Page 81 of Rugger: The Huntress

With all the suggestions in my hand, I made my way back to the bedroom where I traded the one-piece for three. I revisited the mirror to find myself in utter shock of the swift transformation.

7:54p

I didn’t need the clock to confirm the time. Sonnie had six minutes to send a sign, make a call, or send a location. I hadn’t given him either of my numbers, but he was a resourceful man. When he wanted, he’d find a way to contact me. There was no doubt in my mind about it.

“He has five minutes,” I announced, turning the camera toward the mirror.

R7 took a photo on FaceTime.

The message on my screen drew an unsteady breath from my lungs.

“Delete it.”

“I can’t. I already put it in the group.”

As the words left her mouth, my phone began vibrating in my hand. Instantly, I ended the call without an explanation. She’d ratted me out.

7:58p.

I tossed back the shot of vodka and slammed the glass on the table. The silver foil slipped off the stick of gum with ease. I placed it on my tongue, grabbed my clutch, and headed for the door.

December was only two days away and the holiday cheer had already begun. Christmas lights lined the streets. Neighbors were too far away for me to see their displays, but I had gotten a glimpse during the last few trips home.

I opened the front door to find Sonnie standing on the porch, prepared to ring the doorbell. He was snug in his black coat and black beanie. Fresh black Timberlands adorned his feet. Black jeans were his bottoms of choice.

“Good evening, Gazelle.”

“Good evening.”

“How’d you know I was here,” he asked, showing his pearly white teeth.

It was becoming increasingly clear that Sonnie had a heart of gold. He was a delicate man. And, he brought the delicacy out of me without much effort. He made me want to match his energy and stroke his ego in the process. His sureness and confidence allowed him to dominate every encounter without needing to control it or me.

“I’m a killer, Sonnie. My survival depends on my awareness.”

A black Audi sat in my driveway. The headlights had a very subtle blue tint that paired well with the night sky. If you didn’t pay close enough attention, you’d assume they were white just like most of the others, but they weren’t.

“Beautiful,” I acknowledged the small detail.

“The car?”

“The headlights.”

“Is there anything you don’t notice?”

“You?”

He opened the door for me, and waited until I was inside.

“Nah.”

He shook his head and closed the door. The interior reminded me just how irresistible his scent was. It lingered. I closed my eyes for a brief second, taking him in. As I opened my eyes, he was rounding the car. I leaned over and opened his door.

“Thank you.”

A gust of wind loosened my curls as he shut the door and made himself comfortable. His comfort toyed with my nervousness. Not only was this my first date, it was the first time I was in the car with a man at the wheel other than my brother or my father.

“Ready?”

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