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My veins still thrum from my kill. I should have known better; a person like me can’t just quit. It’s like trying not to breathe, but it’s the oxygen that keeps you surviving.
After I made sure Sienna wasn’t too shook up from the night before, I went out to find my next trophy. This one was less of a saint than Ben. Blood still clings to the knife I used. I don’t think I can get away with an animal attack like before. Deeply inhaling my surroundings, the metallic scent calms my nerves. I want to have this feeling every day. The task of trying to find a place to burn the evidence won’t be easy. I kick myself for acting impulsively and not figuring this step out first.
“Did you not hear what I said? I have a job. I thought you would be jumping at the chance.”
My mind is cluttered while I wipe my weapon clean with a cloth. She almost had a glimpse of the monster that lurks just beneath the surface. I blow out a breath. It’s too dangerous to get close. She’s already seen that I’ve lied for her. I’ve done too much. I need to keep my distance like I had before.
But the image of her in her bed has my imagination running wild. I bite my knuckle, wishing I could have my way with her. She would look so pretty with her skin pink and her hands tied up the way I like.
“Are you listening to me?” Romeo hollers on the other end of the phone.
“Yeah, yeah, tell me the job.”
It doesn’t escape my attention that I allowed her to touch my face. That never happens. I could lose my self-control in a split second. It’s a hazard of the occupation, and while I love what I do, it sickens me to think I could hurt someone I love. I can never allow myself to come undone around anyone.
“Sienna Levine.” The only thing I hear is her name. My heart stills.
“I don’t kill women. What the fuck, Romeo?”
“I know, I know,” he tries to placate me. “I thought maybe you might be getting desperate. It’s good money. Apparently, she killed her husband on their wedding night. The MC from a few cities over is in an uproar and is going under some civil war between members. They asked and I said I’d get back to them. We don’t need the money, I’m happy to say no.”
“Wait.”Fuck me. If I don’t accept, someone will be after her. It’s hard to keep her safe from unknown enemies.
“I’ll do it, but make sure they know the process. I leave no evidence.”
“I explained that, and they weren’t thrilled, but said okay because of your reputation.”
“Send over the details and I’ll get on it.” I hang up; looking over all the tarps I use to keep the wood evidence free.
Thenextday,Iwalk into the police station with my friendly smile. I hate interacting with people, but society requires it. If I want to blend in, this small town requires me to go out of my comfort zone.
“Clayton!” I greet officer McCain.
I hated the way he looked at Sienna and the concern that was etched into his face. It doesn’t sit well with me. It’s why I’m here to make a friend out of him.
He gives me a nod and raises his finger while he has a phone glued to his ear before he goes behind a wall. I look around the small station. Honestly, this place is a wet dream for guys like me. I don’t think they have any sort of system for big crimes. Maybe it’s time I place down some temporary roots. I could start a car wash. I haven’t seen one here, and specialize it to also include animals to be washed. It’s a crazy enough idea that this town would go insane over it, and a perfect way to launder money.
I walk over to a cork board and see a missing person board. A few hikers, a lot of indigenous women. Where do these people go? Stupid question.I know what I would do. I’d never mentioned it to anyone before, but I once donated a third of my wages to find missing people.
Before I can think further into that thought, a blonde woman’s smile catches my attention from the board and I happen to know she’s no longer blonde, but brunette…Sienna. Looking over my shoulder, I make sure no one is around. I lift the push pin and take the missing person’s picture off, folding it before I slip it in my back pocket.
“What can I help you with?” McCain’s voice rounds the corner as I turn around.
“Need a lunch break?” I ask. You know the saying, keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.
He snaps his fingers. “I would love to, but I just got a call and have to head out.”
I raise my hands. “No problem. Another time.”
Walking out of the station, I take a quick glance around, spotting Sienna down the street. She’s just entering the local grocery store. I can’t seem to let this girl go. Something about her has me wanting to know more about her. I can’t help myself and follow her into the store.
A distinct skunk smell catches my attention and I notice more people are looking around to see where it’s coming from. Sienna pivots her direction and stalls when she sees me a few feet behind her. Her eyes dart around and my eyes land on her lips. An unwelcome hint of desire rushes through my body. I cautiously step closer, her eyes widening a fraction as she looks like she wants to find the nearest exit. There’s clear avoidance in her expression, there’s no missing the fact that she didn’t want to see me.
Disappointment clings to my nerves, an odd feeling. My gaze leaves her face, going to her cart. It’s lined with boxes of douche and cans of tomato juice. An odd combination.
“Having a party tonight?” I joke, the tension radiating from the two of us swirling around. Her cheeks grow pink, the flush spreading all the way to the tips of her ears. She’s fucking adorable. Like a stray pussy cat I want to take in and tame.
That skunk smell assaults my nostrils and I force myself to try not to breathe too hard. I hate mouth breathers, and here I am doing it. It’s awful. I swear I can taste the smell. “Does this store always smell like this?” My nose wrinkles while I look around for the cause.
