Transit, 42 part 2 (Patreon)

John’s voice came sharp and direct, slicing through her daze. “Where the hell were you?” he snapped, not giving her a second to respond before barreling forward. “Listen, we’ve got a big chance here. I’ve set up a meeting at your hotel with a potential investor. Don’t screw this up.”

Lori’s mouth opened to respond, but the metallic tang on her tongue pulled her attention away—a piercing she hadn’t known was there, pressing against her teeth. The sensation was strange, disorienting, but John’s words dragged her back.

“I’m counting on you, Lori. I’ll send the details. Don’t mess this up!” he barked, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Thrown off, her pulse racing, she stammered out a reply. “Y-yeah… yeah, you got it,” she blurted, her voice slipping into something raw and unfiltered, almost vulgar. “I’ll… I’ll fuckin’ nail it, promise.”