“I think we don’t give her any more of our time. You’re right. We are in a good place. I’d rather us continue moving forward. My lawyer has copies of the messages along with the number she messaged from. That’s enough. If we give her any more, then she’s winning.”
“Sounds good to me, butterfly.”
Smiling, I lean in and brush my lips over his. The kiss begins soft and gentle, then deepens as our tongues entwine, heat rising between us.
I keep my eyes locked on his, afraid of what memories might surface if I close them. Keaton’s hand slips under my shirt, hiswarm palm sending a shiver up my spine. Goosebumps rise as he holds my neck, anchoring me. When his thick bulge presses against me, and a moan escapes my lips, we break apart.
Keaton rests his forehead against mine as that bright fire still burns in the depths of his eyes. “I love you.”
I hum, savoring this closeness.
With every moment like this, it gets easier to stay present and not drift into old fears. It won’t always be a struggle, and as much as moving forward scares me, I’m starting to look forward to it.
A Confrontation With A Toxic Girl
Charlie
Fewthingsaremoreterrifying than knowing you’re the target of someone’s obsession. The feeling makes my skin itch so fiercely I want to scrub myself clean, as if I could wash away the invisible eyes.
It strikes without warning, slipping into my day when I least expect it. There’s no rhythm, no schedule, just a creeping unease that refuses to reveal its source.
Other than when Keaton cheated on me, I’ve never been so uncomfortable in my life.
Each day, the feeling grows heavier, pressing down until it’s almost unbearable.
I haven’t told Keaton yet, because my gut tells me exactly who it is. We’re both in a good headspace, but I worry about how this might affect him. I fear what he might do just to protect me. There’s a good chance he’ll internalize guilt and blame himself. Yes, he brought Rianna into our lives, but he can’t be held responsible for her actions.
Tonight, when I stepped outside and saw my tires slashed, I knew my secret couldn’t stay hidden from him any longer.
A groan escapes me as I rest my forehead against the cool metal of the driver’s door, seeking comfort where there is none.
Keaton’s going to be so upset with me.
My breath releases in a puffy cloud of vapor in the cool air as I straighten and pull my phone from the pocket of my hoodie to call Keaton.
“Hey, butterfly. Did you make it home?”
“Um, promise you won’t be mad?”
“Charlie.”
I nibble on my lip as I rock back and forth on my feet. “You have to promise.”
“Fuck. Fine. I promise. Now, why the hell did you make me?”
“I’m pretty sure Rianna has been stalking me, and I came out of work tonight to find all four tires slashed,” I rush out.
“Charlie Imara Henderson,” he barks.
“You said you wouldn’t get mad,” I whine.
“I’ll be there in a few minutes. Go back inside the shop and fucking stay there.”
“You made a promise.” He doesn’t say anything. “Keaton?”
I huff in annoyance when I realize he’s hung up. Frustration boils over, and I kick the flat tire with my Converse before grabbing my bags and keys from the seat.
That creepy sensation isn’t there, but I still tuck my keys between my fingers before walking back to the shop. I’m only back inside for a few minutes when Keaton messages me to inform me that it’s him outside.
