The Law is Hard

Chapter 19

Magnus' POV

I normally struggle to fall asleep. It always seems as soon as I lie down in bed all the most embarrassing, most regretful, or most frustrating thoughts come into my brain for some kind of insomnia-inducing party. However, last night it wasn't thoughts of how I stumbled on the runway that one time. Or thoughts of how I wish I could hug and say "I love you" to my grandma one last time.

It was my phone.

Specifically, my text messages...my unanswered text messages.

Specifically, my unanswered text messages from Alexander.

I laid there on Ragnor's horrible couch and tossed and turned wondering why he hadn't answered. Was he regretting saying yes to going out with me? Was he in trouble? Was he just busy? Was he with somebody else?

I debated whether or not I should send a second message. What if he didn't get my message? What if he forgot to reply? Would I just come across as annoying or clingy?

A smaller voice in my head was also asking me constantly, why do you even care so much?

I have only known Alexander for a week...spent a few days with him really. What is it about him that I can't get out of my head?

I thought about his blue eyes that radiated kindness and understanding. His broad shoulders that bespoke confidence. His shy smile that conveyed his vulnerability. Not to mention his muscled arms and legs that made my mouth go dry and stirred desire deep within me.

I eventually fall asleep thinking about what those blue eyes would look like staring intensely with desire at me.

I wake up to Katy Perry singing in my ear. I groggily pry my eyes open and automatically grope for my phone on the bedside, in the process rolling myself off the couch to the floor. I hit the carpet with a muffled "thud" and it does little to cushion my fall.

Katy Perry continues to sing Hot n Cold which was the ringtone for my father.

I try to kick my legs free of the blankets, and try to get up, banging into the coffee table in the process. My body is going to be covered in bruises before I even fully wake up at the rate I'm going.

I blink furiously, trying to wake up, then realize stupidly the reason I can't see is because the entire apartment is dark. A thin orange glow shines dimly through the crack in the curtains.

Katy Perry stops right before the chorus. I sigh in relief.

Talking to my father first thing in the morning does not sound appealing. Although I feel a bit guilty for not having responded to him last night. I know he wants what's best for me and wants to help me. However, he cannot accept that what is best for me is so different than what is best for him.

My eyes finally adjust to the dim light. I'm tempted to go back to sleep, but I have a lot I want to do today and I may as well get started since I'm awake.

I finally manage to free myself of the blanket and stand and stretch my arms above my head. I feel the small bumps and bruises from falling off the couch—today is not the first day I've done that. I rub the back of my neck and roll my shoulders, trying to ease the tension. While I am very grateful to not be homeless, or even at a hotel where Camille's family would find me so easily since they're the bigwigs in the industry, it does not make the couch any less uncomfortable.

I carefully fold up the blanket and stack it with my pillow and make my way over to my bags. Thankfully, I keep things pretty tidy and organized, so I know where my toiletry bad is and my bathrobe, even in the dark.