Page 18 of Slaughter

CHAPTER FIVE

AVERY

I BUTTON UP MY SHIRT and turn to the bed. Presleigh lies on her stomach, her arms fanned out and head to the side, facing me. And I want nothing more than to pick her up in my arms and carry her out of this house. But I can’t. Not like this. Certain steps must be taken in order to ensure I get what I want. I turn and walk into her bathroom. Bending down, I pick up her cell off the floor and go to her call log. Last incoming call was from Preston. I smile. And he’s called ten times since then. He knows I’m here, and she told him that I’m looking for him. Good. All part of my plan. Setting the phone back down, I turn and walk out of the bathroom. Going over to her dresser, I start opening her drawers. Not looking for anything specific, just doing it simply ’cause I can.

Drawer after drawer, I find nothing but clothes. After shutting the last one, my eyes land on the joint she has lying on top of the dresser. I pick it up and walk back into the bathroom and flush it. She won’t be doing shit like that anymore.

I pull my cell out of my pocket while making my way into the kitchen.

“Hello, sir.” Kayn answers on the first ring.

“Did Dennis make the call?” I ask although I already know he did.

“Yes. We’re following him now, sir.”

I yank open a drawer by the sink and reach into it. Turning my hand, I feel along the top of the drawer. Gotcha! I feel the brass key and yank it free from the tape holding it in place. Some things never change. “Don’t bother,” I tell Kayn, holding the key. “There’s a few things I need you to do for me.”

“What are they?”

“Meet me at her house. I want surveillance on the inside and outside perimeter.”

There’s a long pause. “Are you there now, sir?” he asks.

“Yes,” I snap. “Does that make a difference on whether you’re gonna do your job?”

“No, sir! I was just …”

“Good. Then get your ass here and get the cameras in place!” I bark out the order and then hang up.

Placing the phone and key in my pocket, I make my way back into her master bedroom. I lean up against the doorframe and cross my arms over my chest. She hasn’t moved, and the urge to remove my clothes and crawl between her legs again is overwhelming. My cock hardens just looking at her. But I was telling her the truth, that was our last time like that. Next time I take her, she will be sober, I’ll be rough, and she’ll be on her knees begging me. Tears in her eyes and trembling lips. I smile. I’ll have her exactly where I want her.

I don’t know how long I stand there staring at her, but it must be a while ’cause I undo my arms and spin around when I hear the front door to her house open. Kayn walks toward me seconds later. “I’m ready to set up, sir.”

Darrell, another one of my guys, walks in behind him, but instead of looking at me, his eyes go to the naked brunette lying in her bed. I reach behind me and pull her bedroom door shut. His eyes find mine. “Get the cameras up and running,” I order and then walk past them, heading to the living room.

PRESLEIGH

“What’s wrong with you?” Alex yells over the music.

I shake my head at her and holler back, “Nothing.” Grabbing the shot of Fireball off the bar, I throw it back. I close my eyes and hang my head, taking in a deep breath from the burn.

“You’re not yourself tonight,” she continues, shoving another shot in front of me.

“Tired.” I grab it and swallow it as well.

“Bullshit!” She places her hand on my shoulder and spins me around to face her. “What is it?”

I look over her pale blue eyes and bleach blond hair. She raises her brows and places her hands on her narrow hips. “Spill it.”

I run a hand through my hair. “I’m just …” Confused? Concerned? Going insane? I woke up this morning naked in my bed, my shower still running with an ache between my legs trying to remember what the hell happened last night. What was real and what was a dream. I know I spoke to my brother. The twenty missed calls I had verified that part. And he’s continued to call me all day, but I’ve ignored them all. But Avery? Was he really there? Did we have sex? Did I say something I’ll regret? Like I love him? Or worse? Tell him the truth about what happened all those years ago?

“Presleigh?” she snaps.

“Tired,” I repeat. “Just tired.”

Alex eyes me skeptically, and I give her a fake smile. She rolls them but turns to the bartender. Holding up two fingers, she orders more shots.

An hour and countless drinks later, the alcohol has set in, and I realize it was a dream. He wasn’t really there, and we didn’t have sex. I just chalk it up to some sick fantasy. And I hate how much I wish it was true.

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