Page 33 of Conquered

“You outta know with the number of boyfriends you have. I’m curious if one knows about the other six.”

“Ha ha. And it’s down to four.” She giggled and pointed toward the card. “Who are they from? Should we take bets?”

I snatched it before she had a chance, taking my time opening the envelope. I wasn’t certain whether to be shocked or nervous. The card wasn’t meant to be pushy or terrifying, but his words were rather unusual.

Yes, I now feel that it was then on that evening of sweet dreams—that the very first dawn of human love burst upon the icy night of my spirit. Since that period, I have never seen nor heard your name without a shiver half of delight, half of anxiety.

I whispered the beautiful words, smiling afterwards.

“Okay, what the hell?” Taylor huffed as only she could do. “That’s just bizarre and twisted.”

“It’s not twisted. It’s called poetic. Don’t you remember studying Edgar Allan Poe?”

She narrowed her eyes before opening them wide. “Whoa, hold on. No way. They’re from Professor Saint?”

“I guess so.” There was also a personal message as well, merely welcoming me into his world. However, it was the passage he’d selected that had me tingling all over.

“I don’t like this. That is twisted, no matter what you believe. And my gut tells me the man is dangerous.”

“Oh, stop. It’s a kind gesture. Jesus. It’s obvious you’ve been watching too many horror movies.”

Which was a joke. She couldn’t stand them, begging me to turn them off anytime she’d come to watch a flick with me.

She gave me another look. “Very funny, but I think you need to watch a few more since you’re forgetting what happens to the innocent victims. That’s creepy as fuck.” She returned her gaze to the flowers.

“Dare I remind you the professor has been our fantasy for years? Now, you find him creepy?”

“Sara, honey. Don’t you remember there’ve been several handsome serial killers?”

“Now, he’s graduated to a serial killer? Don’t you have a graduation party to go to tonight?”

Laughing, she tossed her long hair. “Yes, which is why I’m here. Please come. It won’t be the same without you. You should see the spread my parents created.”

“You mean the catered party that likely two dozen people hired planned and executed for their only girl’s graduation from a highly esteemed college.”

“Don’t be such a prude. So my parents have money. So what? Come drink copious amounts of champagne with Josie and me. There’s going to be plenty of hot guys there. I might even add to my collection.”

“You would and no. I need to finish getting ready to move to my new digs. Remember? Plus, I’m working late to cover a shift. So I wouldn’t get there until late anyway.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Party pooper. If something happens and you change your mind, just drop by. K? I’m certain the debauchery aspect will be going on all. Night. Long.” She backed away, blowing me a kiss.

“I’ll think about it.” I shook my head before taking a whiff of the stunning roses that cost more than I often made in several days of work.

As I grabbed the vase from the main counter, I realized I wasn’t certain where to put them. After finding the perfect spot near the coffeemakers, I took a few seconds to smile, reflecting on the incredible gesture and the card.

Why did I have a feeling I’d gotten in over my head more than I wanted to admit?

CHAPTER 10

Sara

“Danger doesn’t simply lurk in the shadows. Often those most dangerous are those we believe we can trust the most.”

My mother’s sentiments had shifted into my mind for some reason and I wasn’t certain why.

Except that just before eleven p.m., three men walked in through the doors and for some reason, I had a very bad feeling. Most of the customers had already left, only a couple of stragglers finishing up a date night pie or a milkshake, which the diner was known for. We were almost ready to close. I’d already started doing closing duties and had a sense given their rowdy behavior and loud voices they’d been drinking.

Sure, we were a stop-off point given several bars were close by. Those partaking in too much alcohol often came in for some carbs to fill their stomachs. However, a sick feeling pooled in my belly. I smelled trouble.

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