Page 55 of A Dance With Obsession

Nora’s small hand reaches over and rests on my forearm. I know she’s more scared than ever, and I’m fighting to remain calm. If I freak out, she will, too.

“Donovan is in Sutter Creek. As soon as we knew Miller had that information, I sent him there immediately. Your family is safe, and they don’t know they’re being watched. I didn’t want to scare them.” Liam is doing everything he can to keep everyone safe and keep everyone calm, and I appreciate it, but my nerves are frayed.

Colin continues. “Liam was able to take pictures inside his apartment. I’ll send them to you, and they’ll be added to Nora’s case file also.”

I nod, even though they can’t see it. “I’ll take a look at them. Nora will be safe with me in Sutter Creek.”

“I never doubted it.” Liam’s faith in my abilities has always been unwavering.

As soon as we end the call, the images come through in an email to my phone.

While stopped at a light, I open the email and thumb through the images before handing the phone to Nora. This is her life, and she has a right to know everything about the person stalking her. Her hands tremble as she takes in each image.

She pauses on an image and zooms in. “He has your name, employer, home address, phone number, your parents’ names… They were right about all of it.” Her eyes lock on mine, worry etched in her expression. “SJ, he knows where your family lives.” Her voice is filled with fear.

The light turns green, and I hit the gas. “Donovan is there. They’re safe. We’ll be there soon. It’s okay for now.”

I try to keep my voice calm and even. I’m unconcerned for their safety at the moment, but I’m pissed there is even a question about their safety because of this asshole.

“But what happens when we leave?”

Her concern continues to grow, and I can hear it in every flutter of her voice. Not for herself, but for my family, people she’s never met. Her worry for my family is because of her feelings for me. That warm sensation takes over my body again. That very sensation has become all too familiar. The more time I spend with Nora, the more it lingers.

“They’ll still be safe; I’ll make sure of it. I don’t want you to worry. You have to focus on healing and getting back to doing what you love, dancing.” I glance at her briefly and find her studying me harshly.

“How can you tell me not to worry when they’re potentially in danger because of me?” She raises her voice, not in anger at me but at the stalker and the situation.

“It isn’t because of you. It’s because of a psychopath. You didn’t ask for this, and I promised you I’d catch him and put a stop to all of this, and I will. In the process, I’ll keep you and my family safe.” She doesn’t respond as she keeps her eyes fixed on me. I smirk and give her a wink. “I’ve got this, cupcake.”

She grins and tries to turn her face to hide her pink cheeks. I can’t help but chuckle at her reaction. Apparently, I have the same effect on her that she has on me. This is getting more complicated, but I like it. Maybe too much.

I turn right onto my parents’ street. As I slow to a crawl, nearing their driveway, a car pulls away from the curb a few houses down and approaches us. I stop in the street, waiting for the car to get a little closer.

“Donovan,” I say out loud.

I felt the tension mounting from Nora. She releases her breath with a whoosh when I say his name. The car window rolls down as it pulls up close to my side. I roll my window down as well.

“Thanks, man. I always know I can count on you,” I tell Donovan.

“Don’t mention it. All clear, no sightings,” he says without hesitation. Donovan is always direct, straight to the point. Especially when it comes to his job.

He nods his head toward Nora in greeting. They haven’t officially met each other, and I wish it wasn’t like this. Nora gives a small wave in return before they both turn their gazes back to me.

“I’ll see you back in Sac.” I hold my fist out the window.

“You bet. Stay safe, brother.” He bumps his fist into mine and pulls away without another word.

I roll up my window and continue to my parents’ home, my childhood home.

I haven’t lived here in many years, but it will always be home for me. I just hope Nora feels safe and at home there, too. It’s the least of what she deserves.

Chapter 21

Nora

After the conversation in the car, I’m unsure if I can put on a brave, happy face to meet SJ’s parents. I gently place my foot on the concrete as I exit the rental car, careful not to put too much pressure on my foot. Using the car door to hold myself steady helps.

The boot they gave me in the hospital helps, but my ankle is throbbing after the plane ride and the hour and a half drive out here.

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