Page 79 of Compulsion

Our souls are bound by darkness, and in this safe space, we can indulge in it together without shame.

29

ABIGAIL

Ihum to myself as I fold my laundry, which is warm from the dryer. My headphones are on, and I do a little happy dance to the beat of my favorite alternative band.

I’ve never been so content in my life. Dane is perfect. He’s my miracle, my gorgeous prince.

I’m safe and cherished. He likes me just as I am: a gift no one has ever given me. Not a romantic partner, and certainly not my judgmental, withholding family.

Anticipation buzzes through me, and I give an extra shake of my hips. I can hardly wait to see him again in a few hours. My short shift finished at noon, so I have to wait for him to get off work too. In the meantime, I decided to spend a little time at my place to catch up on laundry.

I might even paint if I have time.

It’s been over a week since I last picked up my brushes, and even though I miss my art, I’m not desperate for the release of my inner darkness that I usually find at my canvas.

Instead of releasing it, I reveled in it last night.

My cheeks heat at the memory of the gag in my mouth and Dane’s filthy threats. His condescending praise. The pleasure he wrung from my body.

I jolt when my headphones are tugged from my ears, and I whirl on a sharp yelp.

Ron, my creepy new neighbor, grins at me.

“No need to scream like that, Peaches.” He lifts my headphones to his ears as though he has every right. “What are you listening to that has those hips swaying like that?”

I breathe through the burst of fear and lift my chin to stare him down. My shoulders straighten, and I hold out my hand.

“Give those back, please.” My tone is cold, even if my words are polite.

I won’t provoke him while we’re alone in here, but I don’t want him to think I’m remotely welcoming. His attention makes my skin crawl, and he’s blocking my way to the door.

He gives me a rueful chuckle when he returns my headphones. I quickly toss them into my plastic hamper along with my laundry and hold it between us, forcing him back a step.

“Where’s your scary boyfriend?” he drawls, his eyes lingering on my breasts. My camisole has dipped lower than usual while I was bent over the dryer, and my cleavage is on display.

I can’t tug my shirt up while I’m clutching the hamper, and I don’t want him to know that he’s getting to me. I sense that any sign of weakness will be interpreted as invitation.

“He’ll be here any minute,” I lie.

Dane won’t arrive for a few more hours, but Ron doesn’t need to know that. I’m hoping that the mere threat of my white knight’s imminent arrival will make him back off.

Instead, he beams at me. “Oh good. We’ll have a little time to get properly acquainted. I think we got off on the wrong foot before. We’re neighbors. I want us to be friendly.”

“I’d prefer if we were simply cordial,” I reply coolly. “I’m sorry, but I’m really busy. I need to get this laundry put away before Dane gets here.” I’m quick to remind him of my lie.

“Hey, I get it.” Ron holds up his hands as though in defeat. “You’re a classy lady, and he’s a fancy man.”

Then he takes a step toward me, and my stomach drops.

“But you have that sexy Carolina drawl, and you need a Southern man, not some foreigner.”

“What I need is for you to leave me alone,” I assert.

My butt bumps against the hot dryer. There’s nowhere for me to go.

“Back off,” I warn, and my voice doesn’t waver.

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