Page 85 of Pretty Thing

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Felix

Whistling, I make a coffee and pull out the chocolate chip cookies I’ve made. The whole loft smells like them, and my stomach growls. These are Eden’s favorite, right down to the mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips.

Yesterday was…interesting. Kris was hostile but open about it, while Kyle was broody and sulky like I stole his toy. What he needs to understand is that Eden was never his and to move the fuck on. What I really don’t fucking like is the way he stares at her. It’s not just flirtatious. It’s predatory. And the fact that the expression changes when Eden looks at him tells me all I need to know about her so-called best friend. He’s dangerous.

Swiping my phone off the counter, I send Eden a text.

Felix: Goooood morning, Pretty Thing.

I start cleaning up while I wait for her to respond. I’ve just started the dishwasher when my phone dings.

Instead of answering right away, I take my phone and head to my office.

There on the monitor, Eden is sitting up in bed. Her hair is tousled from sleep, and she has the most innocent yet eager look on her face. My Pretty Thing is perfect.

Eden: Good morning. You’re chipper.

Felix: I’m always chipper when it comes to you.

She smiles, and follow suit.

Felix: What are you up to today?

She looks around the room, the glow slowly fading from her eyes.

Eden: Nothing. I guess I should find a job.

Like hell that’s happening. I’ve already got a plan for her that will earn her money and keep her close.

Felix: I have a much better idea. I’m going to kidnap you.

I watch her closely and love how she chews on her bottom lip.

Eden: Where are you kidnapping me to?

Felix: It wouldn’t be kidnapping if I told you. Be ready in forty-five minutes and dress comfortably but warm.

I zoom in on her face, and the happiness that is only there for me, just as mine is only there for her.

She is the single bright spot in my world, the beacon that pulls me back from the edge when it all becomes too much. For so long she’s been that person even if she doesn’t know. Now I get to be the light guiding her through the darkness.

Eden: You’re very mysterious.

Felix: I am. Now get ready. I’ll see you soon. Xoxo

I stay to watch what Eden does next. With a wide smile, she slowly gets up. Still stiff on her right ankle, but so much better than even a week ago. Eden pulls the t-shirt off over her head and tosses it into the hamper.

My entire body reacts. The lustful need I feel to claim Eden makes me as feral as any wild animal. I beat it back, but barely, as she removes her shorts. I capture the image on the screen and save it as she unknowingly looks directly up at me.

My magnificent angel, sent to me by fate and destiny. Reaching out, I slide my finger down the center of her body and am almost able to feel her skin.

“You don’t have to agree with me,” I say to the screen. “Just believe me when I tell you I’m trying to keep you safe my Pretty Thing.”

Eden begins her morning routine while I shut down the computer and secure the door with a heavy padlock. Then I head back to the kitchen to put my sweet treat in a container.

Five minutes later, I jog down the stairs, through the door that leads to the back side of the tattoo studio. No one else has access. The four other stores in the building aren’t connected to the upstairs section, and the three floors above have a separate front entrance. This was originally the manager’s living space and office, but when I bought it, I remodeled it to fit my needs and privacy.