9. Chapter 9 When The Boyfriend Is Away, The Stalker Will Play.
Chapter 9: When The Boyfriend Is Away, The Stalker Will Play.
Madison
I had mixed feelings when he kissed me in his office. The first was the fact that he was so skilled that it drove me insane, and the second was the fact he still remains my brother's best friend.
I thought about it, and the only way to resolve these growing feelings was to separate myself from him.
I was too harsh when he insisted on following me for my own safety yesterday. I panicked because I thought something might happen and we'd kiss again, so I tried to distance myself.
Killian is a man who values self-respect in his interaction with others. If he senses even a hint of disrespect by someone, he would choose to avoid that person. That's what I was trying to do.
But…
The look of pain in his eyes…
And the banging of his door…
Both of them hurt me as well. I almost reconsidered leaving for the gym.
But I powered through, and nothing happened yesterday.
I understand that this is painful for both of us, but we can't let this romance blossom.
***
"I haven't seen you in a while; where's Gwen?" Gladys asks as she walks up to me.
Gladys Silver is a yoga instructor at Pioneer Lifts, the gym I'm working out in.
Gwen and I signed up for the yoga class, and thanks to Gladys, I've become a little more flexible.
I just finished on the treadmills and caught my breath before she approached me.
"Oh hey, Gladys," I greet with a smile and continue, "Gwen was here with me yesterday. You look great, by the way."
"Thank you so much," she responds, beaming with satisfaction just from being praised. "You don't look bad yourself. Have you been able to bag any man to try out the flexibility poses I've taught you?"
"What? No!" I'm taken aback by her question.
"That's too much of a reaction for a question I always ask you," she says. "So you still don't have any guy you're interested in?"
Killian.
"I'm not even sure there are any worthy men befitting of me out there in the world," I say with a sigh. "I've been given scraps and leftovers."
"Oh, come on, don't be like that," she says. "Someone like you who's a little famous on social media can have someone who's watching you and supporting you behind the scenes and can't wait to be with you."
Usually, what she just said would sound sweet.
But knowing that I have a stalker isn't helping that information sit well with me.
"You're right," I say with a forced smile. "I'll just have to be patient."
"And keep an open mind," she adds. "A closed mind will keep you away from the right man."
"You talk a lot about getting a man, but have you ever gotten any for yourself?" I ask.
She turns and looks at me, a cocky grin forming on her face.
She shows me her left hand with the engagement ring glistening under the gym lights.
"This is beautiful," I say, smiling as I inspect it. "I hope he isn't your brother's best friend and is overly protective?"
"Well, there's nothing wrong with him being overprotective. If he really cares about me, then he'd be overprotective. It's not his fault. It's how men are generally wired," she replies. "And what was with that oddly specific situation you talked about?"
"Nah, it's nothing," I shrug. "Just keep up the good work, and don't forget to send me your wedding invitation card."'
"Will do and I won't," she says before leaving to attend to other students.
I'm not done with most of the exercises I came here for. But something isn't right.
I keep having this urge to leave the gym.
I look around me, and there's nothing to prove my fears or anxiety.
"Alright then, one more rep for me, and I'm done," I say to myself as I make my way to the weights.
I don't have anyone to spot me, so I reduce the weights to something I can handle.
My skin is riddled with goosebumps. I'm freaking out, and I don't know why.
I lie on my back and start to lift the weights.
The anxiety is getting the better of me, and I don't like it. When I came here yesterday, I didn't feel like this.
Maybe I should get going before Killian starts looking for me.
I put down the weights and start getting ready to leave.
"You're done already?" a familiar voice asks.
The playful yet sinister voice causes me to shudder in fear.
I'm still seated, so he places his hand on my shoulder. "Hello again, babydoll."
"Steven, I told you I have a boyfriend," I remind him while mentally forming a plan of escape.
"And I don't see him anywhere," he says as he places another hand on my shoulder.
I look around, and the gym is mostly empty. I don't see anybody paying attention to us.
He runs his fingers through my hair and leans in to smell my hair. I throw my head backward, hitting his nose.
As he holds his nose in pain, I get to my feet.
"Stay away from me, Steven!" I warn as I bring out my phone and start dialing 911.
"Calm down, honey doll," he says as he tries to adjust his nose. "I'm not planning on doing anything we both won't like."
