Page 107 of Pretty Thing

He doesn’t. Instead, the fucking piece of shit walks over to her bed, unzips his pants, lies down, and starts jerking off.

My hand clenches the phone tighter as the burning desire to remove him from Eden’s life once and for all courses through my veins.

This is why she needs me. There are predators around every turn. Eden is mine and it’s my duty to keep her safe.

I set the phone down and continue getting ready for my day with Eden, waiting until he finishes. Predictably, he rolls the underwear and puts them in his jeans pocket. Then he smooths the bed before leaving again like he hasn’t just defiled her room. I stop the recording and take a moment to compose myself.

Eden is never sleeping in that bed again.

I’ll make sure of it.

And then…then I’ll take care of Kyle, the so-called best friend.

“Felix, are you coming?” Eden calls out, her voice completely muffled.

I step out of the closet and smile. She looks adorable in the bright yellow-and-black snowmobile suit with matching helmet. She’s completely covered, and I can only see her eyes.

“Miss me already?”

“Yes, and I’m melting in this.”

I pull on my black-and-blue helmet and walk outside with her. I grab her hand, and she looks up at me.

Yelling so she can hear me, I say, “If at any point this is too much for you, let me know. We won’t go far, and I already told Jim to stick to the groomed trails. The sled vibrates, and there are bumps and drifts all over the place. Okay?”

Her eyes scrunch up as she smiles.

“Okay.”

We head to the touring sled with a full second seat, and I help Eden get settled before I sit down.

“Ready,” I yell.

“Yes.” Comes the faint reply.

Giving Jim the thumbs up, we’re off. Eden squeals behind me as the sled plows forward through the freshly fallen snow. She hangs onto my waist as her thighs grip me tight, and even with Kyle trying to ruin my mood, this is one of the greatest days of my life.

the next day

“I’m going to finish packing my stuff,” I say, rising from the kitchen table and kissing Eden on the forehead.

Jim watches but doesn’t say anything as he finishes his toast with jam.

“Do you want help,” Eden asks, already starting to stand.

I stop her with a gentle squeeze on her shoulder.

“No, I’m good, just sit and relax.”

The ride yesterday was glorious, but Eden wanted to stay out longer than I planned. We were out until close to dinner time. By then she was sore everywhere, and even after the hot shower she was limping around the cottage as she favored her side.

“I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality,” Eden says as I turn the corner.

“Come back anytime,” I hear him say before I walk into the place that will be marked on my heart forever.

This is where Eden gave herself to me. I smile as I stuff everything into our two bags and carry them down the hall.

I stop when I hear Jim’s hushed tone from the kitchen.