Page 93 of Colton
A soft breeze rustles through the trees as she enters the park, and I follow, keeping my distance. The moonlight catches her hair, creating a silver halo that makes my chest ache. I’m gladshe kept it light. She looks ethereal, untouchable…but I know better. I’ve touched every inch of her, marked her as mine in ways that time can’t erase.
The park is deserted, as it always is at this hour. Just the two of us and the shadows, dancing our familiar dance. She takes her usual path, the one that winds past the old fountain. Its waters are still tonight, reflecting the moon like a dark mirror. Everything is still, waiting, holding its breath.
I could end this chase now—step out of the shadows and face her, watch those eyes widen in recognition. But timing is everything, and I’m a patient man. Well, patient enough.
My nails dig deeper into my palm as she pauses at the fountain. She trails her fingers through the water, creating ripples that distort her reflection. A drop of water trails down her wrist, vanishing beneath her sleeve.
That’s when I notice she’s trembling. Not from fear—I know her fear intimately—but from something else. Anticipation, maybe. Or recognition. She knows I’m here and can feel me watching. Her body has always been honest, even when her words weren’t.
“Colton,” she whispers, so soft it could be the wind.
But I hear it. I always hear her.
And now the game changes.
A shiver runs through me at the sound of my name on her lips. It’s been so fucking long since I’ve heard her say it. That voice—it sets my blood on fire.
I remain still, letting the shadows cloak me as she turns, scanning the darkness. Her eyes pass over my hiding spot once, twice, searching. Always searching. But I won’t give her what she wants. Not yet.
My nails break the skin on my palms, but I don’t ease off. The pain grounds me, keeps me from rushing forward and claiming what’s mine. Because that’s what she expects: my impulsiveness,my rage, my need. But I’m not that man anymore. I’m something worse.
Something better.
She takes a step away from the fountain, her boots crunching on gravel. “I know you’re there,” she calls out, voice stronger now. Challenging. “You always are.”
My lips curl into a smile. She’s right; I am always there. I’m the ghost she can’t shake, the demon she can’t exorcize.
The monster she created. All this time, I worried it was my father who made me who I am, but it’s not just him. She made me crave her.
She starts walking again, faster now, but her path is erratic. She’s breaking her routine, trying to throw me off. Stupid girl. Doesn’t she know? I’ve memorized every possible route she could take, every hidden path and darkened corner. There’s nowhere in this park she can go that I haven’t already been.
The moonlight catches something in her hand—metal, glinting. A knife? Christ, she’s actually carrying protection now. The thought makes me want to laugh. As if any weapon could keep her safe from what’s coming.
From what’s already here.
Chapter 5
LUELLA
Isaw him.
I knew it was him hiding in the shadows, and then I saw his silhouette, his jawline, and the way his eyes burned into me. I took my time going back to the apartment, euphoria and fear warring within me knowing Colton Blackwood was only a few steps behind me. I wanted to turn and challenge him, but part of me didn’t dare.
I made it home and discovered the rose was still waiting for me outside my front door. He was still watching me, I could feel it, so I took my time lifting the rose to my nose and inhaling its delicious scent. I loved holding something he had held too; call me crazy, but that’s the effect he has on me. If only Colton wasn’t so fucked up, maybe we would have worked out.
Like you’re not fucked up, murderess.
I cringe, wondering what sort of man I deserve, and if I could ever tell him the truth. A sharp laugh leaves my lips as I shake my head, entering my apartment. I toss the rose onto the photographs and stare out of the window onto the moonlit road. I search everywhere, but I can’t see him.
How long has he been here?
I’m not surprised he found me. He said he’d never let me go, and now here he is, a darkness in the haven of Meadowgrove.
It is strangely comforting, knowing Colton is watching me. I’m not sure how he managed it, but Colton is a mysterious, dangerous man. If he wanted to watch me twenty-four-seven, he would.
But he hasn’t hurt you.
So? He hurt me before.
