Page 49 of Serial Love

“You don’t think that was just the teeniest bit alpha caveman behavior?” she asked.

“Nope. I think it was a whole fuck-of-a-lotta alpha caveman behavior.”

Seeing her jaw drop, he lifted her chin with his fingers at the same time he leaned down to place a kiss on her lips.

“Babe, this is who I am. I respect what you do here, but this is no longer the 1960’s and your grandfather’s not here to provide for your safety. This is a different world and I’m sure as hell going to take care of what’s mine. And I don’t give a damn who’s around when I kiss you. Or,” he said with a smile, “when you kiss me.”

She could not stop the warm feeling that swirled around at his words. Lifting on her toes, she grabbed his face with her hands and kissed him back. Plunging her tongue into his mouth, she gave him everything she had to give, and he took it. Then he lifted her up in his arms and took the kiss where he wanted it to go. Long. Hard. Wet.

“Ah-hm.”

Bethany jerked to see who was standing there, but her back was to the counter since Jack had turned to face the guest. She twisted to see behind her while dropping her legs to stand. Flustered, she managed to twist around and saw Horace Malinski. He looked askance at having intruded, so she quickly greeted him. She saw his eyes dart continuously between Jack and her.

“Mr. Malinski, this is…um?—”

“Her boyfriend, Jack Bryant,” Jack said smoothly.

“Yes, um…yes,” Bethany stammered.

A nervous nod was all they received, and she handed him his cabin assignment and key. “Here you go. Cabin nine as usual is ready for you.”

Another nod and he was out of the door.

“He always like that?” Jack asked, his eyes following the man as he hurried to his car.

“Yeah. He comes once a month and always asks for the same cabin. He’s harmless enough,” she added. “Always keeps to himself, hardly ever leaves the cabin.” She giggled, “at least not during the day.” Hearing Jack’s growl, she quickly added, “Oh, he never bothers me, but I sometimes wonder if he’s a vampire. You know, only coming out at night.”

He glanced down at the register. Horace Malinski.I’ll check him out.Shooting a look at Bethany, who was already greeting the next guests, he decided that he would not share with her that he was checking out her clients.She did really well with my earlier explanations, I won’t press my luck,he thought with a smile.

He watched her for a few minutes as she smiled atthe families coming in, telling them about the cabin’s upgrades, the rules for swimming in the lake, and the area’s amenities. He had to admit to himself that he had wondered if she would pack up and leave when Gram left…but damn, she loves what she does.Her smile was infectious, and the guests appeared to be thrilled to be staying here. A couple of families were returning visitors that she greeted like old friends.

While she finished up, he turned to take some measurements for the wall to be erected, separating the reception area from the lodge room.I want her in my home, in my bed, but…one step at a time. And until then, I want her safe.

He rubbed his head, fighting the headache bearing down on him. Watching from afar, he tried to keep his eye on her. A good girl. They all start out as good girls.Why can’t they stay that way? Because they turn into sluts, that’s why.Mama always said so.

He knew the police and FBI were searching for him. The newspapers were full of stories and speculations about the Campus Killer.Campus Killer.Running his hand over his face again, he grimaced.They don’t understand. I’m not a killer. I make the sluts pay. That’s all. I just give them their due.

He fingered the long, slim knife again but fought the urge. It seemed to be coming faster. There was a time when he could make it go away. Ignore it.

He thought about the latest one he had seen.Would she stay good for me? Or be a slut like the others?He didn’t travel as much with his job now. Forced to stay closer to home, it was more difficult to find someone when he felt the urge.

Running his finger along the razor-sharp blade, he was careful not to cut himself. Taking a towel, he efficiently wiped the instrument off before replacing it in its hiding place. Behind it, the jar of bones sat, making him grimace.

Why do the sluts do it? Why do they have to point that finger at me when I just want to get close?He closed his eyes for a moment, seeing his mother constantly shaking her finger at either him or his dad.Look what I’ve done for you, ma! What I’ve always done for you.

Jack managed to be home for the entire Labor Day weekend, taking advantage of not having to travel by spending as much time as possible with Bethany. He video conferenced with the men and would see them as they rotated through security duty.

He had stayed at her place Friday and by Saturday night wanted to take her out. “You up for a trip to Chuck’s for some burgers?”

Smiling huge, she agreed. “I haven’t had a Chuck’s burger in…wow, I don’t even remember the last time I was there.”

He chuckled, saying, “Well, it hasn’t changed sincethe beginning of time. Burgers are still greasy and the beer is still cold.”

“Sounds perfect!”

Fifteen minutes later, they walked into the bar, greeted by a screech.

“Oh my God, boss-man! Is this the girl that had you making moon faces weeks ago?” Trudie’s voice could be heard across the room and most eyes turned toward the couple.

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