Page 29 of Watched

If he was installing new cameras and door handles, why did security not at least question him and call me to confirm what he was doing?

Taking out my wallet, I find the police officer’s card from first time I called them, type in the number, and dial.

Chapter fourteen

ROME

Goosebumps erupt across my skin as I watch Indie pirouette centre stage, the sequins on her tutu and bodice glinting under the moody stage lighting. Her partner takes her waist, and she raises to pointe as her other leg flows backward into a full split.

My lip twitches when her partner grabs her inner thigh. I’m aware it’s a part of the dance, necessary for him to touch her that way, but that doesn’t mean I like it. The dramatic music intensifies as they continue the school’s rendition of Swan Lake.

Regardless of my busy schedule, I attend all her performances. While our parents choose to sit in seats with the best acoustic sound, Kilah and I opt to sit in the back row on the first floor of the theatre.

Adjusting the flowers in my lap, I keep my gaze on the stage when the seat to my left in the corner becomes occupied.

“Hey, baby.”

I jump and snap my head to that familiar voice and grinning face. He growls low, eyeing my pressed white button down and black trousers—he, too, is dressed the same, but his jacket is still on.

Heart leaping in my chest, I drop my wide eyes to his lap. One bouquet of red roses, another of white lilies. “What are you doing here?” I demand quietly.

His eyes roll back and he groans, “Rome.”

“What. Are. You. Doing. Here?”

“I want to be involved in your life.” He lifts a finger to his lips to shush me and then points said finger to the stage.

We’re only fifteen minutes in, and he truly is insane if he believes we’re sitting beside one another for almost two hours. There’s a snicker to my right, and I throw a glare at Kilah as heat courses through my veins, the crowded theatre suddenly uncomfortably warm.

Her lips press together as she adjusts her navy silk dress, leaning into me. “He’s cute.”

“Shut it.”

I’ve always been thankful for my sisters. They accept who I am wholeheartedly but have made a habit of pointing out attractive guys whenever we’re in public. As much as I hate to admit it, Rain certainly isn’t bad looking. Quite the opposite, in fact. I’ve never seen a man with a jaw so sculpted and full lips that demand your attention, but his charming looks don’t outweigh that he’s appeared in my life and started to fuck everything up.

I fist my hand, leaning into him. “Foyer. Now.”

“As you wish, baby.”

He stands, slides the bouquet of red roses under his chair, and stalks down the steps, disappearing around the corner toward the foyer.

“Use protection,” Kilah teases as I throw my bouquet into her lap.

Gently closing the door, I scan the empty foyer and spot him leaning against a wall further down a hall to my left, flowers held nonchalantly at his side.

Forcing down the anger so as to not drive my fist across his face, I stalk toward him. “What the fuck, Rain?”

He pushes off the wall, extending the bouquet. I slap at it, causing a few petals to come loose and float to the ground.

“I’ll just get another,” he taunts, stepping into me, his warm, minty breath fanning my lips. My heart trips, and I take a rigid step back.

“Leave,” I demand.

“No.”

“Rain.”

“Baby.”