Perfect

Perfect

~ Chapter 17 ~

Flashback- Gabriel's POV

"Fag-boy, you lost?"

I studied the tips of my worn sneakers and pretended not to hear James Pennington's loud question or the snickers that followed.

"He's not lost," a voice I didn't recognize answered for me. "Coach is making him do extra gym class because he so...

"Queer," Ramsey Carmichael provided.

There was more mocking laughter.

I continued to scuff a toe on the highly glossed gym floor. I could get through this. I could. I just didn't know if I would be able to do it without fighting though.

The arrival of James to the academy had been a nightmare for me. From the minute he'd arrived he'd zeroed in on me to torment for the school year. At first I ignored him but as the mocking continued, my anger grew. So far we've gotten into three fist fights, two I'd won, but because he'd brought his friends along the other time, I was left bloodied and beaten.

Mr. Thompson had been lenient so far, only giving me detention but I knew if I got into a another fight, he would have to call my mom and when she found out I was getting into trouble, I had a strong feeling she was going to send me to boot camp or wherever.

I'd deliberately been skipping gym class for two reasons, James and his buddies were there and two, I was terrified that my body would betray me and their suspicions I was gay would be confirmed.

Now I found myself forced to attend gym classes or fail. I would survive this. Fifty minutes, that's all.

I shot a quick glance at the large, round clock on the far wall. No, only forty-six. Anyone could survive that.

"Okay, kids, lets get this game of hoops going." Coach Mason called, clapping his hands together loudly.

The kids lined up against the wall. I remained rooted to my spot, slightly away from the others.

"James you're captain. And...Ramsey, you're captain," the coach decided.

I watched James jog to the white line marking the perimeter of the gym floor. He stood cocky, sure of himself. I hated the smirk on his face, and would like nothing more than to smack it off.

"Gabriel!" Coash Mason waved an arm. "Get over there with the others. You're not going to get picked standing way over there. Come on."

I walked over to the other kids, head down, hair draped over my face.

"And put that hair up, you know you can't wear it down." He called out.

"You might as well stay over there," Eric, one of James friend whispered as I passed. "Your faggot ass ain't gonna get picked anyway."

Again, I acted like I didn't hear, but my jaw tightened, and my knuckles went white. Forty more minutes, I repeated to myself.

"Okay, Ramsey, you get first pick," the coach said, and the process began. Sure enough I, along with a short, weed thin boy, were the last to get chosen. It was James's pick; he scrutinized the both of us, and then said, "I'll take Dale."

Coach Mason blew out a breath of frustration. "Fine, Greywolf, the teams are even now, so you'll be a sub. Go sit on the bench."

They all laughed under their breath while I walked by, and sat on the bench. I picked up my backpack and pulled out my sketchpad and began to draw. Letting my mind carry me away.

I hadn't wanted to play anyway.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Present Day- Gabriel's POV

I knew something was wrong the minute I saw him.

He looked like he hadn't slept in a week. There were dark circles under his eyes, and he kept biting his lips as his eyes darted all over the place. He was nervous, No, it was more than that, he seemed scared. I glanced at the two men beside him, recognizing the two officers Detective Haynes had assigned to guard our house.

'Shit! Fuck! Shit!' I cursed mentally but I tried to keep the anger and fear out of my face as Keira and I moved from behind the couples in front of us and came into Connor's line of vision.

His tightened face relaxed when he saw me; he even managed a strained smile before rushing towards us. I think he was about to throw himself into my arms but stopped himself because of Keira. Even though I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around him and demand to know whatever he was keeping from me, I controlled that impulse. I didn't want to confuse Keira anymore than needed. She didn't even know Connor was going to live with us and what our relationship was. Hell! I have no idea how explain to her that I was gay! Much less that I was eventually going to marry the man standing before us.

"Hey, I see you guys made it in alright." Connor said smiling.

I grimaced at how hoarse his voice sounded, and shot him a look that said he was in big trouble for not telling me something was wrong when I had called during our stopover two hours ago.

Keira, who had been endlessly chitchatting about everything and anything, suddenly became quiet at the sight of Connor and wrapped her arms around my leg; burying her face behind my knees.

"Hey, there's no need to be shy." I unwrapped her from my legs and lifted her into my arms. "He isn't a stranger."

Keira lifted her face from underneath my chin, and eyed Connor. "He isn't?" She asked, frowning. "I haven't met him before."

