Page 129 of Arrogant Puck

“Are you mad at me?” he asks quietly when I don’t respond.

I consider the question seriously. Am I angry? I should be. What he did was violent, illegal, dangerous. It could have ruined everything he’s worked for.

But all I can think about is the relief. The knowledge that my phone won’t buzz with threatening messages anymore. That I won’t have to look over my shoulder everywhere I go. That I can finally, finally stop running.

“No,” I say softly. “I’m not mad.”

“Good. Because I’m not sorry.”

“You should be,” I say. “What you did was insane and reckless and—”

“And necessary,” he finishes. “Someone had to stop him, Sage.”

The tears start again, but these are different. These are tears of gratitude, of love, of overwhelming emotion that I don’t have words for.

“I love you,” I whisper. “I love you so much it scares me.”

“You don’t have to be scared anymore,” he says. “I’ve got you. Always.”

Chapter 45

I spend the entire night tossing and turning in Slater’s bed, unable to quiet my mind. Every time I close my eyes, I see those photos—my ex bound and humiliated, finally getting what he deserved. The relief is overwhelming, but so is the adrenaline. My body doesn’t know how to process the fact that the nightmare is finally over.

Around 2 AM, I give up on sleep and wander into the other bedroom—the one I’ve always been convinced is for sex. I’ve been curious about what’s in here since I moved in but never had the courage to really explore.

I slide open the dresser drawer and find his impressive collection of toys. Vibrators of different sizes and shapes, all neatly organized like everything else in Slater’s life. I select a fewthat look interesting and take them to the bathroom, washing them thoroughly with soap and hot water.

Back in the bedroom, I set up my phone and start recording. The relief from today, combined with the knowledge that I’m finally safe, has left me feeling bold and reckless. I want to feel good. I want to celebrate. And I want Slater to know exactly what he’s missing while he’s away.

I take a ten-second clip and send it to him before I can second-guess myself.

My phone rings immediately.

“Put those things away,” he demands, his voice rough and commanding.

“Why?” I moan, not stopping what I’m doing.

“Because only I can use them on you.”

Instead of stopping, I switch to FaceTime and angle the camera so he can see exactly what I’m doing to myself.

“Oh, fuck,” he breathes, and I can see him moving on the screen. “I wish I was home.”

He shows me his growing dick and starts to fuck his fist.

“Tell me what you’d do to me if you were here,” I whisper, watching his face as he watches me.

“Devour you.”

I orgasm immediately. This toy is strong as hell, and I’m convulsing.

“Shit,” Slater breathes. “God, you’re so fucking beautiful, baby. I’m already coming.”

The next morning, I wake up refreshed and determined. With the threat of my ex finally gone, I can focus on building the life I want here. I spend the entire morning job searching, applying to positions, sending personalized emails to hiring managers, going above and beyond to stand out.

For the first time since I moved here, I feel hopeful about my future.

When I hear Slater’s key in the front door that evening, I’m curled up on the couch with my laptop. I glance over at him as he sets down his bags, and something warm and grateful blooms in my chest. He looks tired but satisfied.

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