“Listen,” she continues, “you don’t know me well, but I am a woman of my word. If I make a promise, I will keep it.” She’s emphatic—but letting her walk off my property is no longer an option. I sigh. “Unfortunately, your word is not enough. For the time being—” But I’m forced to break off mid-sentence because she springs forward, her eyes wild and unhinged as her knee flies upwards towards my crotch. It’s reckless enough to take me by surprise. Her aim isn’t as pointed as her glare, though, so while her knee brushes against my balls, it doesn’t make contact. At least not the kind of contact that would take me out for any length of time. Not that it would matter even if it did. I made sure to lock the door when I walked in. Which Alyssa discovers a second later when she darts past me

