Page 39 of Downfall

“I found files and pictures andliteral receiptson his computer this morning. What am I supposed to do with this information?”

“Um… I hate to say I told you so?” I scowl at her. “I know, I know. But hear me out. He’s never hurt you; he was just… watchful. He actually did a lot of really nice things for you, forus. Hisstalkingfeels more like loving you from a distance. Still wrong, but I don’t know, Abby… it’s also sweet? How much he cares for you.”

I hum, wanting to take her words to heart, but as much as she’s right, he had the opportunity to just be in my life for real. I was right under his nose the whole time.

“I’m not trying to sway your decision, and I’m always on your side, Abbs. I just have to play devil’s advocate on this one. He’s loved you from the moment he met you, and the connection between your souls is undeniable.”

“Thanks, Viv. I’m gonna go home and take some time to think about it.” I hug her, and with a wave to Max, I walk home. Not caring if he’s watching anymore.

Chapter 33

Abby

Kolsondoesn’tcontactmefor the rest of the morning or afternoon. He definitely knows what I found by now, why I left. And I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he tries to talk to me about it.

I spend my afternoon at home, watching TV on the couch in my comfiest sweats. I try my best to focus on whatever show I switched on, but my mind keeps circling back to Kolson and what Viv said.

She’s right, of course; our connection is undeniable. Our souls bonded across timelines. When we’re together, I feel whole in a way that I’ve never felt with anyone else. I feel loved and cherished, and if I’m honest with myself, I felt that way about my stalker, too. Knowing now that they are one and the same is actually a relief. No longer do I need to worry that my shadow will take Kolson from me, that I’ll be alone again.

Knowing someone was always watching was a comfort to me. Like Viv said, he never hurt me; I knew he was there to protect and watch out for me. Something I haven’t felt since my mom passed and my dad deserted me.

My cheap ramen dinner goes cold on the coffee table as I lose myself in thoughts of my demon, of the life we could have together. I’m ready to take my dance career to a new level, to finish my degree and open my own studio. If I quit dancing at the club, I’ll be able to focus and reach my goals faster. I’ve been thinking about it a lot; I just haven’t had a good enough reason to rush myself.

With Kolson in the picture, giving random men lap dances holds even less appeal. I don’t want other people to see me, to touch what’s his.

Just as I have that thought, a knock sounds at my door. It’s just after seven, and I figured Kolson had gone home by now. Avoiding my wrath.

When I open the door, he’s standing there. He looks exactly how he did twelve hours ago, eating breakfast with me in his kitchen. The only differences I can see are that a few of his shirt buttons are undone, and his hair is a bit out of place, as if he’s run his hands through it, dislodging the product that kept it neatly in place.

“Demon,” I say in greeting, leaving the door open in invitation and making my way back to the couch.

He stomps in, slamming the door behind him and following behind me. Sitting on the couch beside me, he leans over to grip my hips, pulling me to straddle him. Face to face like this, I can see the distress in his eyes, the anguish he felt today when I left.

“Siren,” he breathes, resting his forehead against mine. “I can’t lose you again. Now that I’m able to touch you again, feel you in my arms—you’remine, and I’m yours. Nothing is going to change that.”

“You… Kolson, you know everything about me. You’ve seen my bank account, for fuck’s sake. I don’t know how, but you made any dates I’ve had ghost me. I don’t know how to reconcile that with you, my demon, the man I thought you were.”

“I’m the same man, and I won’t pretend that I’m not obsessed with you. That first weekend we met, I knew. I knew you were destined to be mine forever, and for me, forever started that first night.” Sincerity leaks from his words as he continues. “I told you why I left, and I’ll explain exactly why I stayed away, but first,” he stands with me in his arms, walking us toward my bedroom, “I’m claiming what’s mine, once and for all.”

“What? No. Put me down, Kolson. I need—” I’m tossed onto the bed, knocking the air out of my lungs.

Then he’s on me, peeling my sweatshirt over my head and groaning when he finds me bare underneath. When he bites down on my peaked nipple, I cry out, trying to push him away by his shoulders, but he’s too solid. Moving lower, he nips at my hips before pulling off my sweatpants and panties at once and grabbing both of my thighs to pin my knees to the mattress.

I can’t help my moan when he flattens his tongue and licks me from the crease of my ass to my clit in one long swipe. He holds me there, eating me until I’m screaming his name. Then, releasing my legs, he takes his time kissing and sucking up my body to my mouth. His kiss is heated and unrelenting, his fully clothed body resting over mine, so I can hardly move.

He pulls back after a few minutes, but doesn’t let me catch my breath before flipping me onto my stomach and pulling my ass into the air for him. Dipping two fingers between my legs, he fucks me slowly. My cheek is smashed against my comforter, my hands grasping at it to keep me steady as my climax builds.

“Please, demon,” I plead. “Oh, god, that feels so fucking good.”

He hums, continuing his slow torment. “Tell me you’re mine.”

I groan in frustration, not yet ready to admit my feelings. I’m still upset with him, and still waiting for a full explanation.

He chuckles as he removes his fingers. “Okay, siren. If you want to make this harder,” I hear him unbuckle his belt and his zipper lower as he removes his clothes behind me, “I’m game.”

I look back over my shoulder to see what he’s doing as he moves around my bedroom and see him pulling the tie from my robe on the back of the door.Oh, fuck.

He’s smirking as comes back to kneel on the bed next to me, his hard dick bobbing in my face. “Give me your wrists, Abby.”

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