Chapter 2

Donald moved in with me.

He acted like he owned the place more than I did.

He got up early every morning to make a healthy breakfast and scrubbed the floors until they sparkled.

But the best part was that he really kept all those annoying social obligations at bay for me.

Once, Briar came knocking at my door.

Donald, apron on and a kitchen knife in hand, went to answer it.

His eyes were shadowed, his voice icy. "She doesn't want to see you. Scram."

I was in my bedroom, feeling fired up to hear how he tried to chase away Briar.

This was the life I'd always dreamed of, no more dealing with Briar's gossip, no more forcing a fake smile.

Donald was basically a God-sent social isolator for me.

Briar was screaming outside the door, "Iyla, why is there a guy in your house? Is he a freak? Come out here!"

From inside my room, I yelled through the door, "Briar, he is my bodyguard. He's got a nasty temper, so you'd better go before he does something to you."

Briar muttered curses under her breath as she left.

Donald closed the door and turned to face me.

The fierce look in his eyes lingered, but when he saw me, it shifted to something almost like he felt wronged. "Iyla, did you really call me your bodyguard?"

I walked over and patted his shoulder. "Just an excuse. Don't sweat it. That glare at her was perfect. Do it again next time. By the way, can you make some pulled pork sandwiches for lunch?"

Donald pressed his lips together, locking his gaze on me for a long time.

Out of nowhere, he slammed me against the wall.

He was strong, but I could feel his hand cradling the back of my head. "Iyla, do you have any idea what I'm thinking right now? I want to keep you all to myself, so you only ever see me."

I looked at his face, so close to mine.

His skin was flawless, not a single pore in sight.

I said, "Of course I know. Right now, you're the only one I see, aren't you? I think life's pretty good like this. So don't go doing anything stupid like turning yourself in."

Donald was totally defused, all his fight gone.

He let go of me and turned, heading into the kitchen.

I could hear him muttering under his breath as he was chopping. "She's totally baiting me, using that push-and-pull trick. Yeah, she's trying to flip the script and win me over instead. I need to calm down."

*****

Donald's need for control was leveling up.

He confiscated my phone, and the only thing I was allowed to use was the tablet he handed over.

The tablet was loaded with a couple of solo games and some preloaded movies.

He probably expected me to throw a tantrum and beg him to return my phone.

But I was so thrilled that I nearly did a happy dance.

God knows how miserable I was, having to deal with all those endless group chats every day.

Now, thanks to the control freak taking my phone, nobody could bother me anymore.

Donald watched me closely the whole day.

He noticed I wasn't close to crying. Instead, I was sprawled out on the carpet, totally hooked on a match-three game, grinning like a kid and having the time of my life.

Finally, Donald couldn't hold back anymore. He strode over and snatched the tablet right out of my hands. "Iyla, without your phone, there's no way for you to contact the outside world now. Doesn't that freak you out?"

I looked up at him, all genuine, and asked, "Can you still contact the outside world?"

He nodded.

I grinned. "Well, that's all that matters. If there's a fire or an earthquake, you'll get me out, won't you? As long as I'm safe with you, why would I need to reach anyone else?

"Besides, only relatives pestering me to get married and annoying telemarketers will try to call me. There's really nothing out there I'd miss."

Donald's face flushed with anger.

Obsessive types like him got their kicks from watching their prey struggle and tremble with fear.

But me? I refused to fight back, and I was happily crawling right into the cage, even griping that the bedding wasn't soft enough.

Suddenly, he crouched down and leaned in close to my ear.

His voice was deep and threatening. "Iyla, if you defy me, I'll tie you to the bed."

I lit up. "Do you mean it? If you tie you to the bed, does that mean I won't have to walk around? Will you spoon-feed me?"

Donald froze.

He stared at me, seeing the eager look in my eyes, and for a while, he was completely speechless.

Finally, he got up and raked his hair, looking totally defeated. "You're such a freak."

Well, look who was talking.

You hid under my bed, so don't pretend you were any less messed up.