The Bill Was a Warning

Every instinct told me to block him. Instead, I agreed. I needed to know what he would try.

I removed anything valuable from my home. My purse was tucked away, my laptop safely at my sister’s, and the place looked inviting but empty of temptation.

He arrived with a cheap bottle of wine and a smile. Within minutes, he hinted at “a rough week” and joked about needing “a place to crash for a few nights.” His tone was casual, but his eyes gave him away.

I let him talk. Then I stood.

“I know who you really are, Marvin.”

The room froze. His smile vanished. For a moment, we stared at each other in silence. Finally, he shrugged. “You got me. Whatever.” Then he left without another word.

Finding the Others

Not long after, I received a message from another woman: “Did you go on a date with a guy named Deacon? I think he played me too.”

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