After He Tried To Kill Me, I Exposed Him

Chapter 4

Celeste's POV:

The fourth time I woke up, I lay frozen in bed, my skin cold all over.

Less than five minutes remained before Corwin would push open the door. I forced myself to calm down and think of a way to save myself.

I needed something to defend myself, but there was such a huge gap in strength between us. If I used that fruit knife, he would almost certainly wrest it away in the struggle.

Glancing around the room, my eyes finally settled on the vanity. In one of its drawers was a can of pepper spray, something I'd bought not long ago after feeling unsafe walking home alone at night.

I got up quickly and tucked the spray beneath the edge of the duvet, where I could reach it in an instant.

Once I was ready, I did not lock the door. Instead, I walked over and left it slightly ajar.

A few minutes later, Corwin stepped inside. This time, I did not wait for him to speak. I pulled back the corner of the duvet and smiled up at him, soft and shy.

"Honey, you're home. I've been waiting for you so long."

Corwin froze mid-step. He stood there as though he could not believe what he had just heard.

I sat up straight, letting the strap of my nightgown slip down one shoulder, then crooked my finger at him.

"What are you standing there for? Come here."

The wariness in his eyes faded, slowly replaced by lust. He thought he had won.

The second, he lowered his guard and leaned in close. I grabbed the pepper spray, aimed it directly at his face, and held the trigger down.

"Ah—! Ahh!"

Corwin's screams filled the entire room. He clamped both hands over his face and thrashed blindly across the bed.

This was my chance. I scrambled off the mattress and ran for my life.

Through the living room.

Past the entryway.

To the front door.

I was so close to freedom.

Gasping for breath, I grabbed the handle and twisted it with all my strength. The door did not budge. I looked down and saw a heavy padlock glinting under the light.

Behind me, the screaming died away. Footsteps drew closer, slow and deliberate.

"Heh... heh... Celeste, you really... gave me quite the surprise."

I stood frozen, my blood turning to ice.