I’m outside the club waiting for my Uber. Gerri has already gone home with some guy, the concierge, actually. She really does live life to the fullest. Sometimes I wish I could be so flippant about sex. Gerri has boyfriends, on and off, but normally she just loves to stay single. I wanted to stay single for a while, not out of choice but out of desperation, because the dating pool was so pathetic. Now, things have made a drastic turn, and I’m about to go home and see Leo.

As I wait, I use my compact mirror to reapply my lipstick and check my makeup so that I look presentable for Leo. I’ve been at the club all night, and I don’t look as put together as when we arrived, but it will have to do. I pull my hair up and out of my face, and straighten and smooth the lines of my outfit. These Versace heels are everything, and I hope Leo likes them. I’ve made a plan to make sure he notices. I took a shot of my thong in the bathroom and sent that picture to Leo from the club. I also took a photo of my sky-high heels and I sent that too. I told him he can look forward to seeing me in just those things when we get home to my house. I laugh now as I read his comments, and I know he can’t wait to be there.

My ride pulls up, and I’m thankful to get away from the club. Once I’m in, I immediately resume sexting with Leo. It’s been a long night away from him, as every minute we’re apart is kind of painful. At least absence makes the heart grow fonder, or at least more turned on. Being away from him makes me want to make up for lost time.

I feel so much better after talking things over with Gerri, and that’s going to help me enjoy my time with Leo more. I can give him my undivided attention instead of having to mull things over so much in my mind. It’s good to have girlfriends, I think to myself as my driver arrives at my little house.

I thank and pay him. Climbing out of his car, I wonder if I should just wait for Leo outside since he said he’s so close, or maybe I should go inside and get things ready. I could light some candles, prepare a bath for us both to enjoy. Hmmm, maybe he would like to walk in and find me naked, wearing nothing but my heels.

Leo texts me back and says he’s on his way to my house and that he can’t get there fast enough. He asks me if I’m ready for round two, and of course I am, but I only respond with a heart emoji, not wanting to reveal my true feelings which are that I’m ecstatic to see him and that I also can’t hardly wait.

I’m pondering this as I make my way down the darkened, tree-lined front path. Leo thinks I should add some additional lighting here for safety, but it’s only a few steps more to the front door. Before I make it, however, something horrible happens.

Someone grabs me from behind. I drop my phone as he puts one gloved hand over my mouth, and he holds me tight from behind so that I can’t move. I come to the realization that it’s my stalker, and rampant fear courses through me. This is the man who’s been tormenting me. This person is deranged and who knows what he is capable of. As the moments tick by, I consider my options of what to do.

I can’t scream because of his hand, and I can’t run because of his grasp. He has me in his confines. I struggle against him, but the weight of his force keeps me down. What am I going to do?

The path is full of shadows from the trees. I’m sure no one sees us. I’m not going down without a fight, however, so I attempt to battle against his strong arms. For one brief moment, I exert all of my energy against him, and I think I can gain the upper hand. I’m able to pull his glove off and this gives me the leverage I need to break away a little bit. I push away with all of my might and attempt to run, but he’s able to grab me again in an instant. As he does, I bite down on the side of his now unmasked hand. I bite as hard as I can and attempt to draw blood. I scream loudly hoping someone, anyone, will hear.

He pulls my hair and covers my mouth, trying to drag me off into the house. My heart is panicking, beating out of my chest, as I think how this could be it, the end to my life.

I remember Leo and that he’s on his way. But if he doesn’t make it in time, this will be the extent of it… a tragic end to our love story. He will probably never forgive himself. This makes me battle harder against the abductor.

I struggle and I struggle, but my attempts are futile against his firm grip on me. As the moments drag on, the fight seems eternal. He pulls me roughly by the hair toward the house. I scratch at grass and trees, trying to pull my way out of his arms. I hold the railing, knowing that if he succeeds in getting me to the house, then all hope will be lost and that from behind those walls he might kill me.

I see hope in the form of Leo’s car pulling up. Thank God! I’ve never been so happy to see anyone ever. I see his car and then I see his beautiful face, fearful yet brave in this moment.