Page 6 of The Heat of Intensity

– COSIMA –

I slowly awake and feel myself smiling as I blink to clear my vision. Only one eye is cooperating, but who the hell cares? I’m able to see and that’s what counts. Hell, if it would stay this way for the rest of my life, I would be forever thankful. Knowing what it’s like to lose something you take for granted has opened my eyes in more than one way.

A soft knock on the door is followed by Parker’s voice. “You up, darlin’? Coffee is ready and we have a big day ahead of us.”

The man is persistent, I’ll give him that. Two days ago, when he showed up with Bluebell, I wanted to strangle the man for forcing his way into my house. I could hardly deny him and decided to ignore the guy and let him sleep on the couch. The next day he made coffee and breakfast.

We used to send one another voice messages and it’s why our chats are easy. He didn’t force me to go out or anything. We just sat on the porch and enjoyed the sun. My vision was still somewhat blurry but watching his horse and mine grazing in the pasture almost brought tears to my eyes.

To be honest? I almost gave up on being normal. I’m thankful for his persistence and it’s why I jump out of bed and rip off the tank top I was sleeping in. I catch movement near the window and when I glance that way I scream at the top of my lungs.

Parker bursts into my bedroom. “What’s wrong?”

I’m holding my tank top in front of my breasts with one arm while I point with the other at the window. “Peeping Tom.”

“What the fuck?” Parker snarls and runs out into the hallway.

I quickly jump into some sweatpants and throw on my tank top before shoving my feet into the boots near the door. There’s the sound of a gunshot when I open the back door and I freeze in place.

My heart is beating in my throat, clogging it and making it hard to scream for Parker. Was he shot at? Was he the one doing the shooting? Is he hurt? Should I go out to check? Dammit, why is fear rooting me in place?

“No, goddammit,” Parker growls. “I lost him but he’s heading in your direction. Send Walker here with shit to put up a camera system. It’s not the first–” Our eyes meet and he cuts off his voice.

Pulling his phone slightly back he tells me, “Go on inside, darlin’. I’ll be right there.”

Gritting my teeth, I swallow the first reply that comes to mind. Something that involves him to go fuck himself. Though, I’m glad he was here when that creep was watching me through my own damn window.

I step inside and let the door fall shut while I wonder how many times that creep has been peeping inside my window. I felt someone watching me two days ago. Was this the same guy who was inside my house that day? Worry hits me and now I’m even more glad I allowed Parker to stay with me.

“Hey,” he grunts when he steps into the kitchen. “Are you okay?”

I stalk to the cabinet and pull a mug to get myself some coffee. “Hell no. Did you manage to shoot the Peeping Tom in the balls or was he the one firing off a round?”

“I missed.” Placing his hands on his hips he adds, “Walker is gonna swing by along with Luke and Silas. Kathleen will be here in ten minutes or less.”

“Kathleen? You already reported it?” I guess that’s a perk when the sheriff is the daughter of one of the bikers in the MC Parker is a part of.

Parker grimaces. “That nutjob was whacking off.”

“Oh yuck, really?” Now I’m the one grimacing. “Great, that seriously pops my bubble of having a lovely view of the stables. I should board it up now or switch rooms to one in the front.”

“Fuck no. You’re not going to let a pervert ruin shit. He’s trespassing and we’re gonna make sure there won’t be a next time,” Parker grunts and steps closer. “Did you get a good look at him?”

My shoulders sag. “No. I only caught movement and noticed a figure dashing off. That’s why I screamed.”

Parker reaches out and cups the back of my neck.

Giving me a gentle squeeze he says, “You did good, darlin’.”

His soft words make me confess, “I’m glad you were here.”

Leaning in, he brushes his lips against my forehead. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I swallow hard at the different kinds of emotions filling my body. The heat from his hand on the back of my neck, the way it makes me feel safe with his closeness. The tenderness of his lips on my forehead, how he ran out of the house and shot at the Peeping Tom.

If only I was my old self and not post-attack, I’d jump his bones without a second thought. Yet, now I’m filled with doubts and am self-conscious, definitely not worth the attention of this strong and handsome cowboy biker. Dammit. I hate self-pity.

I step back and give him a slight push against his chest. “Okay, don’t get too comfortable, buddy.”

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