Page 58 of Tormenting Me

To make a point, I stop in the middle of the sidewalk and plant a possessive kiss on Layne’s lips. Then, noticing that her shoe has come untied, I drop to my knee and tie it for her. I look up at her and as I stand back up, then pull her close to me, pressing my lips to her ear. “Other women may look, Ma Petite Mort, but just remember, I am yours. That’s my cum that’s in your pussy. Your blood that was on my lips and tongue earlier. You own me just like I own you.”

“How would you feel if someone looked at me the way they looked at you?” She asks as she slides her hands up the back of my shirt, the chill of her causing goosebumps on my skin.

“I know you’re mine, baby. I wouldn’t be worried.” Okay, that’s a fucking lie.

Layne laughs, “Right, and then I would find him tied to a chair down on the warehouse floor as you “eradicate” the problem.” She air quotes the word eradicate and it makes me laugh, she knows me all too well.

“Exactly, like I said. I wouldn’t be worried.” I take her hand back in mine as I lead her toward the car. “We have something to do before heading home. Okay with you?”

Layne shrugs her shoulders in nonchalance. “Sure.”

I stand and shake hands with the salesman and he hands me the keys to the gas-guzzling beast we just bought. Layne is already messing with all the stereo settings and programming her seat position. The shit-eating grin on her face is everything I hoped for. She mentioned us getting a vehicle that can handle being in rougher terrain. Since we went to the Redwoods, she has been itching for more nature time.

I haven’t told her about our little Christmas getaway yet, but I am excited about everything I have planned. And now we have the perfect vehicle to get up there. Layne is going to love the Sierra Nevada covered in snow.

We just have one little thing to take care of before we go.

Bannister.

Chapter thirty-four

Layne

Driving myself to work today in our new truck was a new experience for me. I know I complained about needing a car to stay on time and not spending the money on ride shares, but fuck, I didn’t realize how shitty it was driving in the city. Don’t even get me started on parking. Luckily, there is some parking behind the shop. I texted Kris to make sure it was okay for me to park back there, to which she said it was fine.

Atlas ran out when he heard the truck pull, and the look on his face was priceless.

“La La, that’s a lot of truck for a small girl like you,” he laughs, checking it out from every angle.

“You’re telling me! Wes had me practice driving it around the property before he left for work. He’s paranoid that I’m going to hurt someone.”

“I knew there was a reason I liked him.” Atlas nods his head, then smirks at me before bursting into laughter. “Come on, woman. We have a shit ton of orders to pack up.”

“Wait, so you mean to tell me, you finally opened up to someone other than me about that sleazeball who abused you as a kid?” Atlas’s mouth hangs open as I tell him about opening up to Wes. “How did Wes handle it? He kinda gives off, ‘Touch my wife and die’ vibes.”

Oh, Atlas…you do not know how scary accurate that is.

“You have no idea. He… is still processing it.” It’s not a lie, per se.

Atlas chuckles, shaking his head in amusement. “Well, I guess I can’t be mad at him for that. You deserve all the protection and love in the world, La La. Now, enough heavy stuff, let’s get to work!”

We both dive into the task at hand, putting our energy into packing up book orders and focusing on the present moment. We work together in tandem. Atlas and I have a comfortable rhythm, effortlessly moving around the shop and efficiently packing up orders. The sound of tape being ripped and boxes being sealed fills the air, accompanied by our occasional laughter and banter.

I can’t help but feel grateful for Atlas’s presence in my life. He’s been my rock, my confidant, and the one person who has seen me through my darkest moments. Opening up to Wes about my past was a gigantic step for me, and having Atlas’s support means the world.

After we finish up with the orders, Atlas looks at me with a mischievous grin. “Hey La La, you up for a little adventure after work? There is a great spot where we can grab some burgers and chill.”

I smile, feeling a sense of excitement. “Sure, why not? After all, we deserve a break after all this hard work.”

We close up the shop and hop into the truck, ready for a small escape from the city chaos. As we drive, the wind blowing through the open windows, I can’t help but appreciate the freedom and sense of liberation that comes with being behind the wheel.

Atlas turns on the radio, and one of our favorite songs plays, “Downfall” by Trust Company. We both sing along, completely immersed in the moment. It’s moments like these that remind me of the simple joys in life and the importance of surrounding myself with people who genuinely care.

Arriving at the burger joint, we find a cozy corner booth and indulge in some delicious food. I pull out my phone and send a quick text to Wes, letting him know I would be home a little late. The atmosphere is lively, and the laughter and chatter of other patrons fill the air. It’s a perfect way to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

Savoring the last bites of our food, Atlas leans back in his seat, a contented smile on his face. “You know, La La, life may throw us curveballs, but as long as we have the ones we love and moments like these, we’ll be just fine.”

“Oh, you’re some kind of philosopher now, are you?” I laugh, throwing a French fry at him.

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