He Knows When You’re Awake: A Naughty or Nice Novel

by Alta Hensley

It’s all chipped away at the certainty I once had in my self-worth.

“You’re brilliant, talented, and gorgeous. Any man would be lucky to have you spill drinks on him.”

“I think I’m being courted by a potential serial killer,” I say when Chloe answers. “Ooh, fun! Wait, what?”

“It’s not a trap if she wants to be caught.”

“If I were a serial killer, I’d have much better pickup lines than ‘Come live in my tower and make pretty things.’”

signed that contract, agreeing to live in his tower like some kind of jewelry-making Rapunzel.

“You’ve gone full Stockholm syndrome, and I am HERE for it.” Chloe’s

his gaze holds me more trapped than any chain.

“I pay attention,” I say simply. “Even to the things you don’t say out loud.”

“You don’t have to downplay it, you know. I want to hear about your struggles too.”

“It’s complicated,” he says finally. “Uncomplicate it,” I snap.

“A tree and a puppy,” she says softly. “That’s how you think you’ll fix this?”

“Our life,” I correct her softly. “And maybe it needs disrupting.”

“I thought I was giving you a gift, but really . . . I think I’m giving us both permission to make a mess. Create something new.”