Page 50 of The Ecstasy of Sin

Before I can respond, the line goes silent. I stare at the screen until it fades to black, then slip the phone back into my pocket.

After being alone for so long, it feels strange to have someone become a constant in my life, even though they’re technically a murderous stalker.

I know something’s wrong here. Dangerous, even. If I had a friend—or even a single living family member—and told them what was happening, they’d beg me to call the police. They would tell me to block his number, and to run and hide.

But I don't. And so, here I am—watching the sunset, after having an almost ordinary conversation with a man that killed someone to save my life.

I asked him to come and sit with me, no less. The man that has been stalking me like a total psychopath.

There’s obviously something wrong with me too, but despite all he’s done, he’s only ever been a beacon of safety in my life.

I gather my things and rise, taking one last glance across the hillside, scanning every face I can see, still searching for him.

When I find nothing, I start heading back in the direction of the shelter.

By the time I get there, the city has fallen under the cover of night. With the sun setting earlier now that summer’s over, I still have plenty of time to secure a bed.

I pause outside of the building, my eyes searching the shadows.

My phone buzzes, so I pull it out again and read the waiting message.

DOMINIC

Go inside and get some sleep. I'll keep you safe.

My heart aches. That word—safe—it’s like an arrow straight to the most vulnerable part of me, piercing right through and settling deep in my soul.

I’ve been an outsider in this world for my entire adult life, and all I’ve ever wanted was to belong to someone, even though I’ve spent all of my time just fighting to survive. I want to be seen, and now that I have someone’s attention, I’m becoming addicted to it.

Whether it’s a tonic, or it’s venom, remains to be seen.

I stare at the screen while the butterflies in my belly flutter madly, frantic in their hysteria. Then I type out a response.

ME

Don’t you have more important things to do?

DOMINIC

Nothing is more important than you.

The butterflies turn violent, stirred by confusion. I just don’t understand what he sees in me. What about me is worth all of his time and attention?

I lift my gaze as a group of women with children make their way toward the shelter doors. I quickly pocket my phone, taking it as my cue to head inside and make sure I get a cot for the night.

I follow after them, waiting in line as they check in.

Tomorrow, I’ll have to dive back into the job hunt. Part of me, despite all reason, hopes I get to see Dominic again, too.

CHAPTER 14

Wren

Todayhasbeenanabsolute disaster.

I woke to the sound of thunder cracking overhead, the low rumble shaking the shelter walls like a bad omen.

Despite the storm, the bell still rang—its harsh clang telling us it was time to clear out for the day. A sea of exhausted women and children moved like ghosts through the halls, forced back out into the cold while staff reset the facility for the next night.