My Bully’s Love by Stacy Rush

I missed You

Jace didn’t take me staying home with Reece very well. He wanted me with him, but I couldn’t take another night being bored. I was only allowed to stay once I told him that all the excitement of Jude and Beth coming over had taken a bit of a toll on me, and I was a bit exhausted. I informed him that I wanted to go to bed before midnight, and he agreed, but not until he had Owen promise to stay inside the apartment until he got home from work, even though Malik would be on shift as well.

He’s taking my safety seriously, and I love him more for it, but it’s a bit too much for me. I will never tell him that, though. He would think that I wasn’t being careful and punish me once more like he did the last time, and I definitely don’t want that. It’s not that I don’t take my safety seriously; the last thing I want is to get stabbed again or worse, but it’s how he goes about trying to protect me. Daddy pays good money for my guards and it’s their job to protect me, but Jace thinks he needs to take it upon himself.

I’m just finishing up getting ready when there is a knock on the front door. I open it to a smiling Owen, “I come bearing my own popcorn.” He chuckles.

giggle at him, “Reece is bringing popcorn.”

“Yes, but I eat a shit ton, so I figured I’d bring my own.” He comes in and goes to the kitchen, “Besides, this popcorn comes straight from the movie theater in town. How can you not eat it?”

“You can buy popcorn for takeout from the theater?” I ask surprised.

“Of course, you can. Money is money to them.” The guard states, “I did forget M&M’s though.” He sulks.

“Well, you’re in luck because I have those.” I pick up the tray that I have prepared with a bunch of goodies and carry it over to the coffee table in the living room.

Another knock sounds and I recognize it as Reece’s special knock just before she walks in carrying a big bag of popcorn. I look between her bag and Owen’s bag and burst out laughing.

“Looks like you both had the same idea. We shouldn’t run out of popcorn tonight, that’s for sure.”

“Great minds think alike!” Reece pipes in as she grins up at Owen.

The guard is already looking at my friend, and I can’t help but wonder if he has a thing for my loud, sassy friend. She will be on cloud nine if that’s the case, but then I’ll have to worry on how well he will do his job if he’s got his head in the clouds over Reece. I will have to think on this before I can allow anything to happen between them. I hate to be a cockblocker, but my life is at stake here.

The movie is almost over, and I have to admit that it’s been a good time. There has been no awkwardness with Reece and Owen sitting right by each other on the couch. Reece, who is usually the one to flirt with anyone cute, has been on her best

have to keep it platonic for

he’s working, so I look at it right away. I don’t want him worrying about me

message, not even noticing the name, but then I freeze

I missed

ME: Who is this?

I think you know who this

What is

know I can’t tell you that

What do you

you. I will treat you like you should be treated. I can dominate

LE

you made out with that woman? Had you looked over, you

answer him back, as I

the noise from the phone hitting the floor, both Reece and Owen look

“What’s wrong, Ella?”

“H-He texted me…”

show Malik. I try listening to what is being said as he talks to whoever he’s talking to on the phone, but his voice is low, and I only catch the last of the conversation as he comes back into

bit, but she’s fine. I will stay here with her until you get home,

Jace.

hopeful. I hate to be that girl who is a scaredy cat and can’t stand to be alone, but with everything going on, and after everything the stalker said in his text, I’m

and then he will be home. I’ll stay here until he gets here, and Malik is going to do a sweep of the building before returning to

but I need to stay with

looks at me, “Unless you want me to stay too. I’m more than willing to do

“Thank you, but you should probably head

doesn’t want to leave, and I would welcome her to stay, but I’m too shaken up at