"No you haven't but I have." I searched through my mind, trying to come up with a good title to give Connor, so she'd realize the important role he was going to play in her life. "This is your uncle Connor."

"Weally?" She squealed, her fear completely forgotten. "I haven't ever had an uncle before."

Connor shot me a look of surprise then reached out to take Keira's hand. "Well, I've never had a niece before so we're going to learn what to do together."

"I know what we should, I do! I do!" Keira bounced happily.

"You do? What?"

"Your suppose to give lots, and lots of presents on my birthday and buy me ice-cream and chocolate when you're babysitting me."

"I am?"

"Yep!" She nodded her vigorously. "My friend Debby told me so, and she has four uncles, so she should know."

"Mmmm." Connor murmured pretending to think about the idea before adding. "I don't know, but I guess your friend has to be right, I'm going to think about it some more."

"Kay." She said, grinning up at him, then squirmed against me. "Down please." I placed her on her feet and she reached into the case where her cat was and pulled her out. "This is Sheba. She's my cat. Isn't she precious?" She cooed, sounding extraordinarily like the woman who'd been sitting on the plane with us and made a statement like that about Keira, while pinching her cheeks.

Connor laughed. "Yes she's very precious." I had the feeling he was talking about Keira and not the cat.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Connor's POV

My eyes were burning me.

I sat in the car as we drove home and tried to will my eyes open to no avail. After spending the night awake answering question after question from Detective Haynes and having to get a new cell phone and set-up a tap on my father's old one, I'd thought I would sleep this afternoon then get up in time to pick Gabriel up from the airport at 7 pm, but every time I'd closed my eyes I would hear his voice. The eerie distorted sound that made every nerve in my body stand up, and quiver with fear.

The only brightness in my day had been seeing Gabriel and Keira. She was the mirror image of him in miniature female size. It was hilarious how big he seemed in comparison to her small frame but they fit together in an odd sort of way. Like missing puzzle pieces that were unnoticed until they were connected.

I jumped, when I felt someone's hand on my shoulder, my eyes snapping open to meet Gabriel's.

"We're home." He said quietly and turned towards the house with sleeping Keira in his arms. He was worried, but I knew he wouldn't say anything in front of his sister.

I don't know how I managed to walk upstairs to the bedroom but I somehow found myself sitting on the bed, head on my knees, concentrating on staying awake.

I felt his hand ruffling through my hair before I noticed he was in the room and I chided myself for not being more aware of my surroundings. I couldn't go off to la-la-land whenever I wanted, I had to stay alert at all times because we had no way of knowing when this maniac would strike.

He kissed the top on my head, and was silent for a few moments before asking gruffly, "What the hell haven't you told me?"

My gut twisted at the anger in his voice. "He called."

"What? When?"

"Last night. On Dad's cell phone." I mumbled, and then I repeated the conversation word for word, my voice monotone.

"Fucking Hell Connor!" He roared. "Why didn't you tell..."

I flinched away from him. "Please." I begged quietly, my voice shaky. "Please don't be mad now, I-I-don't...I just want you to hold me and make everything okay again." I sounded weak. I hated that but not as much as I hated being scared all the time. I needed to sleep and feel safe for a few hours, and the only way my mind was going to shut off long enough is if Gabriel was holding me. I didn't have too much pride to admit that.

He stopped mid-tirade, and stared down at his feet, fist clenching and unclenching with anger. It took a few minutes but finally he stood up and stepped in front of me. He reached down and tugged on the end of my shirt, I lifted my arms, letting him undress me without protest.

When we were both naked and spooned together under the covers, he whispered. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Yelling."

"I should have told you." I admitted quietly. "I just wanted to put it off as long as possible. Bringing Keira home for the first time should be a happy memory. I didn't want to taint it with all this ugliness."

The heat from his body was soothing my weary body to sleep, I let my heavy lids close and in seconds I blanked completely out.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gabriel's POV

"Does Detective Haynes have any leads?"

I waited for him to answer but he'd gone completely still.

"Connor?"

No answer.

I hoped there wasn't something else he was hiding from me and he didn't know how to say it.

"Connor?"

This time a faint little breath that sounded distinctively like a snore greeted me.

I smiled and leaned over to glance at his face. His eyes were closed, and the tension in his jaw was gone. His beautiful lips were parted slightly; even unconscious he was tempting me to kiss him.

I pressed a soft kiss on his lips, before reaching over to turn off the bedside lamp. I settled back into place but my mind refused to shut off.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I gave up on sleeping around 5 am, when I woke up to check if Connor was laying beside me and if Keira was asleep in the guest room for the third time.

