Page 5 of Hurts So Good

I repeat the words over and over again until the cool air around me finally penetrates my skin and I calm down. They’re the mantra I hold tightly to as I struggle through the darkness that is my life.

I amble back to my apartment, trying to cocoon myself in the armor of the words I repeat.

I am not weak.

The doorman greets me and opens the lobby door. “Everything alright, Ms. Albright?”

“Yes.” I glance down to avoid eye contact as I slip inside the building. “Thank you.”

“The repairman will have the elevator fixed by this evening,” he says.

“Thank goodness,” I sigh, bypassing the currently useless thing.

“Have a good day, Ms. Albright.”

“You too.” I wave my hand behind me as I climb the stairs I ran down earlier.

Thankfully, I’m only on the third floor, so the walk isn’t as strenuous as it could be.

When I reach my floor and turn the corner, I freeze at the sight of the hooded, masked man in front of me.

“Shouldn’t push yourself so hard,” he murmurs, leaning against the wall like we’re neighbors or something.

I’ve never seen him as openly as I am right now, except for last night’s incident. My heart skips a beat at the white mask covering his face. His body, covered in a baggy hoodie, is dominating the hallway.

Seeing him at my door is like a dark fantasy. Considering my traumas, maybe the logical thing would be for me to stay clear of any thoughts of men. And for the most part, I do.

Except for him. My stalker. And Ty, my first love from my childhood.

My pleasure as a woman is now wicked and dark, and it’s only attached to the thoughts of these two men: my stalker and Ty.

My masked man steps closer to me; my breath hitches. His smoky scent fills my senses. I’m not sure if it's from my attraction to him or the heart-pounding way we keep meeting, but I’m certainly enjoying the thrill of it.

“Next time, don’t forget your key,” he says in a husky tone.

I watch him disappear into the stairwell as his words slowly process in my mind.

I tense. I really don’t have my house keys on me.

Fuck.

I look up at my apartment door. It’s slightly open.

He went inside again? How does he keep doing that?

I rush to catch up with him.

“Hey!” I yell down the stairs.

There’s no response. He’s long gone.

Damn. If I hadn’t hesitated, I could have questioned him.

Awe fills me. What I wouldn’t give to get to know him better.

CHAPTER FOUR

Ty

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