[ Hemmed in like this, she is aware of the advantages. Billy is taller. Broader. Stronger.
But she is aware of all his soft places too. Aware of how she could get away from him, even if it would be a clumsy scramble.
Even if would see her back where he found her, eventually, locked into the conceit of this festival. Nancy would be beholden to the little mark on her skin, indelible and unmistakable, designating her role in all of this and a whole slew of strangers who seemed so genuinely eager to help her participate.
Nancy doesn't break eye contact with him. Billy is pushing her, and she knows it. The second tug on the leash kicks back at it, pulling the strap taut between them.
Does she want someone else? Yes, but she hasn't seen Steve anywhere here. Quentin had talked about Eddie but she hasn't seen him either, and no one's said Robin's name, no one's mentioned Jonathan. Her jaw tightens, looking up at him. Waits, and waits, and waits, and doesn't think about who she wishes were here or where she wishes she was.
And eventually, the strap turns in her hand. Nancy lifts it, brings it up to click into place with a soft clack of metal. ]
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But she is aware of all his soft places too. Aware of how she could get away from him, even if it would be a clumsy scramble.
Even if would see her back where he found her, eventually, locked into the conceit of this festival. Nancy would be beholden to the little mark on her skin, indelible and unmistakable, designating her role in all of this and a whole slew of strangers who seemed so genuinely eager to help her participate.
Nancy doesn't break eye contact with him. Billy is pushing her, and she knows it. The second tug on the leash kicks back at it, pulling the strap taut between them.
Does she want someone else? Yes, but she hasn't seen Steve anywhere here. Quentin had talked about Eddie but she hasn't seen him either, and no one's said Robin's name, no one's mentioned Jonathan. Her jaw tightens, looking up at him. Waits, and waits, and waits, and doesn't think about who she wishes were here or where she wishes she was.
And eventually, the strap turns in her hand. Nancy lifts it, brings it up to click into place with a soft clack of metal. ]