Page 24 of Grave Obsession

Opening the door to the freshly painted spare room, I’m shocked when I realize everything is gone. The painters tape is removed, the paint job is flawless, all the cleaning and paint supplies have been taken out and I assume put away. I tentatively touch the wall, it’s dry, not tacky. He must have done this in the middle of the night.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes and my nose starts to sting from the emotional onslaught. I can’t believe I’m crying over this. He would tell me not to cry, that this is a good thing. He did it for me, no strings attached. I can hear his voice in my head as if he’s standing right in front of me. “I did it for you because you deserve it, not because I expect anything in return. But if you’re offering, I won’t deny you the pleasure, little siren.” The tears track down my cheeks and I need to take a moment to bask in this feeling. I never thought I would find happiness in my lifetime. I was positive I’d succumb to the abuse, I could’ve bet money on it. Either that or I would’ve finally gathered enough courage to snuff out my own light.

I head back to the kitchen to retrieve my phone and message my wonderful stalker man. Butterflies assault my insides as I read a text he sent this morning. The time stamp reads 4:05 am. Damn, he stayed a long time. The realization spreads warmth throughout my whole body.

Mallory:

The feeling is mutual, stud.

Thank you, for everything you did.

I don’t know when he left, but he couldn’t have gotten back to town before 5am if he left here around the same time the message was sent. He is probably still sleeping. I head off to put away my laundry and get dressed.

∞∞∞

Finally, I’m ready to head out the door in my combat boots, black leggings and oversized black hoodie. The rain hasn’t let up but I don’t own a rain jacket, so this is the best option. Picking up my phone I see that I have more unread messages.

Ghost:

It was my pleasure, little siren.

What are you doing with the purple room?

Mallory:

Turning it into a book room.

Ghost:

That’s a fantastic idea, baby.

I’m smiling like a fool at my phone. His approval elates me.

Mallory:

Thanks. What are you doing today?

Ghost:

Oh, I have a few plans.

So cryptic. I wonder if those plans involve me… God, I hope they do. Pulling my hood up, I pocket my phone and make the mad dash through the rain to my car. Buckling up my seatbelt as thunder booms around me and a few seconds later lightning splits the sky. I could sit here forever and watch the storm. The chaotically rhythmic sound of the rain pelting the roof of the Civic lulls me into a peaceful trance. I relive my encounter with Ghost and my pulse ratchets up. He’s so damn hot, I haven’t the slightest clue as to why he’s interested in me. My phone beeps and I glance at it.

Ghost:

What about you?

Should I tell him? Nah, let’s poke the bear. Maybe I can force his beast out of hiding again by being a pain in the ass.

Mallory:

Wouldn’t you like to know.

I turn on the windshield wipers and back out of the gravel driveway onto the muddy dirt road. My phone keeps beeping with incoming texts on my drive into town and an evil little thrill jolts through my body. Will he punish me for ignoring him? I wonder what he will do.

I pull up outside the department store and search the small lot for the nearest available spot to the door. There’s nothing remotely close, it looks like I’m getting wet. At least the rain has eased up a bit, it’s more of a sprinkle now. I pull out my phone and see there’s a missed text from Victoria saying she will never drink cheap wine again and she hopes I’m enjoying my time off. She has no idea how much I’m enjoying myself. I reply to her and then my insides squirm with glee as I open my conversation with Ghost.

Ghost:

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