Miles Between Us

The Grand Hotel Bristol was too quiet. I was sprawled across the king-sized bed, staring at the ornate ceiling and wondering if I actually liked the silence, or if it just felt empty.

Then my phone buzzed.

**nero:** u awake

I stared at the screen. I didn't answer for ten minutes. I wanted him to wonder.

**me:** depends on who’s asking

**nero:** a guy who’s bored out of his mind.

**nero:** how’s the fancy life in italy? u feel like a princess yet?

I rolled onto my stomach, a smirk tugging at my lips.

**me:** something like that.

**me:** u still stuck in the same old routine?

**nero:** pretty much.

**nero:** though it’s a lot quieter without u here to give me a headache.

**me:** u love my headaches. admit it.

**nero:** i tolerate them. there’s a difference.

I laughed, the sound echoing in the empty room. He was playing the "I don't care" game. I knew how to play that.

**me:** well, keep tolerating the silence then. 💅

**nero:** shut up.

**nero:** send me a pic. i bet u’re just wearing oversized pajamas and eating chips in that hotel room.

I looked down at myself. I wasn't in pajamas. I was wearing the top I’d worn to the club—a sheer, tight thing that left almost nothing to the imagination.

**me:** u think so?

**nero:** i know so. u’ve always been a homebody.

**me:** maybe i’ve changed.

**nero:** prove it.

I didn't take a "cute" photo. I didn't even show my face. I took a shot from the neck down, focusing on the way the fabric clung to my curves and the gold light of the lamp hitting my skin. I hit send and tossed the phone onto the pillow, my heart suddenly racing.

*Seen.*

The silence that followed was heavy. No "damn," no "oh," no joke. Just silence.

I started to feel a prickle of anxiety. *Did I go too far? Does he hate it?*

Then, the phone buzzed.

**nero:** u’re trying to kill me.

I bit my lip, a rush of heat hitting my chest.

**me:** i have no idea what u’re talking about.

**nero:** stop lying.

**nero:** u know exactly what u’re doing.

**me:** maybe i just liked the outfit.

**nero:** i’m sure u did.

**nero:** where were u wearing that to?

**me:** out. with some people.

**nero:** "some people."

**nero:** u sound suspicious. who was it?

**me:** why do u care? u’re halfway across the world.

**nero:** that’s the problem.

I stared at the screen. That was the most honest thing he had ever said to me. The teasing was gone, replaced by something raw and frustrated.

**me:** are u jealous, nero?

**nero:** i’m annoyed.

**nero:** annoyed that i’m here and some idiot in italy gets to see u in that.

My stomach flipped. I wanted to tease him, to push him further, but the air in the room suddenly felt too thick.

**me:** u could’ve come with me.

**nero:** don’t start.

**nero:** go to sleep, cat. before i actually lose my mind.

I grinned, feeling a strange, warm ache in my chest.

**me:** goodnight, nero.

**nero:** goodnight, princess.

I stared at the screen until it went black, feeling the distance between us for the first time—and wishing it wasn't there.