Page 14 of Creed

Rough hands.

Inked skin.

His image is conjured to life the moment I close my eyes.

All brutal and savage.

A rough and tumble biker whom I should avoid at any and all costs. That’s what my brain tells me. My heart,however. My stupid, stupid heart still carries a torch for him that shines brighter than the brightest stars.

Rolling to my side, I stare out my bedroom window, wondering if he’s still thinking of me. I slide an arm under my pillow and touch something cold and freeze. My pulse spikes as I wrap a fist around what feels like something small and metal.

Sitting up, I flick on the lamp on my nightstand, knocking the book I’ve been reading onto the floor with a heavy thud. I open my palm, discovering a single bullet. The reality that someone has invaded my home not only chills me to the bone, it terrifies me.

Is this a sick joke?

I turn the metal over between my fingers, noticing one side feels rougher than the rest.

There’s an X etched there.

Bile churns in the pit of my stomach.

This isn’t funny.

I feel violated.

Is whoever left this here watching me now?

I’m never getting any sleep tonight.

Sleep finally claimed me around four in the morning. Three hours before my shift was set to start. I never call in but today I’m taking the day off to buy security cameras that I can’t afford but desperately need after last night.

I don’t know what kind of game someone is trying to play with me, but I’m not taking any chances. I called management and asked to have my locks changed. I should have done it the second Cade skipped out on me. Would he have stuck the bullet under my pillow?

I don’t know why he would do something so cruel and fucked up, but who else could it have been?

Seth had no idea I was even in the area, until last night, and he’d have no reason to screw with me. Not like this.

I’m seriously freaked out.

Before exiting my apartment, I check the peephole three times to make sure someone isn’t waiting outside of my door. When I get to my car, I scan the parking lot for suspicious people and vehicles, then check my backseat and the trunk.

Calling the police would be useless. They have more important things to focus their efforts on. If I tell Seth, he’llgo all macho on me, and I’m not sure if I’m prepared for that. He can be pretty intense without even trying.

I don’t even get backed out of my parking space before my boss is calling me back and begging me to come in. Apparently, Cher called out right after I did. Both her boys have the flu. I’m too much of a people pleaser because I give in. I can get the security system after I get off, I suppose.

I glance down at my phone, at the new text from Tonya, wanting to know what I think of Ghouls’ friend.

If she only knew his friend is Seth Creed, my former step brother I share a complicated past with.

I’ll tell you later.

I send my response and grab the breakfast platters for table seven.

At least work has been a busy and welcomed distraction from the events of last night.

I manage to go through the motions, serving tables, refilling coffee mugs, and flashing courteous smiles. Every so often, when my guard is down, my mind drifts back to Seth. His deep, growly voice echoes in my ears. Hisrough and possessive touch lingers on my skin. His woodsy and masculine scent... it’s everywhere, as if he’s here with me. I swear our new busser, Chris, must be wearing the same cologne as him or every man in this greasy joint is. If not, I’ve truly lost it and am smelling phantom scents.

That’s the worst part of working here. Always smelling a deep fryer. It’s damn hard to get the scent of grease out of my hair.

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