He Sees You When You're Sleeping

by Alta Hensley

The third reason is . . . well . . . I don’t want Chloe to slip. And yet, I let that poor man suffer that exact fate. I made a commitment right then and there as I was lifting the man off the ground that I’d keep his walkway as clean as I keep Chloe’s.

every detail of her curvy frame, the way she sits upright when showing off a particularly dazzling piece, or how she tucks a loose strand of dark brown hair behind her ear when pondering about some jewelry design.

Yes, I may not fit the mold of the typical high-fashion influencer, but that’s precisely what makes me valuable. My unique perspective and ability to connect with a diverse audience are why Moth to the Flame chose me.

Where Moth to the Flame’s jewelry is rich and decadent, Hailey’s work is darker and edgier. Each piece tells a story, from the rough-hewn silver cuffs embedded with uncut gemstones to the delicate wire sculptures that look like they might take flight at any moment.

I hate to admit it, because I truly do love Sloane and her designs, but Hailey’s jewelry is much more my style. It’s gothic in nature. Collars, chokers, metal and raw. It’s a blend of BDSM club and Victorian elegance that speaks to my soul in a way Moth to the Flame’s more mainstream pieces never quite manage. Her jewelry feeds the alter ego inside of me. It fuels the “Chlo” as I like to call her.

“So, are you ready to channel your inner dark goddess for the shoot?” Hailey asks, wiggling her eyebrows mischievously. “Dark, gothic Christmas?” I grin, feeling a surge of excitement. “You know I am. Let’s bring out Chlo.” Hailey claps her hands together. “Yes! I’ve got the perfect backdrop set up in the back room. It’s all black velvet and twinkling lights—like a starry night sky.” As we move to the makeshift studio, I start to shed my professional persona. I change into my favorite little black dress, fishnets, and sexy black pumps. Gone is the polished influencer in her secondhand blazer and knockoff heels. In her place emerges Chlo—edgy, daring, and unapologetically herself. Hailey helps me into the first piece—an intricate silver collar adorned with black opals and razor-thin chains that drape across my collarbone. It’s heavy and cold against my skin, but it feels right. Like armor. “You look fierce,” Hailey says, stepping back to admire her handiwork. “Like some kind of warrior queen from another dimension.” I turn to the full-length mirror and barely recognize myself. My eyes seem darker, my cheekbones sharper. The collar transforms me, bringing out a side of myself I usually keep hidden. “All right, Chlo,” I whisper to my reflection. “Time to shine.” The photoshoot flies by in a blur of flashing lights and costume changes. Each piece Hailey puts on me feels like it’s unlocking a different facet of my personality. The moonbeam necklace makes me feel ethereal and my...

I smile to myself. Even her small indulgences are endearing.

I’m not exactly looking for the bad boy. In fact, I don’t want that either. But I do want someone who can challenge me, someone with a bit of an edge. Someone who doesn’t follow all the rules. Someone who has the same sexual interests as me.

“The Marquis de Sade? I wouldn’t have pegged you for a fan of eighteenth-century erotic literature.” I nearly drop the mugs. “Oh, that’s . . . that’s for research,” I stammer, feeling my face flush. Tyler’s lips quirk into a small smile. “Research, huh? What kind of research requires the works of the man who gave us the word sadism?”

“You know,” he says, his voice low and husky, “I’ve always found that the most interesting people are the ones with the most interesting bookshelves.”

“Oh, Jack! I’m so glad you could make it. I was getting ready to leave because I thought you weren’t coming,” I call out, waving him over. Tyler’s head whips around, his eyes narrowing as he takes in Jack’s uniform. Jack looks confused for a split second before catching on. “Sorry I’m late,” he says smoothly, coming to stand by our table. I stand up quickly, gathering my things. “Tyler, I’m so sorry, but I have plans with Jack that we are now late to. We’ll have to catch up another time.” Tyler’s jaw tightens, but he forces a smile. “Of course. No problem at all. We’ll talk soon.” I nod, relief soothing the anxiety inside as Jack and I make our way to the door. Once outside, I let out a long breath. “Thank you so much. You have no idea how much you just saved me.”

It’s a choker . . . no . . . it’s a collar. It’s gothic in style, with a small silver ring dangling from the front.

“Wanna know a secret? I happen to like dark,” he says, his eyes connecting with mine. Jesus. I swallow hard, trying to ignore the sudden spark of electricity between us. “Dark, huh? Be careful what you wish for, Jack.” He holds my gaze, his expression turning serious. “I’m not afraid of the dark. Or of you.”

Mine is . . . complicated, I type finally. It’s about control, I guess. Being seen, but on my own terms.

I imagine meeting you in person, she types. I picture you in a mask. A mask that is almost pagan in style. It will have horns or something demonic in nature. I imagine it covering most of your face. But not your lips.

I’m going to Naughty and Nice in the city tonight. Maybe you’re free to meet me there? I’ll be wearing a red ribbon around my neck tied in a bow. I’ll also be in a green, silky dress. Come and unwrap me.

Chloe’s back arches off the bed as she cries out, “Jack!” even though she doesn’t realize it’s me. Wait . . . did she just call out my name? I freeze, and she sits up, eyes wide.

I want to be a badge bunny or a hose hoe. Sign me up!”

“That’s my girl,” Sloane says warmly. “Just remember, you’re allowed to take your time. You’re allowed to explore. And most importantly, you’re allowed to put yourself first. It’s time to do you. Chloe era.”

Our gazes lock. For a breathless moment, neither of us moves. I see the shock register on her face, followed quickly by confusion, then understanding. Her lips part, forming a silent “oh” of recognition. I hold my breath, waiting for her reaction. Will she push me away in disgust? Scream? Call me a pervert and storm out? But then, something unexpected happens. A slow smile spreads across her face, her eyes lighting up with a mixture of surprise and . . . is that delight? “It’s you,” she whispers, her voice filled with wonder. “I should have known.”

Inside lies a delicate silver necklace, a small snowflake pendant hanging from the chain. Tiny blue stones are set into each point of the snowflake, catching the light and sparkling brilliantly.

“You’re right. But I don’t want this night to end.” “We don’t have to end,” I murmur, kissing the top of her head. “This is just the beginning.”

my outfit of a simple red sweater and black slacks seems to fit right in with the casual yet festive atmosphere.

“I think I’m falling for you,” Chloe whispers suddenly, her voice barely audible. My heart swells at her words. I’ve waited so long to hear them, dreamed of this moment countless times. But the reality is so much sweeter than any fantasy. “I’ve already fallen,” I admit, tightening my arms around her.