“I can’t stand that maniac,” Preacher mutters.
Chapter 17
Cori
That sorry fucking asshole. I wonder how long he’s been having me followed. Was it before he kidnapped me or after? Whenever it was, I dropped the ball. I thought I was in control when he was leading me the entire time.
I assumed he had no idea, but I should have known better. The man built an entire empire while living in plain sight. That didn’t happen by chance. It was work, determination, skill, and brainpower.
I left my car on Main Street. Once I parked, I saw the woman about one hundred feet away. It’s a different woman from yesterday, driving a different color car, but I ran the plates. The same company leases both vehicles.
I chatted with a few random people along the way to the local drug store. This is one of the two jobs I worked before my mother got injured, and I’m still on good terms with the manager. She’s managed this store for about two decades, and all Ihad to do was ask, and she let me exit through the employee-only entrance in the back.
From there, I ran into the woods and walked to Selene’s townhouse.
“What do you think?” I ask my cousin, and she nods in approval. It’s a cool fall day, and I’m in a black, body-hugging jumpsuit. I have a long burgundy duster over it.
“Gorgeous. You and that doctor are going to have a great time.” Dr. Elliot Logan, neurologist. He’s tall, handsome, smart, and sexy. Most importantly, what he does is legal. When I started this thing with Dax, it was for my own knowledge, but I met Dr. Logan when he was treating Eden. He’s the type of man I want to be with.
“What do you think of this?” Selene shows off a short red leather skirt and a matching vest. The top is low cut, and her breasts are pushed forward. “I wish Eden and Rip could come.”
“Girl, you think Rip is going to let Eden out of his sight now that she’s out of the hospital? And do you think he would agree to go on a group date?” I roll my eyes at my cousin.
“That would be kind of funny, but you’re right.” Selene picks up her phone, and moments later, I hear Eden’s voice. She sounds good, if a little tired. “What do you think of our fits?” Selene asks. She puts her phone in the holder, and we spin for Eden.
“Better than this robe I’m in,” she says, but she claps for us. “Where are you going?”
“Paulene’s,” we both say at once. Eden huffs.
“That sounds fun. Babe, do you think we can go and—”
Right on cue, Rip cuts Eden off. “No. I’m making dinner. Afterward, we can go to the couch or our bed. Lady’s choice.”
Eden flares her nostrils but doesn’t argue. She makes a face and rolls her eyes, but she’s happy.
“Let me see that rock,” Selene orders. Eden holds up her hand and shows off her five-carat diamond engagement ring. We both whistle.
“I want texts and pictures during the date. I want all the details. Love you guys,” Eden says before we end the call.
Unlike Selene’s date, mine has been amazing. Despite driving to Paulene’s in my cousin’s car, Elliot is driving me home, and he’s accepted my invitation to come in for a drink.
His hand rests on my lap, but it doesn’t feel like Dax’s hand. Dax’s hand is heavy and rough. Elliot’s is soft and light. I shove thoughts of Dax away. I haven’t seen him in two days, and I’m relieved. I don’t know if he’s texted because I’ve blocked his number.
“I can’t stay too long.” Elliot stops for a red light, and he looks at my profile. He’s handsome with light brown skin, a straight nose, and plump lips, but it’s Dax’s darker skin that I see. It’s his lips and scent that I crave, but I shove that thought away, too. Dr. Logan is a safer choice. “I’m working tomorrow morning. Unless you ask me to stay.”
The statement hangs between us in the car. There’s no reason why I can’t ask him to stay. We’re attracted to each other, and we’re both single. This should be an easy decision.
“Well, you have to play your cards right, Dr. Logan.” His mouth curls into a smile, and I sigh.
We don’t speak for the remainder of the short ride to my apartment complex. When we arrive, I instruct him to park in my assigned spot since my car is still on Main Street.
He touches the small of my back while we cross the parking lot. We reach the stairs; he takes my hand and leads me to thesecond floor. His hand feels nice. It feels safe, but it doesn’t feel right.
“I’m down the hall,” I announce when we get to my floor. I get to my door and insert my key, but it's unlocked. I push it open and step inside. I’m positive I locked my door when I left today. I always lock it and leave the light in the entryway on. That light is never off, but it is tonight.
“Oh my God!” I scream when I see Dax after turning on the light switch. He’s sitting a few feet away in my recliner with that monster next to him. “What the fuck?”
“Do you know this man?” Elliot, like a real man, stands in front of me as a shield.