"What are you even talking about?" I frown.
"I know you don't really have a boyfriend," he replies with a grin. "And believe me, I know how hard it is to be single and alone. I believe we can help each other."
I take a step back, saying, "What makes you think that? Why would I let someone as creepy as you into my life? What kind of sick, twisted joke is that? That can't even classify as a standup comedy act."
"No need to be mean," he says as he closes the gap between us and holds my arms. "Just me in your heart, and you'll see I'm the perfect boyfriend. Better than that phony you had to ask to pretend to be yours. I'll make you happy. I have so many ideas that'll help you with your stories. I can help you grow. Please let me make you mine," he begs, digging his fingers into me.
I take in a deep breath. "I'm going to scream. You won't be able to make it out of the exit no matter how fast you think you are."
He lets me go. "Okay, if you say so." His eyes display rage, but I don't care. "I let you go because I want you to trust me that I can respect your wishes and I can—"
I cut him off, yelling, "Get out, Steven."
He swallows hard and turns to leave.
As soon as I'm sure he's out… I sit down and place my hand on my chest, trying to calm the heavy beating of my heart.
Killian was right.
How did Steven find me?
I made sure to turn off my location, and I haven't been posting my live locations.
So how, then?
I stand up and start to leave.
"Is there something wrong?" Gladys asks as I walk past her.
"There was someone here," I reply. "His name is Steven. He's been stalking me for days now."
"Why didn't you say anything?" she asks as she focuses her attention on the door. "You could have screamed for help."
"I was frightened," I reply. "Just keep him out of here."
"We'll have to call the police; he can't have gone far," she says.
"No, I don't think they will be able to get him easily. He'll show up again," I assure her.
"Alright then, we'll be ready," she says.
I check my phone, and it's twenty-five minutes past seven.
Killian… was right.
***
I arrive at Killian's house, and he is in the living room playing a game on his PS5.
As I close the door, he turns to look at me.
A warm smile greets me from him.
"How was your day?" he asks.
I want to cry.
I sit beside him on the couch and hold one of the throw pillows for emotional support.
"Did something happen?" he asks.
"No," I reply. "Just play your game."
"Okay?" he raises his brow and continues to play. "If you don't mind, I can actually teach you how to play."
"I wouldn't mind that," I say.
"Are you sure you're okay?" he asks again, the worry in his tone matching his facial expression. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"I'm sorry," I apologize.
"About what?" he asks, raising a brow.
"For making you seem stupid when all you were trying to do was look out for me, just as you had promised Nathan," I reply. "I have nothing else to say right now except to apologize."
"You don't have to apologize," he says.
"I do," I insist. "Just let me apologize in peace.'"
He rolls his eyes and smiles at me, saying, "Yeesh, fine… whatever."
"Forgive me?" I ask.
"Already have," he replies. "To be honest, you actually had a point that day. I shouldn't be able to control everything you do. My job is to make sure of your safety, not to dictate your every movement."
"I think you should continue to dictate my movement," I say to him.
"Won't that make you hate me?" he asks.
"I don't know yet, but just do it," I reply. "This time, I won't take it for granted."
"I like the new you," he says and continues his game while I watch.
It's a relaxing moment, and as much as I hate to admit it… I feel safe around Killian.
***
As I retire to my room for the night, I try to fall asleep, but I can't.
I now have memories of Steven holding my arms too tight and the fear that he'd take me far away from Nathan, Gwen, and Killian.
Anytime I get into trouble, the three of them always rescue me.
Now I'm in trouble again.
How long do I have to depend on them to keep saving me all the time?
Am I that helpless on my own?
My phone starts to buzz.
I open it, and there are several notifications and messages.
It's Steven.
' Your hands were so soft.
Your hair smelled so nice.
I love how strong you are.
Watched you working out… mhmmh.
I'm a very patient man, Madison.
I assure you I can make you happy.
Give me a chance, Madison.
One chance is all I need.
To kiss you.
To hold you.
To turn your body into a sexy mess. My little bitch.
I'll find your house soon .'
I'm crying now. What the hell have I gotten myself involved with now?
I need to find a way to resolve this without letting anyone else know.
If I can just find something to reason with Steven.
Or maybe I can work with some police officers and find a way to trap him.
I can do this. I know I can.