Page 55 of Stalker

When she finally turned off the lights downstairs, I waited until one had been flicked on inside her bedroom before climbing from the protection of my black Jeep. I never used my business vehicle for my more carnal purposes.

I headed across the street, scanning both sides to ensure I wasn’t being watched before slipping around the side of the building to the back.

There was no fumbling in unlocking her kitchen door. Another benefit of being left alone for most of my life was I’d developed various trades to keep my mind active. I could break into any secure location in less than a minute. It didn’t matter the type of lock or how many of them.

Tonight was no exception.

Once inside, I took a deep breath, marveling as the same fresh scents assaulted my senses. Every room had a distinct fragrance, a warm welcome home after a long day spent fighting crime. My pulse thrummed as I continued venturing into her private space. This was different than being invited in, but just as powerful.

My keen senses detected her dinner selection, a delicious and very spicy Mexican dish. One of my favorites. There was nothing like the feeling of catching a glimpse of someone’s world when they didn’t know you were watching.

I slowly moved through the bottom floor, my eyes already accustomed to having only the slender stream of moonlight coming through several half open blinds. She was careful in her actions but not nearly enough to stop a predator from invading her private space.

While the rational part of my brain reminded me that I was taking unnecessary risks, I had to see her. With the darkness protecting my sins, I moved quietly up the stairs, careful to avoid the single creaking board capable of proving my unwanted presence.

But in my mind, I knew she craved my continued interjection of darkness in her life. Only I could provide what she craved. Once at the top of the stairs, I stopped and listened, able to hear her lilting voice as she hummed an unknown tune.

The soft sounds reminded me of a purr, a beckoning to all those in the wild hungry enough to venture from the shadows. I headed for her open bedroom door, finding my vantage point while actively controlling my desire.

The light by her bed was dim in comparison to the one she had on in the bathroom. From where I was standing, I had a clear view of the stunning beauty as she ripped off her evening attire, tossing it aside. Gone was her conservative look, replaced with gray sweatpants and an oversized tee shirt.

But underneath was a fabulous prize, her hourglass figure accentuated by a lacy bra and matching thong. The choice of color was a soft blush, reminding me of that way her cheeks had turned pink the moment she’d taken up residence in my car the night fate had brought us together.

Little had she known what she’d started or who she’d welcomed into her life.

I remained tense, my fully aroused cock pressing against my jeans as I studied her graceful form. She was completely unaware of my presence, oblivious to eyes devouring her every move. Her comfort called to me, breaking open the wounds of loneliness that had been festering for far too long.

She was an angel in comparison to the man standing leering at her, but she was no innocent fawn. I remained transfixed in awe as she slowly removed the two slips of fabric, revealing the warm glow of her porcelain skin against the harsh bathroom light.

My Lady Butterfly deserved much better than the stark bulbs highlighting her delicate skin.

A wash of anger tore through me, but when she was completely naked, arching her back as if stretching her tense muscles, the cords on my neck tightened as desire uprooted every other emotion.

It was raw and primal, the need to control and break her the only thoughts running through my mind.

My sweet Cassandra remained devoid of any clothing as she brushed her teeth and washed her face. The simple acts were more intimate than any kiss could provide. Moments later, she flicked off the light and entered her bedroom, taking her time to open one of her dresser drawers.

I remained silent as she selected a tank top and shorts. I longed to rip them to shreds, exposing what was mine, but I was getting ahead of myself.

While I longed to touch her, to drag her back into moment of ecstasy we’d shared, I knew the time wasn’t right. My self-imposed rules had been created for a reason, used for protection as well as control of my urges.

Which were often beastly.

After running her fingers through her hair, she moved silently toward the bed, throwing back the covers. The same bed I’d taken her on several times months before. If I had the night to do over again, I wouldn’t be so gentle since I now knew what she preferred.

The longing to stroke my hands across every inch of her naked skin remained strong.

Lady Butterfly eased onto the edge of the bed, taking a few sips from her bottle of water and placing her cellphone on the nightstand before turning out the light.

Darkness enshrouded the room, leaving her even more vulnerable.

Did she have any understanding of the atrocities that could be done to her by men with far less scruples than my own? I took a deep breath while she settled under the covers.

Did she sense my presence?

Did she have any understanding that she’d fallen into an abyss that only I could save her from?

The thought was just as powerful as the intensity of my desire, perhaps tonight even more so. In discovering her true identity, in capturing more of her essence, I’d finally found someone worth toying with.

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