Page 55 of The Devil's Wrath

“Baby, what’s wrong?”

I couldn’t find my voice, terror seizing my vocal cords in a vice grip. With a trembling hand, I pointed toward the window. Theo’s head whipped to the side, and he cursed under his breath when he saw what had me frozen in fear.

In a flash, he pulled out of me, positioning himself protectively in front of my naked body.

“Stay here,” Theo ordered. He grabbed a kitchen knife from the block on the counter before moving swiftly and silently to the back door. “Lock the door behind me, and don’t open it for anyone but me, understand?”

I nodded mutely, my heart hammering against my ribcage as he strode out the door, butt-naked, pausing only to make sure I locked it securely behind him.

With shaking hands, I retrieved a blanket from the couch and wrapped it tightly around myself. Minutes ticked by with agonizingslowness. I paced the length of the kitchen, my bare feet slapping against the cold wood, straining for any sound from outside. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the ragged cadence of my breath and the blood rushing in my ears.

After what felt like an eternity but was likely only minutes, a sharp knock sounded at the door, making me jump.

“It’s me, baby.” Theo’s muffled voice came through the wood. “Open up.”

On unsteady legs, I hurried to the door and fumbled with the lock, my hands shaking so badly that it took me a couple of tries to turn it. I launched myself into his arms as soon as the door swung open. He gathered me close, the knife clattering to the ground as he wrapped me tightly in his embrace.

“Shh, it’s okay. You’re safe,” he soothed, stroking my hair as I trembled against him. “He’s gone. Ran off into the woods as soon as I came out.”

I pulled back just enough to search his face for any signs of injury. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

He shook his head, cupping my face in his large hands. “I’m fine. Not a scratch on me. Fucker was too much of a coward to face me.”

“Who was that? Why was he watching us?”

Theo’s jaw clenched, a muscle ticking in his cheek. “I don’t know, but I intend to find out.” He ushered me back inside, locking the door securely behind us. “Get dressed. I’m taking you to my place tonight. I don’t want you staying here alone.”

I didn’t argue, hurrying to the bedroom to throw on some clothes with shaking hands, my mind reeling. Who would have been bold enough to come right up to the window like that? And why target me? A sickening thought occurred to me—could it have been Connor? Had my refusal to engage with him angered him to the point that he’d show up in a ski mask with god knows what intentions?

Theo appeared in the doorway, now dressed as well, his expression grim. “Ready to go?”

I nodded, grabbing my purse and a few essentials. He kept me tucked close to his side as we made our way out to my car, his eyes constantly scanning our surroundings. The short drive to his placewas tense and silent. My fingers clasped tightly with his over the center console.

It wasn’t until we were safely ensconced in Theo’s bedroom that some of the tension drained from my body.

He led me over to the plush leather couch and gently pushed me down onto the cushions, draping a soft throw blanket over my shoulders.

“Stay here,” he instructed, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I’m going to make you some tea to calm your nerves.”

I nodded mutely, pulling the blanket tighter around myself as I waited for him to return.

Ten minutes later, he did, carrying a steaming mug. He gently pressed it into my hands, and the scent of chamomile wafted up. I took a careful sip, the hot liquid soothing my raw throat. He settled beside me, his arm draped across my shoulders, tugging me into his side.

“Talk to me, baby,” he urged softly. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”

I took a shuddering breath, staring down into the depths of my mug. “I was just thinking . . . what if it’s one of my patients from the hospital? The ER is a beacon for patients high on drugs, mental illness, and worse. Maybe I said or did something to set one of them off . . . maybe they followed me home?”

Theo’s arm tightened around me protectively. “That’s a possibility we can’t rule out,” he said grimly. “But I’m not ruling out your piece of shit ex-boyfriend either.”

I stiffened at his words that reflected my earlier suspicion. “You think Connor could be behind this?”

“He has a motive. You left him. He didn’t take it well. Men like that don’t just let go.”

I shook my head vehemently. “I don’t know. Would Connor really be stupid enough to do this? I mean, his dad is running for reelection for the Senate seat. I just don’t think he would jeopardize his father’s bid by ending up in the news for stalking. The press would have a field day.”

His eyes narrowed. “If that were true, he wouldn’t have risked hisor his father’s reputations by putting his hands on you. Which he did not once, but twice.”

I flinched at his words, the memories of Connor’s abuse still raw and painful. Theo noticed my reaction, and his expression softened. Setting both our mugs onto the coffee table, he gathered me into his arms, cradling me against his chest.

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