Page 18 of Drowning in Darkness

“He’s very rich.”

“Fact, not feeling. Try again.”

I huff and fold my arms. “I feel like he’s a very dangerous man who doesn’t understand the word no. But I have to caveat this with the likelihood that I see demons lurking in every corner.”

“I’ve told you to trust your instincts.”

“What about you?” Honor herself has been through hell and back to find her forever place with Fox. They are sickening in love, and it makes me smile every time I witness the way he watches her. What I would give to have someone look at me the same way.

Honor taps her fingers on the steering wheel and purses her lips. “My spidey senses are tingling too. Like you, sometimes I see evil where there isn’t. But...”

“But?”

“But, in this case, I’ve met him on a few different occasions, and the only time he’s warmed to the foundation is the moment he spotted you. I don’t like it.”

I stare at the fields swaying in the gentle breeze as we glide toward home. “Then we avoid being in the same room as him.”

Honor bobs her head. “And if it can’t be avoided, either my husband or your brother needs to be present. He’s a bully, Stephanie, and do you know the common thread that binds all bullies?”

“They are cowards,” I whisper.

She pulls into the driveway and puts the brake on at the front door but doesn’t get out. “You let me know if anything unusual happens?” she asks.

My mind flickers to the wilting lilies. But those make zero sense to be connected to a man I’ve exchanged a few dozen words with.

“I will.” So long as I judge it’s connected. Otherwise, I’ll be containing my crazy. No need for everyone around me to lose their shit because I’m acting like a scared rabbit.

The front door opens, and Fox folds his arms and leans against the frame while staring at Honor as we exit the car. Anyone would think they’d been parted for weeks, not a few hours. Like I said, relationship goals.

I grin as he wraps his arms around her. Duke pushes around him and butts his head against my hip. Maybe my future is being a dog mom. If they’re anything like this big softy, I’ll be good. As for the romance, the desire, the needs... I can get that from some outstanding books.

I usher the beast through the house and disappear out the back door to give them some privacy. I could do with a nap, anyway. As I place my key in the door, my phone, which is definitely on silent, starts blasting an unfamiliar alarm. Duke growls low, perturbed at the disruption.

“What the actual fuck?” I mutter as I drag it from my purse. My idiotic brother’s name and mug shot flash like a beacon. I groan, step inside the pool house, and swipe to accept the call as a shadow shifts in the kitchen, raising the hairs on my arms.

“Stephanie?” Hunter growls.

My mouth drops open, and I prepare to scream the house down. The figure moves fast. Too fast. He slams his hand over my mouth. My heart thrashes in my chest as I take a split second to realize who it is.

He tilts his head in question, and I narrow my eyes and tear his hand from my mouth.

“If you don’t answer me, I will set a hundred hairy bikers on you in a heartbeat,” Hunter snaps.

“I’m here,” I mutter as I scowl at James. “What’s wrong?”

James puts a finger to his lips. I roll my eyes as Hunter’s voice rises. “What’s wrong, she asks.”

“Stop spiraling and just tell her,” Eleanor prompts. “Like an adult, as agreed.”

Oh, how I love this woman.

Hunter gives a long-suffering sigh, and my chest tightens. I can never repay him for what he’s done and how he’s protected me as I’ve pieced myself together. But now he’s struggling to let go. “You’re being hunted,” he starts.

“Stick to the facts,” Eleanor says.

James folds his arms, and Duke sniffs at his leather jacket as if he’s trying to decide if he’s worth his time. James raises a brow and slides a few dog treats out of his pocket. That’s it, my canine protection is lost now. He is anyone’s puppy for food. Doesn’t explain why he’s here in my home, never mind how. I glance at the lilies still on the table. Surely they aren’t from him? James hides a darkness, but he isn’t a lost soul. He wrestles with them daily but in a way that’s completely different to myself. However, I can spot a kindred spirit.

“The facts are that one of the worst men still breathing has an entire file on you.”