I’m about to log off and take a nap when my screen lights up with a new message.

DominaTrix: I know who you are.

Fuck. It’s Jackie. I stare at the screen, wondering how the fuck she found out and what the hell I’m supposed to write back.

DominaTrix: Leave her alone, Austin. You’ve done enough.

CuratorofLostSouls: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

I choose to go with denial.

DominaTrix: Prove it.

My screen lights up with a video chat request. Fuck. So much for denial. I plug in my headphones and accept the request, knowing I’m about to get flame sprayed by Elizabeth’s best friend.

“How’s it going, Jackie?” I ask nonchalantly.

“Die in a fire, shithead,” she jeers with a sweetly evil smile. “Are you going to leave my best friend alone, or do I have to come cut your balls off?” Her voice is unnervingly charming.

“I’m not doing—”

“The fuck you’re not. I see you, scheming, manipulating with your little band of dickwads.”

“I’m just helping her out, Jackie.”

“Thanks for that. She’s got her country back, now you can fuck right the fuck off.”

I’m used to her brutal honesty after the hours of gaming, but knowing she could take away the only part of Elizabeth I have left makes me cringe. I can’t lose this.

“You’re done fucking with her head, Man Meat.”

My heart stops. “Does she know?”

“That you’re the one helping her? No, not yet. And not ever if I have anything to say about it. That’s why you need to back the fuck off. What do you think you’re playing at anyway?”

“Nothing. It’s not a big deal,” I lie.

“It is. To her it is. You know she loves you, you piece of shit. Even though it’s killing her.”

Jackie’s words plunge a knife into my heart, but I don’t show it.

“She doesn’t love me. It was just a stupid crush. She’ll get over it.” And so will I. Someday. “Isn’t she with Monte now?” Rage surges through my body at the idea of his hands on her.

“Monte?” Jackie makes a gagging sound and mimics vomiting off camera. At least, I think she’s faking. “Were you dropped on your head as a baby? ’Cause you’re a fucking idiot. Even if Lizbit wasn’t completely in love with you, she’d never have anything to do with that douchecanoe.”

A weight lifts off my chest and my heart expands ten-fold. “She’s not seeing anyone?”

“Are you listening to me at all?” Jackie throws her hands up in frustration and shakes her head violently, her bright red hair flying around the screen. “You’ve given her penis PTSD. You’re literally her worst fear. You didn’t just reject her, you eviscerated her.”