Taunting the Stalker

Chapter 30- Ryder

I glance angrily over at my phone as it rings for the third time this morning, grumbling.
I reluctantly slip my sleeping girl out of my arms, getting up to answer it.

"What the fuck is it?" I whisper, pissed off as I step outside Hailey's bedroom so I don't wake her.
"Got a job for you. It's high value and needs to be done quick. I need you to go check it out. ASAP." I recognize the voice of my coordinator.

I sigh, groaning.
"I told you I'm busy. Not planning on taking anything over the next few weeks. I have other shit to attend to" I tell him, annoyed.

"Come on. I'll send you the details. It's 30 minutes away from you. Fucking dumb rookie. You won't take even a day." He continues, making my pinch my nose as I think.

"You owe me this Ryder. There's a huge bounty on this mother fucker. In and out." He pleads and I roll my eyes.

"Fine. Send over the info." I groan, regretting this already.
I hang up the phone, turning back around to see Hailey in the doorway.
Fuck.
She doesn't look happy with me.

"You're leaving?" She arches a perfect brow at me, waiting.

"I'm sorry doll. I'll just be gone for a day, at most. Don't give me that look angel..." I sigh softly.
I try and reach out for her and she steps back from me, making me frown.

"I don't want you getting hurt. I don't want you to go." She says firmly, standing her ground.
I smile softly
"Come on doll, you really think I wouldn't come back to you? I'll always make it back to you." I reassure her.
She just pushes past me without a word, looking pissed off.
Come on angel.

"I have to leave now baby... come on now. Give me a kiss" I say smoothly.
She turns around with a fiery look in her eyes, making her so much hotter.
"Fuck you" she spits out
I grab her, pulling her lips to mine as I steal the kiss from her.
She huffs, pushing me off her.
Don't be mad at me doll.
I can't take it.

"I'll see you soon angel" I call out to her, walking out the door.
She'll come around.

I know she has work tonight so at least she won't be bored all alone at home.
She might even like some alone time since I haven't left her side in days.

I sigh as I hop into my car, dropping by my place to pick up a few things before heading to the job.

I set up my things, staking out this man's rental cabin in the woods.
Fucking piece of shit beat his girlfriend so bad she ended up in the hospital.
I'd make sure his death was extra painful.

The clock ticked by as I waited, and I watched on the cameras as my girl left for work.
I'm sorry I'm not there love.
I sigh, the air getting cooler as the sun sets.

I keep my eyes trained on the windows, looking for anything.
And my girl said I was such a terrible stalker.

•••

It's hours later and I watch as Hailey makes it back home from work, wishing I was there to hold her in my arms.
At least with this job I'd be set for a long time. No more favors to owe.
I'd take a break and just be with her.

I lean back in my car, my eyes noticing a slight shadow in the windows.
That's it. Just show me your face.

I worry nothing else will come, but then about an hour later, I see him slip out onto the porch to grab more firewood.
Got you.

I silently get out of my car, making my way there just in time before he can close the door behind him.
He looks back at me, eyes widening as he makes a run for it.
Sick fucking bastard.
I chase him through the cabin, quickly cornering him. Fucking pathetic.

"No! Please- I haven't done anything!" He gasps out, pleading with me.
I grip onto his shirt, lifting him up so that he's looking right into my eyes.
"You know what I fucking hate?" I grit lowly.
He shakes his head, trembling.
"A fucking miserable little shit who puts his hands on a woman." I spit at him.

I knee him in the gut, letting him drop to his knees before I bang his head against the wall.

Still conscious.
He'll feel what I do to him.

I grab a hunting knife from my back pocket, sinking it into his thigh as he screams like a little bitch.
"You're the fucking worst kind of human." I look down at him, watching him bleed.
I take the knife out, sticking it into his gut, twisting.
The man cries out in agony, sobbing before he blacks out.
No more fun. Shame.

I take out the knife, leaving him to bleed to death as I walk out the door.
I call my guy, letting him know the job's done as I get into my car.
Back to my girl.

I stop at my place for a few minutes, washing that disgusting prick off me and changing before I get to her.

She's fast asleep when I come in, looking so calm and sweet compared to how she was earlier.
I grin widely as I lie down next to her, pulling her into my arms softly.
So damn pretty.
She doesn't wake up, just nuzzles into my chest with a sleepy sigh.
Fucking perfect.

I close my eyes, hoping that she's come around and forgiven me for leaving.
I told her I'd come back to her.
Always.

I feel over her soft skin as I let out a satisfied hum, drifting off to sleep myself.
I'd have her back smiling in my arms tomorrow.