Page 208 of Fixation
“That would be amazing.”
That’s the part that stings the most about moving to the other side of the country. The distance from my family.
Then again, they would’ve never let Anderson kidnap me if we lived next to each other. I would’ve missed out on so much.
“Thank you, Em.” I end the call, eager to get started on breakfast. Anderson will be here in an hour or so.
I can’t wait.
My phone buzzes before I’m even out of my chair immediately.
Darla:FYI, if New You City’s website crashes, it was me. I’m the obsessed stalker who keeps refreshing it. They said you were dropping hints about the new collection, and I am dying over here!
A laugh bubbles in my chest. Warmth too.
We love each other unconditionally.
She’s even gracious about the way I keep my new collections hidden until I reveal them on my website.
I get up and out of my chair while shooting a text back.
Me:Drinks later this week? With my new neighbor-boyfriend?
My skin prickles as I do.
Wait…Is Anderson here?
My phone vibrates just as I remove my earbuds.
Darla:Bitch! You’ve been hiding aboyfriend? What the actual fuck. I’d be pissed but, holy shit, I’m so happy for you! And absolutely yes. I need to vet him. It’s a date, then. Friday, after work. I’ll pick the place.
The enthusiasm in her text is infectious. I laugh, my cheeks heating.
She’ll love him. I’m sure she will.
He adores me with unhinged obsession. No one is more devoted to their partner than Anderson is to me.
The sound he makes when he growlsmine…
Instead of getting wet from these thoughts, something strange happens. The pit of my stomach becomes weighted with lead. It feels like I’m sinking into the ground.
Something’s off.
Why would anything be off? Everything is exactly as it should be today.
Everything.
And so is Anderson.
I’m going to jump him as soon as he steps inside. Or breaks in there. Either works.
I wipe my clammypalms on my jeans, padding on my bare feet toward the stairs.
Boom. Bam. Clash.
The sharp sounds coming from Anderson’s house are proof that my concerns were justified.
The Bratva men are there.
