Page 3 of Captive Desire

“Probably not a good idea.” Those brown orbs shift toward the woman taking orders. “You picked a terrible time to make an appearance. We’re super busy.” She won’t meet my gaze.

What is stopping her? Does she not feel this same pull that has kept me locked in place this entire time?

“Charity.” She jerks at her name, looking just as surprised that I remembered. I really shouldn’t have kept myself away for so long.

There’s so much I want to say to her. My thoughts are overflowing with so many confessions. There’s a reason why I’ve had to stay in the background. Doing nothing but watching, she’d be understanding.

“Not even five minutes of your time?” Tilting my head, I picture coaxing her toward somewhere quiet. Somewhere I can graze my fingers against her cheeks and see how flushed they become.

As if remembering we’re meant to be one step away from being called strangers, she shakes out of her stare. Even going as far as taking a step back, her hand instinctively goes to her stomach.

“I should get back, actually.” Throwing a thumb behind her, her body doesn’t automatically move. Almost like she has to be more manual about making her escape, she forces her body back. “Have a nice day.”

Her words leave a bitter taste in my mouth. Treating me like no one different than the customers waiting in line, I swallow down the urge to demand her to stay. She doesn’t offer a different time or any invitation to return sometime later. From my view, she might as well be dusting her hands free of me.

I want to take her out of here and remind her how fitting we are for each other. However, the last thing I need is for security to be called. That sort of attention is not needed.

Taking my cue to leave, I force my body away from the counter and make my exit.

While I may have no intention of returning to this business, I am nowhere near being done with Charity. She may not be as accepting of me now, but I’ll make up every minute I stay away down the line.

After leaving StartBit Tech, my driver takes me to an all-familiar address. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve sat outside of her apartment complex. How often have I sacrificed my free time waiting, hoping to catch a glimpse of Charity? At least three times a week. Four months of this torture and I can confidently say I know her schedule.

Most of the time, I’m on my own. Always watching by my lonesome, I know today I’ll need a driver. My hands need to be free.

“You’re sure you don’t want any help?” Seth throws a glance in my direction. “Even if it’s to simply watch your back.”

“All you’ll do is bring more attention my way.” Not wanting to risk the unwanted looks, I decline his offer. Leaving him in the car, I get out with more than enough time to play it safe. Making my way into the building, I go as far as shooting the guy up front a smile. All natural. Blending in with the rest of those who move in and out of the complex, I take a short elevator ride up to her floor.

In my pocket, a spare key. Hand slipping inside, I twirl the metal between my fingers as I make my way to her home.

Charity felt safe enough to keep her spare beneath her rug. I snagged it months ago, quickly making one for myself and returning the original to its rightful place in the span of a few hours.

Anyone could’ve found the key. Even in a secure place like this, anything could happen. Hell, look at me moving about so freely. If another man had decided to take advantage of her lowered guard…

Blood would coat my hands if such a scenario happened.

Looking both ways, I slip inside her apartment. Once the door is shut, I’m free to do as I please.

She doesn’t have any cameras. After a previous problem of stalking, she should know better how to protect herself. Especially now. Her move to Seattle must’ve made her feel safe.

Making my way to her room, I groan at the same sweet smell I’ve grown addicted to. Distracting myself for only a moment, I grab one of the pillows on the bed and breathe her in.

My cock automatically thickens. This ache to have another taste of her is brutal.

Despite having tasted torture up close, no pain comes close to the longing I feel for Charity. To have her within my arms again, the place where she belongs, that is what is keeping me sane.

Four fucking months. I’m going to make up for every minute lost.

Despite the ache of my arousal, I won’t relieve myself. Instead, I’ll wait until it’s her hand wrapped around my cock, relieving me of this ache.

Moving to her closet, I drag out the suitcases tucked away in the corner. She’ll need both of them with how many clothes I see packed away in her closet.

Packing her luggage full of everything she will need, the two suitcases will have to be enough. Starting with a few outfits, I grab the clothes I see her wear most often. Not wanting to waste all the space with clothing, I remind myself to order her a new wardrobe.

Clattering around in her bathroom next, I grab everything I think a woman would need.

Once I’m satisfied with all my findings, I drag both suitcases into the living room. With more time on my hands until her return, I sit and stare at the front door. I lie in wait.

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