After pulling on sweatpants and a t-shirt, I went downstairs and grabbed a beer before dropping on the couch in the den to watch TV.

I had no idea how long I'd been sitting before the hairs on the back of my neck started to stand up and turned around and noticed pink frills and tiny toes peaking out at the end of the staircase.

"Keira, what are you doing up so early?"

I heard a startled gasp, and then she mumbled. "Nothing."

"Why don't you come over here and sit by me."

I watched with mounting amusement as the little girl in a long pink nightgown, mournfully walked towards me, eyes downcast, thumb in her mouth. She sat beside me, feet curled up to her chest.

"Couldn't sleep either huh?"

She shook her head.

"Don't you like your room?"

She wrinkled her nose and shook her head again.

I laughed. "It's kind of plain now but I thought we could go to the store later and pick up some stuff you like, a new bed, and some toys..." I broke off, looking at her dejected face carefully. "You want a hug?" I asked. "Because I could really use a hug right now, and I'd sure appreciate it if you give me one."

She considered my words, and then nodded. She slowly crawled toward me. She climbed into my lap, and wrapped her arms around my neck. I held her tightly, hoping she would start to feel more secure. "Do you want to tell me what's wrong?"

"You're not mad at me?"

"Why would I be mad at you?"

"I left my room without permiss..isio...umh...without asking first." She said, her eyes filled with tears. "I know I'm not su'pose to but it's dark and scary in there."

"Keira, why would you get in trouble for leaving your room?"

"Mrs. Beckett and the Headmistress said I couldn't go anywhere but my room cause I'm a trouble maker." She whispered her words distorted by the thumb still lodged in her mouth.

The more time went by the more I was developing an overwhelming hatred for those women. "Those were the rules there, now that you're here everything is different."

She eyed me skeptically. "You mean I could go wherever I want to?"

"Yep."

She grinned at me, eyes shining with mischief. "Can we go shopping now?"

I laughed at her rapid shift in moods. "It's too early, the stores aren't open yet."

She frowned in disappointment then said. "Kay, I'm going watch Dora then."

"Who's Dora?" I asked, while passing her the remote.

"You don't know?" She asked apparently scandalized by the very idea.

"No."

"But you're a grown up, aren't you su'pose to know everything?"

I smiled. "Not everything."

She flipped the channel and a small Spanish looking girl dressed in red and pink came into focus. "Ohhh...Ohhh...this is my favorite one." She murmured and became engrossed with the show.

An hour of cute songs later, I was beginning to feel like my brain was going to implode.

"Have you brushed your teeth yet?" I asked Keira.

"Nah..uh."

"Why don't you go do that and get dressed while I fix breakfast?"

"Kay."

She scrambled away, while I turned off the TV. How I was going to endure watching that cutesy cramp I did not know. I only began to see Tommy on a regular basis when he was in action cartons and Pokemon phase. I guess I was going to have to suck it up and watch this stuff more often.

I went into the kitchen and searched through the cupboards, hoping to find something I could make that Keira would like. If it had been just Connor and me I'd made cereal and I was just going to pick a box when I heard a low chuckle behind me.

"Want some help?"

I glanced up at him, his hair messy from sleep, eyes still a little puffy but other than that he looked beautiful.

I threw him a sheepish look. "Sure."

He reached inside the same cupboard and pulled out a pancake box that I hadn't noticed before. "I bought some groceries I thought she might like." He told me.

I leaned in and kissed him softly on the mouth.

"Morning."

He nuzzled under my chin. "Morning."

"Are you gonna kiss again?"

Connor sprang away from me as if he'd been burned.

I turned to see Keira standing in the doorway, watching us. How long she'd been standing there, I couldn't guess.

Connor panicked gaze-met mine, while I tried to hide my agitation. "Not right now."

"Later?"

My gaze flickered to Connor's, "Probably."

Keira thought about this, head tilted to one side. "Are you allowed to kiss him if he's my uncle?"

"Yes I am." I replied hoping she would drop the subject; I wasn't ready for this discussion yet.

"How come?" So much hoping.

"Because we're not related by blood."

She looked puzzled. "Huh?"

"When someone has the same blood inside them as another person, they are related by blood, but sometimes people who love each other very much become related by the heart."

"Like my Nanny, I loved her like a Grandma, and I called her that sometimes."

"Right, just like that."

