Page 75 of Stalker

“You earned a few what-a-good-boy points, but that doesn’t make us instant buds. Especially since you chased me through some dark woods.”

His laugh was low and husky. “Fair enough.”

Why was my breath skipping?

Another few minutes passed and all I was doing was squirming in my seat.

“I heard you saved a life.”

He seemed surprised that I’d brought up the incident. “I did what any decent human being would do.”

“Don’t be so coy. I do read the papers. You don’t like men who push women around. I simply didn’t put two and two together that you saved the woman in the park since you don’t like being photographed. I find that curious.”

“Why?”

“Because most arrogant, rich men flaunt themselves and their riches, especially if they’re good looking.”

When he turned his head, I was shocked at the carnal look in his eyes. It was entirely different than before, more intense and knowing. As if he owned me.

“Another compliment. However, the truth is that my company has many enemies. Photographs tell a story which can be used as a weakness. I prefer my anonymity and privacy.”

“Because of your many secrets.”

His smirk was telling. “As I mentioned before, we all have them.”

“Perhaps not all of us.”

His expression remained the same. “Then I guess I stand corrected.”

He knew he had me dead to rights given the hunt. Unless I wanted to confess I was looking into him in hopes of discovering improprieties.

“But you saved a woman’s life. That’s heroic.”

Every single time he laughed, it was as if hiding beneath his manicured fingernails I’d discover traces of blood and DNA. It was a strange thought, although natural given my profession. But around him?

“Sadly, if you read the papers then you’re aware the perpetrator was released on bail.”

“And I’m certain given you’re a thorough man that you’re well aware his bail was revoked. From what I heard from a few colleagues, there’s new and very damning information provided in a fascinating way.”

I was coming dangerously close to infringing on a case, but if I didn’t push him, I’d never solve even one of the mysteries surrounding him and his brothers.

“Yes, sweet Cassandra, I do read the papers as well. Men like him are unable to stop feeding their proclivities even under fear of incarceration.”

“That’s interesting coming from a self-proclaimed loner. Still, I’d call you a hero. The woman might have been another victim of a monstrous killer had you not intervened.”

“As I said, I have many sides, Cassandra, but none of them have the title of hero. I was being human as one would hope most people would be in that circumstance.”

Every time he said my name, the syllables dripped off his tongue.

“That’s not true. Most people stand by and watch, acting as if the horror they’re seeing is nothing but a motion picture. Yet you also acted out when you saw David treating me badly.”

“Well, I’m certainly not most people. I do what’s necessary to keep order and control as well. I don’t like when women are being abused and make no mistake, David was an abuser.”

A part of me made a mental note to discover every detail about his heroic act. Had he been questioned by the police? Did he have a previous relationship with Drew?

“What are you talking about?”

After glancing over at me, he sighed. “I know men like that very well, Lady Butterfly. They act as if they would never hurt anyone, often apologizing for their evil deeds, but they will never change. They escalate their acts of violence as they learn to enjoy the bruises and blood, the screams and cries for forgiveness or from those begging to be freed. The man you were involved with was escalating his behavior. You are lucky to be away from him.”

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