Page 24 of Only If You Dare

Another flush fell over her face, and her cheeks reddened.

“I was about to get Desiree here a glass of water.” I willed myself to release Desiree and strolled to the refrigerator.

Claudia and Jaden looked from her to me, then Claudia put her hands on her hips. “Desiree, are you drinking again?”

With upturned lips, Desiree rounded to peer at Claudia. “What do you mean again? Am I not allowed to have more than one drink?”

“That’s not what I’m saying,” Claudia defended.

“Then what are you saying little sis,” Desiree said back. There was a strain in her voice that told me her level of patience was wearing thin.

Claudia walked over to me. “Thanks for getting her the water,” she whispered. It was of no use. Desiree left the kitchen with a scowl on her face. It was no secret that she and Claudia had some bad blood between them. I felt that same energy when Desiree arrived at the hospital to visit their mother. I didn’t see her anymore that night. I searched, but not good enough since my efforts didn’t pan out.

Making a left turn, I exited the highway and drove three additional miles before seeing a sign displaying Manchester Cove. The expensive condominiums had security sitting at a gate, so incoming and outgoing traffic was monitored at all times. I felt better about Desiree’s safety. I pulled into the entry, and Desiree handed me a badge. I waved the key and entered as the rod lifted and the gateways opened.

When we approached the door, Desiree’s hands trembled as she fumbled with the keys. I covered her hand with mine, and a spark coated my palm. She looked up to me, and for a long moment, our gazes held. My hand dropped to her waist, and I pulled her gently behind me.

“Let me go in first.”

“We go in together,” she said.

I smirked. “Okay Pam Grier, we go in together.”

I opened the door and blocked Desiree from rushing around me. Moving down the hallway, I checked the living area, dining, kitchen, and pantry. There was no sign of Jasper yet, but I didn’t let myself worry about it. The condo was intact, and nothing was out of order.

“Where’s your bedroom,” I asked wanting to give the place a thorough check.

On the second level. I’ll check it,” she said.

I reached out and grabbed her. “This is not the time to be coy. Let me check it out.”

She held in a breath, then wordlessly agreed with a nod of her head. I took the steps two at a time getting to the second level quickly. Seconds later, I felt her move in behind me. She was stubborn, but I couldn’t fault her for wanting to get to her beloved Jasper. Her bedroom door was opened, and I whistled.

“Jasper…”

We entered her master bedroom. Light blue drapery hung from the large panel windows against the wall. The canopy bed was king in size with a platform style base. A pair of lace panties lay flung across the covers, and the sheets were ruffled from what seemed to be a good night’s rest. Desiree shot past me and grabbed the lacey thong, fisting them to a crumble inside her hand. Hurriedly, she doubled back around me and I caught her arm just as she entered the bathroom.

A wail of a scream ripped from Desiree, and I pulled her back into the room with such force she almost lost her breath. I entered the bathroom with a stomping force and grimaced. My eyes landed on Jasper, unmoving; floating in a tub of water. I carried my vision around the room and landed on a note that was taped to the bathroom mirror. I snatched it down and opened it.

“Pretty reporter ladies shouldn’t be left alone after ruining a man’s life. Anything could happen to them.”

From the room, Desiree’s cries tore through me. I stuffed the paper into my back pocket and left the bathroom gathering her in my arms.

“Pack a bag. I’ll call the police.”

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