Her face became puckered. "Then he's not my real uncle?"

"Of course he is. He just is going to be an uncle from your heart instead of blood."

She climbed up onto one of the stools by the counter. "But how come you kiss him?"

"Because I like him very much."

She cocked her head to the side again. "Aren't boys su'pose to kiss girls?"

I glanced at Connor, hoping he would be able to help me out on this explanation.

"Not always." He said. "Sometimes boys can like other boys and girls can like girls too."

"Weally?"

"Really."

She bit her lip. "I guess I like girls then, cause boys are yucky but I don't want to kiss them though."

She didn't understand my explanation, but that was okay as long as she understood something, I could breathe easily.

"You don't have to." I said.

"Good." She said seeming relieved then turned to Connor. "Are you gonna live with us too?"

"Uh uh, I hope that's okay."

She shrugged, eyeing the pancake box, "It's fine. You gonna make pancakes for breakfast?"

"Yep."

"With strawberries?"

"If you want."

She nodded. "That's my favorite."

I breathed a sigh of relief as another crisis was averted. Keira and Connor went on to chat and make breakfast while I went upstairs to shower.

As I was pulling on my t-shirt over my head, Keira rushed into the room. "Breakfast is ready."

"I'm coming."

She dashed out of the room again, small legs moving fast.

When I came downstairs, she was already starting on her first pancake, face covered in syrup. I stacked up some on my plate and began to eat but became aware that Keira had stopped eating and was now studying me.

"You gonna eat all that?"

I nodded, my mouth full.

"Wow." She said, astonishment clear in her voice.

"That's nothing, you should see him when he's really hungry." Connor said, grinning behind his coffee cup.

"He eats more than that?" She asked.

"Yep."

She glanced down at my stomach. "Your tummy must weally be empty." She proclaimed, which made Connor start laughing.

Breakfast continued like that, them ganging up on me, and even though I was the brunt of their jokes, I didn't mind because at least they were bonding. I knew one of Connor's fears had been, Keira not liking him but from watching them together I knew that wasn't going to be a problem.

I was finishing up washing the last dish when Keira, bumped my leg and asked. "Will you do my hair?"

"I don't know how do little girls hair."

"You could just put it in a ponytail. That's real easy. Or maybe a side pony. Just make sure it's high, cause I don't like low ponies."

"I'll try." I said, reaching over to dry my hands. "But don't blame me if you look like a wild child."

She laughed. "Your hair is long too, and you put it in pony."

"I know but that's different."

"No it's not." She said, and handed me the brush she'd be holding.

I picked her up and placed her back on the stool she'd been sitting on. "You have to comb out the tangles first." She instructed.

Carefully I brushed the bristles through the back of her hair. "Am I hurting you?"

She shook her head.

I turned her head to the side and lightly brushed a tangle beneath her right ear.

"Gabriel?"

"Mmm." I murmured, concentrating on pulling her hair up and wrapping the band around it.

"I'm glad you brought me here."

I paused mid-task. "So am I, honey, so am I."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Connor's POV

Shopping with a little girl was eventful to say the least.

Keira talked endlessly, to me, to Gabriel, to the police officers guarding us, to no one in particular. She was curious about everything around her. Constantly running from one place to the next.

After several hours of shopping for clothes, new toys, videos, pillows and blankets. We were in the paint store picking out colors Keira would like in her room.

"I like this one." Keira said, jumping up with enthusiasm. I glanced at the paint chip, not surprised by the color. It seemed this little girl had a fixation on anything pink.

"Are sure you want something...so..so...bright?" Gabriel choked out.

"Yep, it's very pretty." She replied grinning.

The color in question was neon pink, the brightest level of pink imaginable; I had to suppress a laugh at the pained look on Gabriel's face.

"I think it might be little too much... for your room. You'll get a headache."

"No I won't." She said, her lips thrusting out mutinously. "I like it."

I could tell Gabriel was craving. I rolled my eyes. Honestly, the man was going to spoil the child rotten. So far he hadn't been able to say 'no' to her yet.

I was surprised however when he said. "How about we make a compromise?"

She frowned, confused. "What's that?"

"When you get what you want and I get what I want, by meeting in the middle."

She cocked her head, still not getting it.

"If you pick a lighter color, I'll do something really special for you tomorrow when you're out with Connor getting school supplies.

I raised an eyebrow at him, but said nothing.

She eyed him suspiciously. "A Surprise? Weally? What kind of surprise."

