Devil's Oasis

Chapter 9

Why did he have to kiss me? I've been running from Dominic like a scared little mouse squeaking at him every time he just materializes behind me. Sneaky shark that he is. I haven't found the courage to call him again besides a thank you text I sent for the camera's. Even if they are excessive. He had gotten a total of four for inside the store, covering all angles, one for the backroom and two for the store front and one over the counter. Dominic had made sure to change the light in the backroom as well as ensuring that the street lights were all fixed.

I've made sure to not go in early or stay any later than what is needed. He can't scare me if I'm not there. It's a simple and quite bleak mindset if I'm being completely honest with myself. The strict new schedule has kept me mostly away from Dominic, on the off chance he's managed to appear in the store around lunch time after the few customers come in for an odd errand. Milo hasn't appeared at the store again, nor has the supposed 'goon' as Dominic called him. How much does he know about what's going on?

I've asked that question on more than one occasion, almost breaking down and asking him flat out. But that'd mean I'd have to talk to him, face to face. No thanks. My shock over the kiss and my reaction to him have shaken me to the core. I always thought of him as a handsome man, but to feel his own response to me? To know he wants me? I'm sure of nothing more than a fling. I don't know how to respond, never having had someone have a crush on me- I'm out in the ocean drowning.

A cart wheel squeaks as it passes by, the old metal cart creaking with each push from the shopper. Focus on getting the food you need and go home. Sighing at the thought I grab the bag of white rice and continue through the store to grab the rest of my meager list. Spam, or tuna? Either is cheaper than regular. The frozen vegetables I had gotten are a splurge for me, leaving my measly budget laughable to stave me over for any length of time. I grab two containers of spam and a small carton of eggs before I check out.

Please still be light out. The sun is already on its downward trajectory as I head for home, the loft apartment I call home. The space is small and very overpriced in my opinion, but what I can afford that's semi close to the store. Walking through town I make sure to limit my time in the darkness of broken lamps as I scuttle along feeling the eerie feeling of being watched. It's in my head, I'm paranoid, nothing more. I shut the metal gate to my complex and sigh as I hear the snicking as it closes.

Trudging up the eight flights of stairs I stare down the empty, decrepit hallway with a shiver. Ever since the scare at the bookstore I've dreaded making the walk from the steps to my door as if I'm about to face a life sentence of death. Now you're just being dramatic. Shouldering my bag I track down the hall expecting the bogey man to leap out and laugh at me. I unlock my door as quickly as possible and slip inside, making sure to lock both locks and slide the chain in place before I dare release a sigh of relief.

The light turns on as I face my bed making me jump and drop my bag of groceries with a scream trapped in my mouth. Dominic sits with a heavy scowl on his features as I clutch my chest leaning against the wall shaken. "What the he-"

"You are not taking care of yourself," he states with an unearthly growl as I stare at him in disbelief. Is he serious?

"You broke into my home!" I cry out with anger as I stare at him.

"Home? This is a closet," he scoffs and stands languidly from my bed making me blush as I roll my eyes at him looking at my groceries. No more thoughts of such.

"You broke my eggs," I grumble as I stare at the sloppy and slimy mess inside my bag. "And broke into my home- why?" I feel his shadow loom over me as his legs appear in front of me while I work to grab my bag of food.