Lillie

I wake up to the sound of my cellphone. I reach out for the bedside table, grope around, and answer the call without checking who it is. I've just opened my eyes.

"Hello?"

"Good morning, my sleeping beauty." Dante's voice sounds through the speaker. I sit up quickly and widen my eyes. "Did I wake you?"

Oh, how embarrassing, he must think I'm lazy.

I glance at the clock on my nightstand; it's nine in the morning.

"No, I was already awake," I try not to sound groggy. "Is something wrong?" I want to hide the excitement in my voice.

"I just wanted to hear your voice and check on how you're doing. I don't have much time. And I shouldn't call you on just any phone."

I don't understand why he can't call me on any phone or cell, but since he's short on time, I won't ask right now. I'll take this chance to hear his voice, which always makes me nervous whenever he speaks. I hear him saying sweet or provocative things to me, as he likes to do.

"So, you can't even send me a message?" I nee