He shook his head, "I'm not telling, it wouldn't be a surprise if I did. Do we have a deal?" He offered her his hand.

"Okay." She shook his hand, and pointed to lighter shade of pink.

That evening we came home a few thousands dollars poorer but happy. Keira had chosen a white canopy bed, with soft pink fabric flowing down the sides, and a matching dresser and side tables.

She did get to squeeze one hot pink item in the room however. It came in the form of a miniature love seat, fit for a princess. For Keira it was at love a first sight. No amount of compromise was going to get her away from that couch.

"I can't believe you bought it for her." I remarked later that night, as we were getting ready for bed.

Gabriel shrugged. "She looked cute in it."

I laughed. "Yes she did."

"Besides she needs to be spoiled a little."

I sighed, knowing he was right. "She does, but it can't get too out of hand."

"I know, baby." He leaned down and kissed me. "It won't, I promise."

I nibbled on his lips, my body becoming less and less interested in conversation. "What's this surprise you have planned?" I asked, and then gasped as he sucked the soft flesh on my neck into his mouth.

"You'll find out tomorrow." His hands were suddenly on my crotch, massaging my aching erection. "Do you think you can keep your moans in your throat?" He asked.

The groan I let out seconds later was answer enough.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kiera couldn't wait to get home the next day. Early that morning Gabriel had ushered us out the door, making it clear he wanted us gone the whole day.

After picking up the necessities for school, and getting an information package from the community center on schools in the area and programs Keira could get involved in this summer, we went to see a movie.

Robots was not generally the kind of movie I wanted to see, but it was the only movie available appropriate for a five year old. Officer Murphy and Lowell, our bodyguards for today, were practically snoring when it was finally over.

"Can we go home now?" She asked, as we existed the theater.

I glanced down at my watch, 6: 30 pm. "I think so." I said, dialing the house to confirm with Gabriel.

"Hello." He answered on the second ring.

"Hey, is it okay to come home now?"

"Sure baby, everything's ready."

"Alright, we're on our way." I hung up the phone and turned to Keira. "Home it is."

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" She chanted while running to the car.

As soon as we pulled in the driveway she rushed out of the car and up the front stairs. "I'm home." She announced as she threw the doors open.

I could hear Gabriel chuckling upstairs when I followed her in. I was just as curious as she was about this surprise.

"I'm upstairs, in your room." Gabriel shouted.

Quick as lightening she was on the move again, racing up the stairs. When she opened up her door, she gasped, and then shrieked with excitement.

I stood in the doorway, frozen in shock.

Somehow Gabriel had managed to paint the room and place the furniture. The bed was in the middle of the room, the love seat in front of it. But what was most astounding was on the left wall was a painted mural.

There was a castle and a princess in a soft pink dress that looked remarkably like Keira. Flowers and butterflies of all colors, it was a land of enchantment.

"This is mine?" Keira asked.

"Of course it is." Gabriel replied smiling. "Do you like it?"

Keira leapt towards him, he caught her in mid-flight. She rained kisses all over his face. "Yes! Yes!" She said between pecks. "You're the best brother ever. Thank You, Thank You."

"Your welcome, pumpkin." He said, and then looked over at me, I gave him a watery smile. God how I loved this man.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hunter's POV

What the hell was I doing here? I asked myself for the fifteenth time since I arrived.

The music was pumping; guys in tight jeans with hard asses were everywhere, the buzz from the four drinks I had were flowing in my system, yet I couldn't lose myself.

I turned around, my body moving to the beat of the music, my hips grinding in another faceless club-bunny that I knew wanted nothing more than to get into my pants.

I'd come here tonight wanting to get back to my old life. If I were going to be used for sex, at least it would be on my terms. I refused to ever feel like cheap meat ever again. But the more I tried to become who I was; I began to realize that I didn't like that person. Sure I liked to party, I always will, but I needed more than that.

I pushed away from the club-bunny, Lance...Jake...whatever his name was and walked away. I had exited the club and was hailing a cab when I noticed he'd followed me. "Leaving so soon?" He asked.

"Yes." I caught the attention of cab, and it pulled up beside me.

"Want some company?"

I glanced over at him, muscles ripped, big bulges in all the right places. Usually I would be hard as a rock from just looking at a body like that. But nothing, not a twitch, or shiver.

I got into the cab. "No thanks." I slammed the door shut, and gave the driver my address.

