“Like I said, it’s probably not happening. But Hunter did also hire Graham to protect me tomorrow at the awards. You’re still bringing Derek, right?”
“Yes, but he’s being cagey,” she said, coating her lashes in thick black mascara. “I don’t know if I can convince him to leave the mask behind. He doesn’t want anyone knowing it was him in those videos.”
I rolled my eyes. “No one is going to know he was even involved.” I smiled. “He’s just there supporting his slutty little friends.”
“So, Mags, did Graham mention anything to watch out for with this killer?”
“No. Nothing.” I pushed my tangled hair from my face. “Just that he didn’t think Hunter would be up for the task of protecting me.”
“Well, apparently, Hunter agrees. He hired Graham.”
“That’s just because he’s going to be busy with the awards.”
“Mmhmm.” Katie continued running the mascara wand through her lashes, mouth hanging open.
“How’s Chester, Kates?”
“Missing his mama. But I did bring him to Wyldewood on Wednesday. He went nuts with Tophie’s kids—ran himself ragged.”
“I bet. They’re about his age.”
“Yeah, and you should have seen Mrs. Pembledown with him. Clung to him like he was her long-lost grandbaby. Might have to make it a regular thing, Chester visiting the seniors.”
“That’s… great.” I forced a smile. Every word cut. He was happy—just not here. I tried to sound enthusiastic about him enjoying his time away. But it gutted me that he wasn’t with me. It gutted me that he couldn’t stand Hunter, especially after Hunter had gone through all that trouble—a new cat tower, toys, treats—his grand scheme to win him over. And still, Chester wanted nothing to do with him.
I blew out a breath and shut the thought down before it could spiral. “Kates, I gotta run. We’ll pick you up at five tomorrow. Hunter rented a limo. Make sure you look hot.”
She snorted. “Like I have to try.”
“Knock… knock…” Hunter poked his head into the bedroom.
“See ya tomorrow.” I clicked off the phone.
“How’s our little gothic Barbie doing?” He sat next to me on the bed.
“She’s good. Just going to make a quick video.”
“I love that. Katie’s unforgettable, and she pulls people in who need to feel seen.”
“That she does.”
“You know… I could always lend you two the money for your shop.” He ran his hand up my back and started massaging my shoulders.
“Hunter, that’s sweet. But I don’t want to owe you anything.”
“You won’t,mo chróí.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and brought his lips to my neck, nibbling as he whispered, “There arewaysto pay it off.”
I leaned into his kisses. They felt nice, but alreadyowinghim didn’t sit well. I’d taken so much from him, and the only way I could pay back my debt to him would be if I could give him back his life—his ability to choose. But I didn’t know how to do that.
The back of his hand brushed my cheek, his touch feather-light as it drifted down my throat and lingered at my buttons. One popped loose. Then another. My breath caught at the third, the slow unveiling that left just enough room for him to slip inside. His hand cupped my breast through the lace, thumb grazing my nipple until it tightened beneath his touch. The soft squeeze made me whimper against his lips, his kiss swallowing the sound like it belonged to him.
Unfortunately, I remained stuck in the guilt-ridded sludge of what I did to him. If he needed to get off, I’d do whatever he needed to get there, because every beat of my pulse whisperedAmorus Fornicatiusover and over, reminding me just how horrible I really was.
He kissed me harder, quickly worked the buttons of my blouse before moving onto my jeans. He slid them down, pulling them off my legs along with my black panties.
I leaned back and spread my legs open for him while he unzipped and pulled out his hard, throbbing cock.
His gaze raked down my body, but I couldn’t see desire—only obsession.
