Taunting the Stalker

Chapter 17- Hailey

I went down to the kitchen this morning, grinning when I felt his eyes on me immediately.
Never would have thought I'd be so into this shit.

I sit up on the kitchen counter so he can see me as I wait for my coffee to brew.
I think he likes the view...
He definitely enjoyed himself last night.

I can't believe I've lasted this long without accidentally reacting or making a sound while I'm so called "sleeping".

I decided to make up some muffins since I was craving something sweet.
Mixing up the batter, I put some chocolate chips in it before baking.

I sit back, curling up in my seat while I wait for them to bake.
I pull out a book to read, but honestly I don't even process a single word.
All I can think about is how close he is right now... somewhere nearby but just out of my sight.
When I hear my timer go off, I pop up, getting the muffins from the oven.

After a few minutes, I take a bite of one, letting out a soft moan on purpose like I'm enjoying them just that much.
They're good, but not that good.
Just wanted to tease him a bit...

After I'm done, I head back upstairs, getting ready to go to the gym.

He doesn't follow me there today, but I decided to just focus on my workout.
I'm sure I'd see him later.

I make it back home afterwards, noticing he's not there either.
Strange.

I'm walking upstairs to my bathroom to take a shower, and notice some of my products aren't where I left them.
Snooping around huh?
Rolling my eyes, I finally step under the hot water, letting it relax my thoughts.

Once I'm finished, I pull my curls back into a low bun before putting on some clothes for work tonight.
I make myself a sandwich, quickly eating before getting on my way.

•••

Not long after my shift begins, I see his large frame walk through the door, sitting down at the end of the bar.
Looking over, I flash him a quick smile, letting him know I'll be over soon.
I finish making some drinks, and before I can go over to him, a voice stops me.

"Hey sweetheart"
I stop in my tracks, turning around.
No.

I look up to see my ex boyfriend wearing a confident grin as he greets me as if we're old friends.
We're not.
"Sam." I say back coldly. "I'm at work. Busy."

"Oh come on... don't be like that honey." he says, leaning forward.
Why can't I move. Fucking pathetic.

"I don't have time to talk right now Sam..." I get out softly.
He reaches forward, grabbing my face.
His fingers sink harshly into my jaw.
Anyone watching would see his friendly smile, but his eyes tell me not to fuck around.
Taunting me.
"What? You don't have time for me anymore-"

He's cut off by Ryder pulling him back roughly.
Thank fuck.
I rub my jaw softly, silent.
Embarrassed.

"I think she said to leave her alone." Ryder says in a terrifyingly calm voice.
He's absolutely glaring at Sam like he's the fucking scum of the earth.
He pretty much is.

"Who are you? A new fucking bouncer or something?" Sam spits at him, trying to shake Ryders hand from him.

"Nah. Just someone who's more than happy to pound your fucking face in if you make her frown" Ryder replies, tightening his grip on my ex.
Fuck that's hot.

"You know this guy Hays?" Sam asks me, and I outwardly cringe at the nickname.
Fucking hated when he called me that.

"You should leave Sam" I say softly.
He frowns.

"I'll show you the way out" Ryder grins, practically dragging him out the door.
I grin at the sight.

He doesn't do anything... just watches as Sam drives away before coming back inside.
I make my way over to him.
"Thank you... you didn't have to do that" I tell him, suddenly a bit nervous speaking to him.
Embarrassed he saw me like that.
Weak.

"Don't mention it" he says, looking at me with nothing but admiration.
"Why don't you just make me one of those raspberry martinis you like, hm?" He says, sensing my nerves.

I nod, letting out a deep breath before I go make the drink, allowing myself to calm down.
I set the drink in front of him, and he thanks me before I run off to take some more orders.

I felt on edge the rest of the night, but having his eyes on me gave me a sense of comfort.
I knew he wouldn't let anything happen to me while he was there.
By the end of the night, he waited at the door for me.

He put his hand lightly on my lower back, guiding me as he walked me out to my car.

Before I could get in, he stopped me, turning me around.
"Give me your phone yeah?" He asks calmly

Confused, I handed it to him.
He types something in on it before handing it back to me, showing me his contact in my phone.
He gave me his number

"You call me if he bothers you ever again, alright?"
He looks down at me, raising a brow.
He's so close right now.

"It's really nothing I-" he cuts me off

"You'll call me." He says firmer "okay?"
He asks, his fingers gently skimming over where Sam had gripped my jaw with a frown.

"Okay" I say softly, looking up at him.
He's so fucking close to me.

We just stand there for a moment and I'm having trouble remembering how to breathe as he leans closer, gently tilting my head up so that my eyes stay on him.

"Good girl" he smiles softly.

I'm literally going to fall to the ground in a puddle.

He leans down, inches away from my lips.
Oh my god.
He closes the gap slowly, pressing a kiss to my lips, long and slow...

I let out an involuntary whimper when he pulls away.
His lips feel so nice.

I can't say anything as he opens my car door.
I just fall back into the seat in shock, not even processing as I drive off.
He kissed me.