Page 232 of If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse

“What do you want us to do, Briar?” Oscar asks. “Can we have Mr. Rogers send some men and keep an eye on him?”

I hesitate. “Wouldn't he know that we’re watching him?”

“So? It’ll give him incentive to behave.”

“True,” I sigh. “Okay. Yeah. Tell them not to make it obvious, though. Mr. Rogers? Maybe warn your friends at the police station?”

“Of course,” Mr. Rogers answers. “I’ll have my inside to keep an eye out in case we need backup.”

My phone vibrates with a text notification.

“Thank you guys! I have to go, Rurik’s texting me.” I could hear Nat snickering before I hung up on her.

RURIK MY ANGEL:

-What are you craving for tonight?

I grin slowly. Sometimes, my angel just makes things too easy for me.

ME:

-Cum à la Rurik ;)

RURIK MY ANGEL:

-For fucks sake. What are you craving for DINNER, my little migraine?

ME:

-Oh, why didn’t you just say so, silly?

- I need some protein. How about a nice, long, thick, delicious sausage? Bonus if its juices flow deliciously down my throat when I bite into it. Yum Yum Yum.

RURIK MY ANGEL:

-BRIAR! My cock isn’t food, you crazy woman.

ME:

- Who said anything about your dick? Lol I’m craving sausages! Like we can make some pasta with italian sausages or something.

RURIK MY ANGEL:

-You’re a nightmare. Fine. I’ll find some tomatoes and veggies we can use. I’ll see you at home.

There he goes again, calling my apartment his home. Damn, I love this man.

Which is why I’m here at the Farmers Market, watching him like a creepy little stalker. Don’t judge me. It’s not my fault I miss him so much.

I stand behind a random person, blocking Rurik’s view of me. I watch as he casually browses from vendor to vendor, stopping now and then to ask questions. I notice him grabbing some chocolate bars for baking and inwardly rolling my eyes at his sweet tooth.

When he finally reaches the meat vendors, I dart through the crowd and pounce on his back.

“Boo!” I whisper in his ear, wrapping myself around him like a sloth.

“What the…” Rurik sputters, dropping the grocery bags he was carrying, and places his hands on my thighs to keep me in place. “Briar? What are you doing here?”

“I missed you!” I grin as I slide off him. I pick up the grocery bags and hitch them onto my shoulder. “I figured I could help you with the groceries.” I hesitate, a small drop of dread spreading through my gut. “Is… is that okay?”

---