Page 3

Nova

By the time I reach my apartment building across from the church, the sound of Ash’s motorcycle is no longer present.

A good thing, since I seem to be weirdly into him, to the point of letting him drive me home.

I've always had this rule that I never actually let a guy drive me home unless we're on our fourth or fifth date.

I guess now we can add to this rule spending a day in jail with someone as a qualification.

I take my key out of my pocket as I climb the stairs to my apartment, and when I reach my door, I unlock it, only to find that someone is already in my apartment.

The stranger is sitting on the couch facing the TV and is watching something on it.

He has a beer in his hand, and as I get closer, I realize who that stranger is.

My ex-boyfriend. “What the hell are you doing here?” I ask, trying my best to keep my anger at bay.

He immediately stands and approaches me as if nothing has happened.

This bastard is acting like I didn’t catch him cheating a few days ago.

“Baby, I missed you so much.” He coos into my neck as he picks me up and starts kissing his way to forgiveness.

“Get off me!” I yell and push him onto the floor.

“What the hell, Nova?” His voice is full of feigned shock .

“Baby, you are not still mad about what that girl said, right? I told you it’s a lie; I would never cheat on you.

” “Sure you wouldn’t, and I would never chop your dick off if you step closer.

” I say and walk toward the kitchen area of my apartment.

It’s an open space shared with the living room.

I grab a kitchen knife and start walking toward him.

He steps backward, his back hitting the wall behind him.

I press the knife to his neck and kiss the side of it, right above the blade.

“You are not afraid of me, are you baby?” I whisper into his ear, pressing my body against his.

He trembles under my hold, his eyes fixated on mine.

I trace a line on his body from his neck to his crotch with the edge of the knife until I let it settle against the fabric of his pants.

I press the knife lightly, not enough to break the fabric or his skin, but enough for him to start trembling under my hold.

“Never, and I mean never, come back here again. Got it?” I move my knife back against his throat, holding him still with the pressure of my own body.

I press the knife harder against his skin; droplets of crimson liquid start to flow, and I pass my tongue over the spot.

I take a step back and smile, my lips stained with his blood and a cold look in my eyes.

“You are fucking crazy!” He spits back as I release him.

“At least I am not a cheater.” I wink at him, licking the blood from the knife like it’s a delicacy.

He rushes for the door, and I follow until I reach the door.

I lean against the open door, watching him as he runs straight for the stairs, almost bumping into a woman who is trying to enter the apartment next door.

I chuckle at the sight of this guy almost peeing his pants for facing a knife, and I yell before he disappears down the stairs.

“I would sleep with one eye open from now on Craig.” I warn him, and then I step back into my apartment.

I take off my heels and drop them on the living room floor as I walk toward the bathroom.

I drop my clothes on the floor as I turn on the shower and step inside.

The hot water washes over me, and I close my eyes, savoring the feeling.

This night was too long; the only thing I want is to relax in here and then sleep.

It seems Craig has another plan, as my phone starts buzzing with messages.

Craig: Just remember, you stupid slut. I still have those photos you sent me.

Another notification follows, and the next message appears on my phone screen.

I try to relax as I watch the messages arrive from where my phone is on my bathroom counter.

Craig: Come on Nova. You know I didn’t mean it.

Craig: Nova, you will regret this. No one is going to want you after I am done with you.

Craig: Stupid slut, stop ignoring me. Craig: Okay, that was harsh.

Please forgive me, babe. Craig: You are worthless without me!

Who would even look at you? You are a pathetic little girl.

Craig is going between begging for my forgiveness and insulting me for a few more messages until I have had enough.

I get out of the shower and walk to my bedroom.

I don’t bother drying myself off. I just grab the first set of clothes I can find.

I put on a new pair of shorts and another white tank top.

Similar to what I was wearing earlier. I slip into the same pair of heels and grab my keys and the gasoline tank I keep for emergencies.

Let’s see who is going to regret what, Craig.