Page 135 of Pretty Thing

“Thanks.”

“What happened today? Did one of the customers treat you badly,” I ask, already picturing wrapping my hands around their throat.

“No, nothing like that. I got a call when you were picking up lunch from the insurance company. They confirmed there is nothing left to salvage from the house, like I didn’t already know that. They will pay to rebuild it, but it’s going to take months, if not over a year. And…as much as I want it rebuilt, it’s not the same. Does that sound stupid?”

“Not at all, and Eden, there is no rush. You know that I want you here with me. This just wasn’t how I saw it happening.”

And that’s the truth. If she had just said yes, and if Kyle wasn’t a threat, then I wouldn’t have had to go to such extremes.

“I know and thank you. I’m…happy here with you. And having the job does make me feel less like a freeloader.”

I pick up her hand and kiss it.

“You’re not a freeloader. So, does this mean you’ve decided to stay with me?”

“Yes, much to Kris and Kyle’s dismay.” She shakes her head. “Kyle was being really weird today. Saying things like I don’t have to stay with you if I’m nervous about it. I don’t get why he’d even think that.”

I take my jacket off, my jaw locking.

“I know they think we’re moving too fast, but they don’t understand the connection we share. It’s a shame that they don’t like me. I really want to be friends with the people in your life.”

Eden doesn’t say anything, but her smile has vanished.

“Don’t let Kyle and his weird behavior ruin tonight for us. Let’s eat before it gets cold.”

“You’re right, he has no place here with us.” My heart stills with her words that mean more than my next breath. Eden takes a mouthful of the wine and moans. “Oh, that’s good, so sweet.”

I smile. This is what I envision for us forever. My heart sings when she is near and beats only for her. But I still feel like I’m clinging to a delicate edge that can slip from my grasp at any time. That is why I need to remove one more fucking annoying obstacle—Kyle.

I wait until we are almost done eating and slip the small dose of Rohypnol into her wine without her noticing. Dealing with sketchy ass dealers is not something I like to do, but this is necessary. I can’t take the chance that Eden wakes up, but I also don’t want to give her too much. Hurting her is not the goal.

She’s still awake, but leaning on me heavily as we make our way back to the loft. I don’t bother asking this time. I pick her up and carry her up the stairs, straight into the bedroom.

“Man, I feel so…so tired and dizzy,” Eden says as I set her on her feet.

“Too much Riesling. It will do that to you. It doesn’t taste like alcohol at all,” I say, helping her get undressed and then into bed.

“Must…be,” she slurs and lies down.

I tuck her in and smooth her hair.

“St…stay…me,” Eden mumbles, and I kiss her temple.

“I’ll never leave you, Pretty Thing,” I say softly into her ear.

I wait a few minutes just to make sure she is fully asleep before I grab her phone. I redownload the SnapFace app and send Kyle a message.

Eden: Hey, I’m so scared.

Kyle: What’s wrong?

Eden: I can’t say. I don’t trust any device. Don’t say anything to Kris. Will you meet me?

Kyle: She’s going to be angry if she finds out.

Eden: Kyle, please. I need you.

I roll my eyes at the screen, knowing the fucker just got hard over that line.