Page 55 of Aching for His Discretion

Maybe he got a new phone… that would be the only reason.

He got a new phone. Okay.

His old one probably broke, got cracked, dropped in some water.

He got a new phone. Okay.

Returning to my packing, I finished in the next thirty minutes and walked out, noticing Levi was still on the phone.

He was speaking in Italian, obviously, and I could tell he was getting ready to leave. He ended the call, and I pouted as he pulled on his shoes.

“Some last-minute things I need to take care of, Tesoro… how about you finish up and get Grayson packed too. I’ll be back in about three hours,” he said, and I walked over to him as my pout remained on my face. Hearing silence as he grabbed his keys, he looked over at me to see my slight sulk.

“Tesoro...” He spoke warningly, grabbing my jaw in his hand as he gazed down at my lip. “No pouting. I’ll be back soon,” he demanded, and a small smile broke out on my face as he placed a kiss on my lips.

Soon he’d left, and I was again reminded of the mess of my apartment.

After doing some cleaning, I placed my items by the door and watched as Grayson slept on the couch. I also realized he was out of treats and food, so I decided to text Levi and go to Target around the corner from my apartment with the few hours I had to spare.

After arriving, I grabbed a basket and walked over to the pet section. Picking up what I needed, I also, unfortunately, did a bit of wandering for myself in the haircare and candle section.

“Strange, isn’t it… spending so much time with a man you just met only a few months ago,”I heard behind me, and I almost gave myself whiplash as I made eye contact with Private Investigator Theodore Hale… the last person I wanted to see today.

“I find it even more strange how you two are going to Greece, and all of this is free... for you, that is. He’s paying for everything... Makes you wonder even more, doesn’t it?”

“Mr. Theodore. Please, I-I just want to go home,” I pleaded, and he tilted his head.

“Oh, will he be waiting for you there? Seems as though your landlord has no clue he or his buddies have been up there, but Mr. John seems quite content with them and even lies to his boss. He was probably just in about an hour ago… yet I never saw him leave.”

Taking a step back, he watched my movements as I spoke in utter bewilderment.

“Were you watching me today?” I questioned, my eyes opening in shock.

His eyes grew darker as he stared at me. “Wouldn’t say it’s just been today. Usually I get off the clock… when you go to bed,” he muttered, and my heart rate quickened as I turned and walked away, only for him to grab my arm and pull me back. I winced only slightly as I forced myself to avoid anymore eye contact.

He practically towered over me as I could feel the body heat radiating off of him. “Not so fast, little girl... we were only talking.”

“I don’t want to talk to you,” I seethed, trying to pull my arm from his hand, and his next words caused my heart to sink.

“No? Not even after yourealized he had a second phone?” He whispered the last part, and I ripped my arm away from him as I made a bee-line towards the register.

Upon exiting, I knew he wasn’t behind me, and I did my best to clear my mind.

He doesn’t have a second phone. It’s his only phone, and he didn’t lie to you.

Don’t overthink things.

Don’t.

You were just having a good morning. You’re stress-free. Ignore Theodore. Enjoy your time with Levi.

Levi, Elliot, Micah, Nico.

I told Mr. Madison that no one had been up here. Why did I lie?

Elliot and Levi said to be quiet.

Mitchel. Lidocaine. Trash bags. Blood. Killing.

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