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“How about I come and lie with you until you fall asleep?” he asks.
I nod without even considering any other alternative. Even though my heart has fallen that my savior doesn’t believe me, I don’t want to be alone. And I can’t sleep away from home. Curse of the introvert; only home feels safe. Well, it did.
He huffs. “Let me go get some shorts.”
It’s the first time I feel like a burden to my poor neighbor. The first time he made me feel like an annoyance. But what did I expect? I hadn’t spoken to him after our cuddle session turned into an orgasm for me and nothing for him. It was awkward for me, though. Because there is something missing with Ryker. He doesn’t spike my adrenaline like others do.
Two others?
I roll my eyes at the inward admission of my depraved side, because there’s no denying that two men have caused a disturbing reaction within me, and I don’t know which is worse. The football star who’s a part of the darkest bits of my past? Or the stalker who is determined to darken my future?
* * *
Bangingon the door drags me unwillingly from slumber. I sit up and instinctively cover myself, as if whoever it is has magical powers, gifting them the sight to see through my house and into my bedroom.
The banging grows louder and more incessant. I grumble as I look over the side of the bed that previously had Ryker sleeping on it. It had been a hellacious night that boasted no sleep for either of us. I’d called in first thing when my alarm went off, citing illness. My body had felt devoid of energy, fully drained from the lack of adrenaline pumping through me and the overstimulation from the events of last night. Human Resources had told me to feel better, and that had been that.
As the banging continues, I swing my legs out of bed and grab a robe. Tugging it closed, I cast a glance at the clock, then trudge forward toward the door. It’s already evening again. I must have been more exhausted than I realized since it seems like I’ve slept the day away. When I swing my door open, Emery stands behind it. His face is flushed, and his eyes are darker than I’ve ever seen them. Not that I’ve seen his eyes enough to compare them in a lineup.
Not the point.
I stow the random, useless train of thought for later; when I’m alone.
“What the hell, Carina? You didn’t come to work today. Shit, you didn’t even bother to call in! I was worried half to fucking death!” he shouts, exasperated with me. Over what? I do not know.
I feel the blood drain from my face as it rushes to my thumping pulse, adrenaline flooding me.
Ugh. How did I go from no man issues to too many?
“Why?” I blurt.
“Excuse me?” He’s not amused. His face reddens as he continues to boil over me not coming to work.
“Why were you worried? I did call in. I spoke with HR. I told them I wasn’t feeling well, and they said they’d relay the message that I was out.”
His face changes as his anger morphs into embarrassment. He’d assumed I was a no-call, no-show. He thought he was going to come here and bully me or fire me. One or the other.
“Who’s at the door?” a loud booming voice calls from inside my house, and I stiffen. Ryker was gone early, likely trying to escape my psychotic ass after what he saw as a mental episode last night. Unless my stalker is back, I don’t know who is in my house, but I don’t want to deal with Emery and whoever is inside at the same time. I don’t want him in my business any more than he already is. I can’t handle it. One crazed man at a time.
Emery’s face shifts back to anger. Seething rage, more like.
Swiftly, I blurt, “I have to go! I’ll see you Monday, sir.”
With the door slammed, I turn my attention to the interior of my home. The interior I’d thought was empty until moments ago.
I should’ve bought an apartment.
Jeffery Dahmer had an apartment; I remind the inner voice.
True.
Great. Now I’m conversing with my madness.
A movement in the living room grabs my attention. Next to the television stands a man. The same man from last night, judging by the build. He’s still in a dark hoodie, his head tilted down, and his eyes trained on the floor.
“Little one, it took me too long to find you. And when I did, you had that fucker in my spot. What did I tell you?” he grumbles.
I gasp, covering my mouth when he pulls his hands from inside his pockets. They’re covered in blood. He lifts his head, his light eyes and dark features aimed directly at me.