Upon arriving at home, I stripped down to my briefs, and promptly fell face down into bed, letting fatigue overtake me.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A Killer's POV:

It was time to hunt again. Finally, I could feel the anger burning in me. It felt almost painful, the anticipation pooling in me, the power gathering, until it was choking me. The need sped through my body like hot wildfire.

I thought I had cleansed my life of users. All the manipulators were supposed to be gone from my life, but I'd been wrong. He was there toying with me, making me want him. Now that I did, he'd thrown me away, like everyone had before.

He would pay. Slowly, painfully he would pay. I would teach him respect for those around him. Yes I would.

I stood, and began the comforting ritual of shaving. First my head, cleaning off every stray hair. Excitement of the coming night kept rising in me, making my hands shake but I kept firmly under control. I had to concentrate on the preparations. I refused to give the police any means of identifying me. Carefully I shaved my arms, legs, and then my chest hair. Finally my crotch, meticulously I removed every hair being extremely careful in this area, any tiny nicks could leave behind DNA.

I picked up the fillet knife which I had painstakingly sharpened for three nights. Slowly I ran it down my smooth chest, loving the feel of the cold metal against my smooth skin. Embracing the power of the steel.

Yes! Tonight I would hunt. Hunt so I could cleanse the world of another wicked, sinful soul.

As my father had taught me. When you were bad, you are punished. I've always loved the punishing part the best.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Somewhere inside of a House:

I woke with a start, my gaze flickering over each dark corner of the room. Nothing I was alone.

I stood up and moved to the window, feeling the cool breeze against my skin. I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the glass, just to snap them back open an instant later as the door burst inward, striking the wall hard enough to leave a dent. Shock flashed through me, followed by a fleeting sense of realization, and in an instant of disbelief.

A man entered my bedroom. Terror snaked through me as I took in the sight of him-long black coat, shiny leather gloves, face concealed behind a leather mask.

"You won't get away with this," I rasped out.

Reptilian eyes stared at me through the slits of the mask. He smiled, "I already have." He whispered.

I wasn't afraid of a lot of things, but as I watched the intruder close the door behind him, a fear I'd never experience sliced through me. Maybe it was the stare, I realized, inhuman in its intensity, the eyes dispassionate and resolute, filled with unspeakable purpose. And the smile curved on his lips, which spoke of enjoyment.

'My gun,' I thought to myself. 'I need my gun.' Spinning, I propelled myself into a dead run for the night table. I was aware of him moving behind me, but I didn't stop. I ran blindly, sensing his closeness as I moved, heard the sound of his boots on the carpet, his breathing deep, controlled.

A sliver of relief sliced me, as I finally was able to grasp the gun, only to catch a glimpse of cold steel as it came down and pierced through the center of my hand, sending a scream of pure agony through me.

"No, no, no, none of that. I'm not through playing with you yet." He cooed behind my ear.

Labored breaths rushed through my clenched teeth; I spun on my attacker, elbowing him in the stomach. He grunted and raised the knife, releasing my hand from its pinned position.

Adrenaline pumping, I slammed my shoulder into his chest, catching him off guard and sending us both sprawling to the floor. Scrambling I stood up lunging for the closed door. My clammy hands were shaking rapidly as I tried to open the door, knowing this was my only chance of escape.

Finally I pulled it open, but he'd rolled across the floor and to his feet, throwing himself at my back and slamming me forward, and my body shoved it closed again.

He wrapped his hand around my hair, agonizingly pulling my head backwards. He bent his head and licked my face. "You have spunk. I like that."

"Fuck You."

"I will, don't you worry."

He grounded his pelvis against my ass, bile rose in my throat when I felt the hardness there.

'No.' my mind screamed. 'No.' Fighting against all my instincts, I let my body go limp, Unprepared for the full impact of my weight, he release me. Silently I thanked God I remembered to take those self-defense lessons.

I leapt away from him, my mind searching for a weapon, anything. Grabbing a vase, I threw it at him, but he deflected it easily by moving out of the way.

He laughed, shaking his head in amusement. "Pitiful."

I zeroed in on a chair to my left. Picking it up I flung it out the window, hoping that somehow the neighbors would hear it and call for help.

"MotherFucker!" He screeched.

With a sudden blast of violence, he bounded forward, tiny eyes fixed on mine, as cold and emotionless as a taxidermist's glass. I only had time to raise my hands in defense before he was on me. The blade came down, slicing into the flesh between my fingers, rising again, and then cutting deep. The scream that followed was hoarse and weak. My own. And the blood. So much blood...

To be Continued...