Page 71 of Stalker

I gritted my teeth as I thought about finding proof Cassandra had possibly been considered a victim. What if another fucking asshole hiding behind hunting was invading our turf, abducting and killing women indiscriminately? “The guy is fucking delusional.”

“Yeah, well, I only hope you didn’t leave any evidence lying around. His father isn’t going to allow his prized son to go off to prison without a fight.”

“I’m more cautious than that, Xander.”

“Good to hear. I’d hate to waste time having to replace you. I kind of like having you around.”

His laugh forced me to roll my eyes. “I’m good at what I do. Better than you are. I’d keep that in mind if I were you.”

He was still laughing. “Enjoy your night. Just don’t forget women are breakable.”

“That’s what I’m counting on.” I ended the call and slid my phone into my jacket.

Yes. Karma was on my side.

I whispered Lady Butterfly’s name in my mind, mulling over the filthy things that I could do with her this evening.

After weaving through the crowd, forced to play nice with a few of the powerful women in the room, I headed in Cassandra’s direction.

She was standing alone, holding a glass of wine in her hand, her back to me. Yet when I approached, she sensed my advance, her entire body tensing. I took a long whiff of her perfume, enjoying the effect she had on me. My balls were tight yet eager to fill with seed.

Her dress was spectacular, the bold red design both low cut and backless. I gingerly placed my fingertips on her back, inhaling her perfume. The fragrance was powerful in a very subtle way, the hints of spices and a dash of vanilla and citrus igniting my senses.

I was mere inches away, my fingers tingling, and her only reaction was to slowly tip her head over her shoulder.

“How very generous of you,” I told her. “Fifty thousand is a lot of money under any circumstances.”

“All for a very good cause.”

As with everything I did, I took my time, brushing the rough pads of my fingers across the small of her back. I was rewarded with a visible shudder, her voluptuous lips pursing. I also noticed her grip on the crystal glass was much firmer than before.

The stunning woman was still nervous around me, uncertain of what I would do. She had a knowing smile on her face as I moved in front of her.

“We meet again,” I told her.

She laughed. “Only we didn’t allow the formality of learning each other’s full names before.”

“True, the mystery was delicious in of itself.”

“But every mystery is worth solving. Wilder Blackwell. Vice president of a highly respected virtual reality gaming company. You have millions of followers, almost every one of them acting as if your games are crack cocaine.”

“I’ve never heard it put that way, but I guess you’re right. You’ve done your homework. Cassandra Penticoff, esteemed attorney. I understand your track record is exemplary. The bad guys are all afraid of you. Too bad you don’t handle corporate law.”

A tiny nervous tic in the corner of her mouth indicated she wasn’t thrilled I’d learned her name.

I laughed. “Oh, come now. You know my name. Shouldn’t it be fair I learned yours?”

“Why do I have a feeling you’re the kind of man who will go to great lengths to get whatever he wants?”

“Because you’re right. I’m not wrong about your esteemed profession, am I?”

“No, you’re correct. I’m an attorney and prefer taking down notorious criminals. I assure you I’ve been responsible for capturing and convicting a few white-collar criminals over the years.”

“Hmmm… If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were… warning me to watch out.”

“Only if you have anything to hide, Mr. Blackwell. Do you?”

“I guess there isn’t a human being on the face of this earth who doesn’t have something to hide. I like to think of it as a hunger to taste what lingers in the darkness.”

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