Malevolence

Chapter 2:

Please read the Writer's note before continuing to read this chapter.

Evelyn:

I awake with my head resting on a soft pillow, instead of on Ransom's chest.

Did Ransom leave? Was he just a hallucination? Am I actually going crazy?

I shift my body weight, but I groan in agony. My muscles ache as I try to move my body, but I manage to shift my body – groaning in the process – so I am laying on my back. I look at the ceiling and I wipe my eyes.

No doubt I look like shit, with smeared makeup across my face, but I don't care.

Who do I need to impress anyway?

I exhale and close my eyes, and I suddenly catch a whiff of sweat and stink.

Oh my! It's me. I really do stink!

I didn't bring any extra clothing with me, so I will have to stay in these stinky clothes.

Ugh!

But I wasn't planning on staying at Harlan's house for this long. If it weren't for Ransom, I would have been gone by now.

I need to leave this house soon. I just need to –

"Bath's ready."

My eyes fly open as I hear a voice from the bathroom.

Shit! Ransom is still here?

Or am I just hallucinating? I might be going crazy.

I see Ransom standing by the bathroom door, and I make a guttural noise, shutting my eyes.

Why can't he leave me alone? I don't want him around me! Why does he insist on staying with me? I don't want to speak to him. I want him to leave this room. Now!

Unfortunately, that won't happen because I know Ransom won't leave me alone, even if I ask him to.

I exhale a sharp breath, pinching the bridge of my nose. I guess I'm going to have to deal with Ransom, whether I like it or not.

But I still want Ransom to leave me alone!

"Evelyn?" I feel Ransom's hand on my arm, which makes goosebumps on my skin.

I open my eyes to see Ransom is standing right next to me.

How did he walk over here so fast from the bathroom?

I act on impulse and I immediately sit up, shuffling away from Ransom, but I still remain on the bed.

That was a bad idea because that really hurt my muscles!

"Hey it's okay. It's just me." Ransom purrs, raising both his hands in the air.

Like that makes it any better?

"Get out!" I bark, wrapping my arms around me as my body starts to shake.

Ransom sighs. "Not this again."

I narrow my eyes at Ransom. "Get. Out." I bare my teeth this time.

Why can't Ransom listen to me? I don't want him around me. I want to be left alone.

Ransom creases his brow, parting his lips slightly as he takes a step back.

I pull my brows together. "Did you not hear me?" I point to the door without breaking eye contact with Ransom. "Get out."

Ransom blinks and straightens his back. "That is not happening Evelyn. I am not leaving you. I'm not letting this opportunity go to waste." he says with a confident tone as he reaches for my arm. "Now come. I ran you a –"