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Pulling my lips tight, I try to paint an expression of exasperation as I take the first few steps. The expression must not be very good, which is confirmed by the deep chuckle from his throat.

25

Closing Patience’s front door as quietly as possible, I step into the early morning sun. The cool morning air strikes my face as a refreshing mist. The sun illuminates shards of glass scattered along the gray cement as I make my way down her driveway. I bring my knuckles up to examine the damage. It wasn’t my intention to actually beat the man. I merely wanted to scare him. Until he put his hands on her, that is. Red veils my vision at just the memory of her preparing to fight. The moment she took a fighting stance, I flew out at full speed to meet her.

My little fighter. My warrior. I even let her get a shot in before finishing the job.

What I hadn’t expected is that the she would turn into the most delicate of creatures. The gentleness of her touch as she dabbed the broken skin across my knuckles nearly had me on my knees. Then she let her fiery temper out to play. Every restraint I had broke at the small flicker of green flame in her eyes. God, the taste of her, the smell of her, the feel of her. Sweet. Perfect. Mine.

My gaze drifts to her window. I want to go back to her bed and wake her up with pleasure. Gritting my teeth, I shake the thought from my head. If it weren’t for the fact that one of my childhood friends texted me with an emergency this morning, I would be tucking her beneath me in a cocoon of bliss. Hopefully, she’s seen the letter I left on her nightstand and understands why I had to leave so early.

Pulling into my driveway, I slip the car into park and walk inside. After several hours of being surrounded by her array trinkets, my house feels like a crypt. The absence of her has me reaching into my pocket to retrieve my phone.

I should have known you were a morning person.

A smile crosses my face. Of all the fucking things that have happened in the past twenty-four-hours, that’s what she focuses on?

You’ll come to appreciate it.

This morning was a special circumstance. I have to leave for a few days.

Oh, I see. Well, have a good trip.

How long will you be gone?

Warmth floods my veins. For the first time in this whole fucked-up situation, she isn’t screaming curses. I don’t miss the fact that for once, she’s showing a faint sign of actually wanting me around.

Missing me already?

I was just wondering how long I’ll get to be alone for once. I could dance in front of my window—nude!

I know she’s pushing my buttons, but it’s working. The thought of leaving her for any length of time grates on my every nerve. I guess it was stupid of me to think that after my performance last night, she’d be more sensitive to my requests. My little powder keg of stubbornness. She’s fully capable of doing the dance of the seven veils with a disco ball and strobe light if she knew it would actually incense me.

Groaning, I run my hand across my face. I start to swipe out a reply, demanding she behave, but my fingers pause. She’s reactionary. I would be playing right into her malevolent hands. I can’t very well tell her yes, of course. She’d immediately know it was a lie.

Of all the women in the world, I chose the one who is like navigating quicksand, carrying dynamite.

I think the neighbor across the road would enjoy that. He seems so lonely. Who am I to deny him a little show?

He does not!

Does he?

I’m going to need some confirmation.

If he does, I’ll rip his eyes out myself.

I chuckle out loud. She would. Watching three dots appear and disappear across the bottom of the screen has me laughing harder as I imagine her angry delicate fingers pounding the screen.

Don’t go robbing someone’s eyes without me.

You didn’t answer the fucking question.

Does he?

Do you think for a single moment I would let that go on?

No. I don’t.