Page 57 of Penance

“I’ll be back before you know it, Mercy,” I say.

I flash her a smile.

It’s a lie.

Her nod is jerky, and it stops and starts. Her eyes are filled with tears.

She’s breaking, and it’s beautiful.

I step out, closing the door behind me, leaving her alone with her fear.

Just as I planned.

Just as I wanted.

The door clicks shut, the sound echoing like a gunshot in the silence. I stand there, hand still on the doorknob, eyes closed, savoring the moment. Mercy is on the other side of that door, her fear rising so high that it will strangle her if I leave her alone for too long.

I step away from the door, my hand falling to my side.

She wants me to stay, but I won’t give in.

Not yet.

I want her to feel this, to stew in her fear.

I want her to crave me.

I want her so dependent that she can’t exist without me—can’t breathe without being in my presence.

I move down the hallway and step into my boots, sitting beside the front door. I hear a soft sob as I lay my hand on the doorknob.

Perfect.

A smile splits my lips as I pull the door open and step outside.

I can feel her break, like she’s right beside me, even if she’s not.

It’s like we’re connected—soul mates, twin flames.

She was made for me, after all.

I don’t hurry down the hallway to the staircase.

I take my time.

I whistle a tune as I make my way downstairs, practically skipping to her apartment door.

I try the knob.

It’s closed, but not locked.

I push open the door, and the scent of her lingers in the air—a mix of lavender and something sweet, like freshly baked cookies.

I take a deep breath, drawing it in with a shudder.

Perfect.

Mine, all mine.

---