Present Day, June 14, 2005
This day scared me now. All year, every year, I watched for him. But even more so on this day.
It seemed to be the day he always came.
But I'd been deep in hiding ever since he'd caught me on that date.
But hiding from my husband was no easy task.
He knew me well.
Too well, damn him.
And he liked to commemorate our anniversary with a bang.
Literally. Whether I was willing or not.
So all day I'd been checking around every corner.
I'd taken the long way home. So he'd have a harder time finding where I lived.
And every sound had me flipping around to scour the darkness. I touched my clutch and felt the .38 there. Relieved by its presence.
He'll not have me this year either.
I'd had such a nice night with Thomas. Tempted to stay at his place but afraid I could bring the danger to him if I taunted Jared on our anniversary with my new lover.
So I was scared. And careful. Watching every corner.
Finally I made it home. I ran through the apartment and checked every window. Ensuring they were all locked. I activated my alarm system and sighed. Pushing my forehead against the door in relief.
Another year, he'll not have me.
***
Taking off my shoes and kicking them aside, I dropped my purse on the stand in the entryway and headed toward the bathroom.
Not seeing the shadow cross the hall behind me.
I'd decided a shower would calm my nerves. I stepped out of my dress pants and blouse. Putting them on the hanger dangling from the towel rack.
I let the water heat, stepped in and tugged the frosty white curtain closed. The hot water massaging my skin was a healing balm and soon I'd relaxed.
Unaware that on the other side of the curtain, leaned against the opposite wall with his arms and ankles leisurely crossed, he could just see my silhouette as I washed my body.
***
Turning at length to put my head on the wall and sigh, I savored the comforting feel of the water's touch.
Then I felt the curtain molding to the back of my thighs as it often did. I waved a foot to kick it aside but instead of finding fabric, the bottom of my foot came in contact with a hard shin.
"No!" I spun around.
Even as I moved he caught my wrists. Pinning the one I prepared to swing against the wall above my head.
The other one he held near my face where I'd used it to block. My wrist in a viselike grip.
"Hello, Mida." He purred. "My oh my, how I've missed you."
***
He was huge. Seeming taller than I remembered. Imposing in my small shower with shoulders twice as wide as me and his chest and abdomen ridged with muscles he worked hard to hone.
"Why are you here?" I whimpered.
How'd you get in?
"Spare key." He half smiled. "The one you left for Thomas."
I squeaked that he knew about Thomas.
"You thought I wouldn't?" His eyes narrowed. He clucked chastisingly in his cheek.
"How'd you find me?"
"I never lost you."
God that was a horrible thought. I prayed he was bluffing.
"Did CORE send you to take me out?" I asked. Seeing the odd look to his eyes. The same dark intent he always got when he was on a mission.
Seducing a quarry or killing some poor sot.
"Yes they did. And I will. You'll never be a problem for CORE again."
"You're going to kill me?" I bit my lips.
"Now, why would I do that when I can just put you somewhere for safekeeping and enjoy you the rest of our lives?"
"Jared that's not funny."
"No." His piercing blue eyes cut into me. "It's not. I think I've let you have your fun for long enough. But taking another lover..." He chided. Shaking his head. "You always knew that'd be too far."
***
I stared at him desperately.
"You're mine. And I'm done sharing what's mine. You'll come with me and do what I say. No more defiance...No more running."
Not a chance in hell I was going to do that. He'd have to kill me first.
"No I won't." He said flatly.
"Jared, I won't go with you."
"Oh, Mida..." He reached up to lightly pinch my chin. "It's so adorable that you think you have a choice..."
Comments (0)
See all