that you’re far,” she admitted.

“I know, baby. But I promise, the second I see you again…” He exhaled, his jaw tightening. “I won’t hold back.”

Scarlett’s breath was uneven. “Promise?”

His smirk was sinful. “You have no idea.”

A rush of heat flooded through her. This was dangerous. Addictive. And she was falling—fast.

“Say it again,” she whispered.

“What?”