10. Chapter 10 I Thought I Could Do It Myself.
Chapter 10: I Thought I Could Do It Myself.
Madison
I need a break.
Despite the notifications from the stalker who just doesn't know how or when to quit, I've been able to finish my work and hit the deadline.
I need something to clear my head.
My night activities are no longer available. So, I have to switch to the mornings.
But where can I go?
Right now, I'm stuck in the living room trying to beat Killian's high score.
"You're never going to beat it if you keep half-assing it," he says as he takes a seat next to me with a cup of tea and some slices of buttered toast.
He's dressed in a charcoal shirt and black suit pants. He has shaved his beard and looks younger than ever. There's this relaxed sexiness to him this morning.
"Stop fawning over me and focus on playing the game," he says.
"Oh, shut up, I know," I respond, frowning.
"Yeah, sure you do. There's the enemy, right there!" he points.
"Oh, would you stop yelling? I see him," I try my best to focus, and I finally beat the game.
"YES!" He punches the air with both fists.
"Why are you celebrating? I did most of the hard work," I remind him.
"What do you want? A reward?" he asks as he takes a bite of his toast and gives me the rest.
Without thinking, I let him feed me while I'm selecting another game to play.
He also doesn't seem to realize what has just happened.
"You have crumbs on your lips," he says as he wipes my lips. "Will you be going anywhere?" he asks.
Strange… I feel very comfortable.
"I don't know yet, but I don't think I want to go out in the evenings anymore," I reply.
"Why did something happen?" he asks.
"No, I just… I guess I want to use the gym equipment here rather than having to share with anyone," I reply.
"I see," he says.
I turn to find him grinning to himself.
"So, that makes you happy, doesn't it?" I smirk.
"Nah, I just think I don't have to worry about you going out late at night," he answers. "Oh, I guess that means I'm happy."
What's this?
It feels so warm. I lean in close to him, and he doesn't even budge.
I place my head on his shoulder.
I close my eyes… his cologne scents like spring.
This is nice.
I feel his arm around my shoulder.
I need to put distance between us?
Who am I kidding?
Just a moment of silence is enough to trigger his urge to dote on me and my desire to receive his attention.
I want kisses.
But he might be unable to oblige.
My phone starts to ring; the caller ID is Gwen. This is a cliché, convenient phone call that will solve my problem, isn't it?
Then again, her timing is poor, just like the last time in the club.
Killian lets go of my shoulder, but I swear I hear him sigh.
I answer the phone and ask, "Please tell me you're taking me out?"
"And good morning to you too, my love," she replies.
"Babyy, I'm sorry. Good morning," I greet her. "I'm bored as fuck. But I was playing some video games, and I didn't feel the boredom then."
"Well, you're in luck. I want to take you to that new cake shop," she says. "It's a morning movement; I hope you don't mind? You being a night vixen and all?"
"I don't move around at night anymore," I inform her.
The look of surprise on Killian's face doesn't escape my eyes.
'Well done.' Those are the words he mouths, and he gives me a big thumbs up.
I blush from being praised like that.
"Well, that's good. We'll meet by 11 a.m.," she says. "Don't be late."
"Thank you, Gwen," I say before hanging up.
"So, the night walker has become a day walker?" he teases me as he playfully pinches my cheek.
"Tease all you want. This is the safer method to help avoid Mr. Steven Stalker," I reply.
"Well, I'm glad you're taking your safety seriously," he says and tussles my hair playfully. "I'm leaving for work right now. Be sure to call me if anything happens."
"I will."
As his hands leave my head, I feel lonely again.
Having him unconsciously spend time with me last night after what happened with Steven makes me feel more attached to him.
I touch the cheek he playfully pinched, and it doesn't even hurt.
***
"So, this is the cake shop," Gwen announces as we enter the cute café. "They have ice cream served with cake, cake sandwich, cake parfait, and so much more!"
She's like a child, but I need her energy.
In the store, I see a couple feeding each other. The man, in a way, reminds me of Killian. I wonder if Killian would want to come to a cafe like this with me one day.
"So, what would you want to have?" Gwen asks. "I just got paid, so I'm rich," she says with a big smile.
"I'll have the parfait then," I request. "And I'll buy one cake to go," I add.
"Oh? Why?" she asks. "Ahhh… it's for the boyfriend, isn't it?"
"He's not my boyfriend," I correct.
"Oh puppy-cock, you want to tell me that both of you haven't done anything since the club?" she asks.
I remember his office, and my face heats up instantly. "Just… just buy the parfaits, please?"
"Fine," she chuckles and places our orders. She seems to have noticed something, asking, "On second thought, can we have our orders to go?"
"I thought we were eating here?" I ask.
"Change of plans," she says, not using her merry tone.
