Page 60 of Deadly Secrets

“Okay. Thanks,” she said in a hushed tone.

The doorbell rang, and Zayn stood from the couch and headed toward the door. Seconds later, an angry Noah stormed into the apartment, demanding, “What the hell, Sienna? Why must I learn from Ander that the stalker came after you today?” His face turned red, and the vein in his neck was on the verge of popping. Sienna dropped her eyes to her hands and curled them on her lap.

“I’m sorry. I should have told you sooner, but I’ve been in shock all afternoon and haven’t checked my phone. I don’t even remember where I put it.”

Noah sighed and rubbed his hands over his face.

“Give her a break, Noah. You know she hasn’t done it on purpose,” I responded. He nodded in agreement. His eyes roved over Sienna’s delicate form, and his features softened as he noticed the fear across her face.

Sienna spent the rest of the evening curled on the couch, her head on Noah’s lap while he caressed her hair and her feet on Zayn’s legs. I sat on the opposite sofa, glancing at her occasionally. Since I saw her at the freshers’ party, I hadn’t stopped thinking about her. In the beginning, I was consumed with rage as all the feelings I had once felt for her resurfaced. She’d always lingered on my mind to the point that every time I saw a Jane Austen book or someone mentioning The Notebook or Pride & Prejudice, all I saw was her face. But now, everything was different. I was facing the ghosts of my past, and every minute I spent in her company only fueled my growing desire to get closer to her.

A few Modern Family episodes later, she fell asleep. I wrapped her in my arms and took her to her room, gently settling her into bed. After tucking her in, I kissed her forehead and said, “Sweet dreams, Sienna.”

As I turned to leave, she whispered, “I’ve really missed you.”

Me too, Sienna. Me too.

Chapter 24. IT WAS A MAT-TER OF TIME

(Sienna)

Ander and I finally started working as a team in the lab. We’d made good progress in our research, and Professor Reed was pleased with the change in our attitude. He approached our working station and took my notepad to check my notes.

“How are you, Miss Moore? Were you able to speak with the police department?” Reed had shared the recordings from a couple of cameras with them, but the police informed me that the quality was very poor, and there wasn’t much they could do since the stalker’s face was covered. However, this time, they took the investigation more seriously. I imagined that witnessing a figure wielding a knife and running toward me provided the proof they needed to believe me. They had requested a list of all the subjects I was enrolled in at Stanford so they could investigate some names. Nevertheless, they cautioned me not to get my hopes up as it could be someone from my past or someone not associated with any of my classes.

“Yes, but I haven’t heard from them since I spoke to Officer Johnson. He’s leading the investigation. I asked my lawyer to make some calls, and now it seems the police department is more invested in the case, knowing that my parents kept some friends in the FBI.”

A flicker of disgust crossed his face, but he swiftly masked his expression, leaving me unsure if I had imagined it.

“Nothing works like having good contacts in this world,” he said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m glad that at least they’re looking into it. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you.”

“Sure. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Since we’re finished for the day, feel free to head home once you’re done with these calculations. I’ll see both of you tomorrow,” Professor Reed announced.

After tidying up our workstation, I took my gym bag and headed to the bathroom at the end of the corridor.

“I’ll wait for you outside. Be quick.” Ander had offered to walk me to one of the local gyms where I was supposed to take my first self-defense lesson with Zayn. I opted for black leggings, a black crop top, and my favorite sneakers, tying my hair in a high ponytail. I was unsure if my outfit fit the exercises we would be doing, but at least I looked good in it. I wondered if Zayn would like it.

Ander’s eyes lit up when I exited the bathroom, and he saw me wearing my sports clothes.

“You like it?” I inquired with a cheeky smile.

His eyes roamed my entire body, and heat built between my thighs from the way he looked at me. “Zayn is gonna struggle to focus with you wearing that. That much I know,” he replied with a strained expression, narrowing his eyes.

After Ander left me for my class, I walked into the gym. The receptionist greeted me with a warm smile.

“Hi. Welcome to The Dragon Den. Can I help you?” she asked.

“Hi, I have a private lesson booked. Zayn Siegel made the booking.”

She clicked the mouse and began typing on the computer.

“He has booked the second room to the left. Here,” she said, handing me a towel and opening the barrier. I thanked her for the towel and quickened my pace until I located the room Zayn had reserved for us. He was shirtless and in the middle of doing push-ups. Dropping my bag on the floor, I leaned against the doorframe, taking my time to appreciate the sculpted muscles of his back glistening with sweat.

“Are you gonna come in, or are you going to keep eye-fucking me?” His growl sent tingles coursing through my body.

“Who says that I’m eye-fucking you?” I responded, holding my head high and closing the door behind me.

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