Page 6 of Stalker

“You know, it doesn’t sound like you mean it. Now, if you’d like to keep the use of your other hand, I suggest you do better. In fact, I know you can do much better. Say it like you mean it.”

“I’m very sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I won’t… I won’t do it again.”

“That’s much better,” the stranger growled. “Now, you’re going to stay away from her. Aren’t you?”

“Yes.Yes!”

My stomach was in knots, blood rushing to my head. No one had ever gone out of their way to protect me.

“Hmmm… What should I do with you now?” The guy turned his head in my direction as if asking for a recommendation. Was he kidding me?

I should be terrified, racing away as fast as possible, but I was transfixed by the moment.

Another vivid array of images floated in front of my mind. They were brutal in nature, leaving nothing to the imagination with David as the star victim. After a few luscious seconds, I willed them away.

Some level of rationality kicked in and I cleared my throat. “I don’t think killing him is the best idea.”

A full ten seconds passed as he continued to look at me.

Good God, the man was taller than I’d realized and hot as fuck. His broad shoulders and muscular arms were in direct contrast to the swirls of ink I noticed crawling past the neckline of his crisp cotton shirt. I also noticed the cords in his neck were thick with tension and anger, throbbing just as my pulse had been doing for fifteen minutes.

He also carried more than an air of arrogance. He gave off I-don’t-give-a-fuck vibes like no other man I’d met. Including the most heinous criminals I’d prosecuted. His jawline was chiseled, his cheekbones sculpted, and while I couldn’t see the color of his eyes, they were increasingly piercing.

“Are you alright?” he asked gruffly.

“I’m… okay. I’ll be better after I indulge in a bottle of wine. You can let him go. I think he got the point.” Strange thoughts filtered into my mind. My girlfriends had spent way too much time telling me David was bad for me. I’d ignored them. Why? The guy was a pompous jerk. They’d pushed me into finding a big he-man, the kind of guy who would fight for me.

A man just like they’d described was standing right in front of me.

The mystery hunk finally let David down, once again slowly turning his head. I had no idea what else he’d said to David, but I didn’t care. I was too busy yanking the engagement ring from my finger.

When he pushed David off like he was trash, a small part of me felt victorious. I was a horrible person, but I was grateful the stranger had intervened.

“Here. Go buy yourself a few boxes of condoms.” I tossed the ring in his direction, gleeful when it hit David square in the face and bounced off. “Good luck finding it. It’ll give you practice locating your dick.”

At least I stood my ground while David dropped to his knees, frantically searching for the ring.

My savior finally stepped into the light and I was forced to suck in my breath. He was stunning, his aristocratic features beautiful. Seeing his long, dark, wavy hair and piercing eyes, I was caught off guard to the point I could no longer breathe.

In a suit and a dark cashmere coat, he screamed wealth and danger wrapped up in a sinful package. I wasn’t shocked at my body’s reaction, the intense throbbing between my legs another painful reminder of my former plastic relationship.

“Thank you. But you didn’t need to hurt him.” My voice was almost as husky as his had been.

“Men like that don’t learn until they’re given a reason to.”

“Is that how you handle anyone who acts that way?” I was genuinely curious as well as fully aroused.

He nodded, never blinking as he stared into my eyes. Wow was the only word that came to mind. With deliberate steps, he came forward. Filthy thoughts shifted through my mind as my body flickered to life. I took a deep inhale, his musky, very masculine scent filling my lungs until I was lightheaded.

The stranger said nothing as he rubbed a gloved finger under my chin. When he grasped my jaw, I should feel fear, but I was thoroughly and completely turned on by the possessive action.

“Be safe, little butterfly. He won’t bother you again.”

He sounded as if he knew that for certain.

I was stunned at his words, even more captivated by his handsome features.

When he turned away, immediately heading in the opposite direction, I felt a strange but immediate sense of loss.

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