“He cleared things up, then? You guys are good?” Her eyes study me hard.

“Yeah. I was angry at first, but he pulled a huge caveman stunt, and I kind of liked it.” Before we can say anything else, the professor enters class and begins her lecture on deconstructing poetry and all the hidden meanings behind it.

When Hael and I head to the library, I’m still buzzing with excitement over being married, and we’re talking about everything we just listened to, so I don’t notice him. A man following us. I have no clue about it or what it will mean for me.

“Oh, shoot, I forgot my notebook in class. Grab us a table, Pipe, and I’ll be right back.” My friend is gone before I can agree.

Digging through my bag for my phone, I call Galen as I continue walking. “Wife,” he growls, and my nipples pebble.

“Husband.” I try mimicking his tone and fail miserably, making us both laugh.

“Is it still in?” He’s talking about the sneaky toy he forced me to wear today. I told him he couldn’t try it out while I was in my classes.

“You know it is.” I don’t think I have it in me to disobey him.

“Good, you alone?”

“Walking to the library.” I’m breathless with anticipation.

“Good girl.” I buzz with the praise, and then my body buzzes when he turns it on. Gasping, I stop to catch my breath. “Fuck, I can’t wait to see you. How long until your next class?”

I can hardly concentrate with the way the device reverberates inside my channel and the tip massages my clit.

“Daddy,” I whimper as I lean against a tree.

“It’s barely turned on, doll.” He takes the opportunity to turn it up. “Now you really feel it, don’t you?” Sticking my fist to my mouth, I bite down so I don’t make any noise.

“I’m going to come,” I warn him, and he chuckles.

“Do it, Pipe; come for Daddy, but don’t make a sound. Nobody else gets to know what’s happening to my precious girl.”

My body explodes, and I wail into the phone quietly as my body collapses against the tree. Out of breath and barely able to open my eyes, I listen to Galen as he jerks off at home. When he shouts his own release, I feel regret. “That was mine,” I moan as I hear him panting.

“It was, but you’re at school.” The taunt is something we argued about this morning. He wanted me to stay home for a few days, but I couldn’t ignore my responsibilities after all I’d worked for. “When I get you home, I’ll fill you up until you’re leaking.” His promise is dirty but warms me up.

“I have to go.” The pout in my tone is audible.

“I’ll see you in a few hours, baby.” Hanging up, I debate going to the library or heading home. I miss Galen like crazy, and I can understand his obsession with me even more now because of it.

“You good, Pipe?” Hael looks at me in confusion, likely wondering why I’m still outside.

“Yeah, I called Galen while you were gone.” A smile erupts on her face.

“You two are going to be inseparable, aren’t you?” I shrug. I don’t think she’s wrong.

Sitting outside the economics hall, I’m reading through my English Lit paper that I finished writing this afternoon when a shiver works down my spine, and my ears start to ring. Lifting my head, I glance around the area as I wait for Galen to arrive. Not noticing anything out of place, I return to reading.

A few minutes later, the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and I’m sure I’m being watched. After Marcus’ reaction to the wedding, I’m cautious in my movements. Saving my edits, I pack up my laptop in what I hope is my normal manner. Slinging the bag over my shoulder, I get to my feet and look for a nearby garbage can to throw my empty iced coffee cup in. When I spot one, I begin walking casually towards it.

Glancing around the area, I still don’t see anyone paying me much more attention than anyone else, but I can’t shake the feeling. I toss my cup and keep going forward towards the parking lot, intending to meet Galen in the mix of cars because I’m not feeling very safe to wait him out.

A honking horn makes me jump and nearly lose my footing, but I keep moving along. When I finally spot my husband, I breathe a huge sigh of relief and give him a welcoming smile as he approaches. With one last quick look around, I don’t spot anyone and think it must be in my head.

“What’s wrong?” I should have known he’d pick up on it.

“Nothing.” Lifting my shoulder in a careless shrug, I buckle my seat belt.

Galen grips my chin between two fingers and turns my head in his direction, scowling at me. “Don’t fucking lie to me, Piper. I ask you a question, I expect an honest response.” His anger brings my fears to the surface, and my chin trembles.