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Hurt because I stayed up all night perfecting my closing statement just for him to stomp all over it. My mind is full of stabby impulses, but, really, I noticed I only have those when he treats me like shit. Or when I’m jealous. Over the past month, ever since the first time he hugged me to sleep and called me by my first name, I thought things had changed. We don’t just get together so he can fuck my brains out anymore. He’s been joining me at the archery range. I have my own personal range at the mansion but usually stick to the public one to avoid friends barging in uninvited. Lately, though, I’ve been spending more time at the club, and it’s quickly become my favorite spot. Mostly because I’ve been teaching Kayden. Turns out, he’s pretty interested—and annoyingly good at it. A fast learner, actually. The club is discreet enough that no one bats an eye at our existence. They’d just assume we’re there by coincidence. We’ve also started playing chess, and honestly, it’s my favorite th