Page 18 of Any Means Necessary

“I won’t say anything,” I assure him. I have enough self-preservation to keep my damn mouth shut. Besides, I don’t even know what happened. Not really.

“Good. Because if you are stupid enough to tell someone, that might put you in danger. And I’ll always know.”

“I’m just gonna go shower and pretend like tonight never happened.” When did my life turn into a suspense movie? I prefer my drama petty and through a tv screen.

“That’s a good idea, Doc.” Stepping into the elevator, he’s watching me again. This time feels more intentional—like he’s looking for something. I’ll bet he’s waiting for a meltdown or psychotic break with tears and trembling. Like the events of tonight might somehow break me. But he can wait all he wants, the breakdown isn’t coming.

The demons I’m currently fighting off are much more traumatizing than giving some creep a few stitches in a dark room. Tonight, as weird and confusing as it was, is just a drop in the bucket. I’m already keeping my head above water while much darker forces try to drag me under.

I don’t wait for him when the elevator doors open, instead walking straight into the penthouse. Callum’s only a step or two behind me.

“Good night, Callum,” I say over my shoulder, not hesitating before walking through the kitchen towards the hallway that leads to my shower. And my bed.

“Sweet dreams, Doc,” Callum’s deep voice sounds behind me.

I wish.

Chapter Five: Lexie

“No dancing in the kitchen this morning?” Callum’s voice has me glancing over my shoulder from my place at the stove.

It’s been a day since he brought me to the nightclub. I thought it would change things but surprisingly it hasn’t. I’m not shaken or traumatized, my life feels pretty much the same. And even as I stand here with the man who turned out to be even more dangerous than I suspected, I feel at ease. Maybe not completely, but close enough.

Callum looks immaculate, per usual, with his black dress shirt, slacks, and leather belt. I’ve never seen the man with a single hair out of place. Does he even own a pair of sweatpants? Or does he just wear his dress clothes to bed?

“I reserve dancing for mornings I have enough energy to pull myself out of bed without a caffeine drip,” I inform him. “Today is not one of those days.”

“Whatever you say, Dewdrop,” his response has me pausing to actually look at him.

“Dewdrop,” I repeat. “Isn’t that a flower?”

Callum’s broad shoulders shrug as if it’s the most natural thing in the world to compare me to a plant.

“Seems fitting. Dewdrops are toxic when ingested, just like that poison you’re so addicted to.” He’s referring to Mountain Dew.

“Do you have a thing for nicknames or something?” The flick of my wrist turns off the burner.

“I know how much you love your other nickname. What’s one more?” He’s winding me up on purpose, and it’s working. “Right, Doc?”

"There are a few choice words I’d like to call you right now.” If I’m not mistaken, I swear the man laughs at that. My eyes roll dramatically to the ceiling as I turn away from him to focus on things more worthy of my attention. Like my food.

Adding a drizzle of hot sauce and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, the plate is finished—and it’s a beautiful thing. Maybe I’m just hangry, because my agitation melts away with each bite of food. It only takes five spoonfuls of cereal before I’m ready to do my happy dance—something I’m sure the man standing only a few feet away notices.

“What’s for breakfast, Doc?” Callum eyes my spread like he doesn’t know what to make of it. It’s an unusual combination, but I like it.

“Oh, this is avocado, red onion, and a poached egg with some sriracha on a slice of toasted French bread.” My finger points to all the different components on my plate.

“And that?” He asks, nodding to the bowl. I flash him a smile and a small shrug.

“Cocoa Puffs.”

“Isn’t that a children’s cereal?”

“What can I say, I go coo-coo for cocoa puffs.” Swallowing the last spoonful, I reach for the box to refill my bowl.

“Are you at least going to put some fresh milk in there?” With the look I give him, the man might as well have sprouted a second head.

“That’s the best part. Do you seriously not know how satisfying it is to finish the second bowl and drink the chocolatey milk? Here, have some of mine.” I extend the box towards him, but he just eyes the cereal like it’s going to bite him.

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