Back at his complex

It was late when Steven got back to his apartment complex, but not so late that he didn’t see Chloe sitting outside her apartment.

“Chloe, is everything ok?”

“Ugh, no, I’m locked out.”

“Why don’t you come over to my place. Then at least you won’t be sitting outside.”

“Um… ok, yeah.”

Chloe got up haltingly, but willingly. Crossing the courtyard, she offered a weak smile. He returned the expression, but something predatory flickered behind his eyes. Steven opened the door and ushered the girl in.

“What has you out so late.”

“Oh, um… I was seeing my boyfriend.”

Steven’s eyebrow raised. “And how is he?”

“He’s fine…” She trailed off.

“Did something happen?” Steven pressed a little more.

“No I mean… It’s fine.” It clearly wasn’t fine. Steven saw a look cross behind the girl’s eyes as she tried to convince herself and her neighbor that she wasn’t lying.

Steven pondered the girl for a second. Then a smile crossed his lips: “Trance.”

Immediately the tension left her body and she stared into the middle distance. “Yes master?”

“Be honest with me. What happened with your boyfriend tonight?”