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She looks right back at me, rolling her eyes at me, but can’t hide the smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “You’re incorrigible,” she murmurs, shaking her head in mock exasperation.
We continue browsing through the store, our laughter and easy banter filling the air around us. It’s a simple moment, yet it feels like so much more. There’s a comfort in being with someone who you yearn to understand and learn more about. With Rayna, I feel like we’re going to be able to connect on a deeper level sooner rather than later.
As we move through the aisles, we pick out sheets with soft floral patterns and throw pillows in vibrant shades of yellow and blue. It’s odd, me being here with a woman as she shops. I never would have wanted to do this in the past. I would have simply stayed back at the club and let the woman figure it out.
Rayna wants me to be present, to do more than I’ve ever done. This is what I always thought I’d have. I just never knew when I’d have it. It’s why I never wanted to settle down. I was constantly looking for a woman who was worthy of me being with them, and in the life I live, I’m constantly surrounded by sluts who throw themselves at me or women who are toxic as fuck. I’ve been searching for a partner who not only challenges me but also brings joy into my life. Maybe Rayna is that woman.
After finding everything she needs, Rayna glances at me with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “Well, Mag, I think we’re done for the day.”
We find the salesman, he rings Rayna up and gives her a fifteen percent discount on everything she picked out. It totals up to a little bit under two thousand, and she hands over her debit card like it’s no big deal.
After an exhausting day of furniture shopping, we finally discover the delivery of her new bed set and office set will be delayed by two weeks. However, we’re able to take home some smaller items like a lamp, pillows, sheets, and a comforter. We schedule a delivery date and exit the store, stepping out into the bustling parking lot.
“Are you hungry?” I ask Rayna as we start walking toward the truck.
“Yeah, I could eat,” she replies with a tired smile.
“Let’s grab some lunch then. Any preferences?”
“Hmm, surprise me. I trust your taste,” Rayna says with a playful wink.
I lead us toward the truck and fumble for the keys in my pocket. As we approach the vehicle, something catches my eye under the windshield wiper. Curious, I reach down and retrieve an envelope with Rayna’s name written on it. I flip it over in my hands, wondering what this could mean.
“What is it?” Rayna asks.
I hand the envelope to her. “It’s for you.”
We climb into the truck, my heart already pounding with anticipation. I have to know what it says and who wrote it. Rayna’s acrylic nail slices through the back of the envelope like a knife through butter.
She pulls out a plain white card and begins to read, her eyes widening in shock as she takes in the words. When she finishes, she turns to me, her expression filled with dread.
“Actually, can we go back to the clubhouse right now?” she pleads urgently.
My stomach drops as I feel a cold sense of foreboding settles over me. “What’s wrong?” I ask.
Rayna wordlessly hands me the card and my blood boils as I read the sinister message scrawled on it.
Rayna,
You may believe you’ve won, but you’re wrong.
I see everything you do—where you go, who you’re with.
Your attempts at protection are useless.
But don’t worry, your reckoning is coming. And I’ll be the one to deliver it.
- Daddy
I am seething with anger. This sick game of cat and mouse has gone on long enough. We need to deal with Loren once and for all before he causes any more harm to those we care about. We cannot let him continue to terrorize Rayna and her mother like this.
It needs to end.
CHAPTERSIX
Rayna
Bile threatens to pass right through my lips as I think about Loren referring to himself as my ‘Daddy’. He’s never been a father to me, only a monster. A monster that I prayed would finally go away, and eventually my prayer was answered.
