Page 38 of His Reward

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After the stressful night with the intruder and the police, and the toe-curling pleasure Malcolm gave me, sleep comes for me faster than taking a pill.In the morning, I awake well-rested again.

An orgasm a day keeps the bad dreams away.

My mind jumps right into recalling last night’s filthy events with Malcolm.I’m assaulted with snippets, each one so scandalous, I’m tense with shame.

I’ve always considered myself a good, law-abiding, follow-the-rules kind of person.Last night, I wasnotthat person at all.What Malcolm and I did is so wrong, it would create a serious rift in my family if they ever find out.

Thinking about one trouble reminds me of the other one last night when that asshole broke into my apartment again.

The worst part of this creepy situation is his unknown identity.Knowing who he is would make it easier to understandwhyhe’s doing this to me.The answer to that question would be helpful in stopping him.

When the police asked us to describe the guy, I struggled to share anything useful.His mask hid most of his face, my lamp didn’t light the room well, and I was too overcome with terror to pay attention to anything unique.All I remember is the bit of pale skin by his eyes and lips.

Malcolm didn’t get to see much either because he was behind him the whole time.But he at least caught some important details like the guy’s height and build, and what he wore.

My mind turns to the prime suspect: Kevin.It really could be a coincidence he was at the park yesterday, but it’s hard to say.

The story Penny told me about him reminds me of the guys who consider themselves aninvoluntary celibate.These men struggle with getting a woman to have sex with them, and some of them hate women as a result.

Penny said it’s always been hard for her cousin to get a girlfriend.What if he’s an incel?Maybe he’s breaking in to my apartment because he’s furious that I lied to escape our bad date, and he’s determined to get what he thinks he’s owed from me.

Fresh anxiety courses through me.Although I was angry with Malcolm at the time, thank god he was in my room right then.

All things work together for goodis what Grandma Sadie likes to say when a bad situation works out for the best.Although, I’m sure my pious grandmother wouldn’t think it’sgoodthat Malcolm was in my room for a naughty midnight snack.

Dammit, I came full circle back to the filthy memories from last night!I grab my extra pillow and cover my face, hoping if I smother myself, the images will leave my brain.It doesn’t work.Worse, I’m getting tingly between my legs remembering that moment Malcolm looked into my eyes and licked me.

I definitely need therapy.Or maybe I need to follow Grandma Sadie’s example and keep showing up at God’s house like He owes me money.Raised as a Catholic when she was living in Ireland, she dutifully goes to church three days a week.

In the plainest language, Malcolm sexually assaulted me while I slept.That’s something I should’ve reported to the police when they were right here in my apartment last night.I should even tell my parents what he did.

Am I going to do any of that?Nope.Instead, I’m lying here, reliving the naughty moment after the police left, a shameful part of me wishing it hadn’t ended so soon.

What you need to do is stop lying around and get ready for work.

I fling the pillow aside with a sigh, then stand.Tentatively, I leave my room to grab a quick shower, glancing at Malcolm’s closed bedroom door.

The apartment seems quiet.Is he here?When I’m dressed and ready to leave, I get proof he’s already gone from the note on the coffee table.

Chicken wrap in the fridge for your lunch.Have a good day at work.- M

I frown at the note.Despite the pleasure he gave me last night and my confusing feelings for him, I’m still pissed at him for what he did.

His considerateness and protectiveness lulled me into a false sense of security around him, and he used that to take sexual advantage of me.I’m annoyed by his latest thoughtful gesture.I’m not ready to let go of my anger, yet it drops a few degrees anyway.

Oh my god.I can’t be that pathetic.Some women will forgive a man for his misdeeds if he gives her jewellery.I’m in danger of doing it over food.

I let out an irritated huff and head for the fridge to get my chicken wrap.

16

June

“Mr.Wolsey?Are you still—”

Two beeps cut me off.I pull my phone away from my ear and scowl at the call history on the screen.