As the lady gives her the parfaits and my cake, she grabs my hand and starts pulling me with her.
"What are you doing?" I ask.
"Just follow me," she replies.
I look behind us, and I notice him. Steven is staring at us.
"I thought your kiss worked?" she asks.
I can't say anything. This has to end.
He's not following us, probably because I'm not alone this time.
***
I'm back home after spending some time with Gwen at her place.
In the kitchen, I'm thinking about how to put an end to Steven's stalking.
"You seem concerned. Did something happen?" Killian's soothing voice reaches me, asking.
I turn, and he's with some groceries.
"You're back home early today. Why are you with more groceries? This place has food stockpiles," I respond, trying to deviate from his question.
"These are just fruits. When I'm not busy with my work at the hospital, I sometimes enjoy visiting the farmer's market and buying fresh fruits," he replies. "So, want to tell me what's wrong?"
"I bought you a cake, but I'm not sure if you'd like the flavor. So, I'm a bit worried," I answer.
I'm not lying, though.
"Let me taste it," he says as he stretches his hand toward me.
I hand over the chocolate cake.
He takes a bite out of it, and his face melts into pleasure.
"This is glorious. Where did you get it?" he asks as he takes another bite.
"A new cake cafe," I reply.
Watching him eat with such a blissful look on his face keeps me at peace.
"I would love to go with you," he says. "I bet there are other delicious flavors they have."
He beats me to the chase.
"I'd love to go too," I say.
"You know, you've been different for a while. You've become more responsible, and well… I like you a lot more now," he says. "Feel free to rely on me whenever you have the chance."
Why does he have to be this cool all of a sudden?
"Thank you, Killian. I will."
***
I can handle this on my own.
I've reported the stalker incident to the police.
Knowing how Steven moves, they've asked me to go to the spots where he'd likely look for me and wait for him to follow me.
First, we went to the club and then to the gym.
Steven was nowhere to be seen.
The police would have thought I was joking if not for the evidence of the creepy texts from him I have on me.
Today, we go to the cake café as the last attempt to catch Steven. I try to buy a cake while the police are watching me nearby.
As I leave the cake cafe, I feel like I'm being followed. It must be the Steven Stalker.
The police have given me a unique signal to use whenever I feel that way and cautioned me not to look back, as it might alert him.
After signaling the police, I continue walking like nothing is happening.
Steven is getting closer and closer.
I'm supposed to act natural, so I'm fighting the urge to start running.
"Madison," Killian's baritone calls from behind me.
"Freeze!" the police officer yells.
I turn around and find a confused Killian getting arrested by two police officers.
"Hey, what's going on here?!" Killian asks but doesn't resist physically.
"You're under arrest on suspicion of stalking Miss Madison Taylor," the first officer says.
"What?!" Killian gives them a confused stare, and now he starts to resist physically.
"Wait, hold on, that's not him," I quickly intervene as the other officer pulls out a taser.
"Are you sure?" the officer asks.
"Yeah, he's my brother's best friend, and we live together," I explain.
The officers immediately uncuff him.
"Care to explain?" Killian asks. His pissed expression is not what I like to see.
"I was followed again, twice, by the stalker," I admit.
"You were what? When?" he asks.
"At the gym and the cake café when I was with Gwen last time," I reply.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asks.
"I thought I could handle it myself," I admit. "I'm tired of everyone helping me, and I'm unable to do anything for myself. Nathan looks after me like I'm a child, Gwen keeps my mind occupied whenever I'm depressed, and then there's you. Rich, emotionally passive, and very difficult to read… and all of a sudden, you're sweet and… never mind that. I just wanted to solve this mess on my own."
"And you had to do that by having me arrested?" he asks.
"No, I thought you were…" I stop talking as I notice the grin on his face.
"You're so evil!" I stomp my foot.
"I'm really sorry, uh…" the police officer tries to apologize to Killian.
"Dr. Killian Ray, it's alright," he introduces himself.
"Wait… the one who owns that huge hospital?" the officer asks.
"The one and only," Killian says with a shrug.
"That's where my daughter had her surgery just a few weeks ago," he says.
"Oh, I'm glad she survived," Killian says with a smile.
"Thank you once again, and I'm sorry," the officer apologizes again. "We'll continue looking for the stalker."
"Thank you," Killian tells them and turns his attention to me. "Do you want to get a chocolate cake or parfait?"
"Stop being so nice," I frown as I walk past him.
"Is that a yes?" he asks.
"It's a yes," I sigh.
"Madison?" he calls.
I turn and find him glaring at me. "Next time I ask you what's wrong, and you lie to me, I'll punish you."
"Punish me? Is that supposed to be…"
His serious expression shuts me up. It's been a while since I saw him like this.
"Yes, sir," I reply.
"Good girl," he says in a growl. "Now, let's go get you a treat."