Page 30 of Untamed

The buzzer to my apartment building makes me jump a mile. What the actualfuckis going on? My heart is racing.

With shaky hands, I hit the buzzer, half expecting his deep voice and the Russian accent on the other end.

“Hel-lo?” I stammer.

“Hey, Ember. There’s a delivery here for you. Would you like me to bring it up? I’m heading to your floor to do a security sweep anyway.”

I blow out a breath and glare. “Who’s it from? What is it?”

“I can’t tell. It’s all wrapped up, and there’s no card.”

It could be a bomb. Could be a weapon. Could be?—

Okay, alright, I’m getting way ahead of myself here.

“Bring it up. Please,” I tack on.

I pace my apartment for the two whole minutes it takes for him to get there. It’s not out of the ordinary for me to get packages. In the past year, since my job as an influencer has taken off, I’ve gotten branded merch, books from authors, and sponsored deals. It’s been sweet, really. Who knew?

But the message he left… it’s just so…personal.

I hold my phone in hand when I realize he’s replied to my comment on his post.

“Touch her and die” isn’t a vibe… it’s a promise. A real man doesn’t need to make speeches about his devotion. He shows it. As far as “my wife” – My wife wouldn’t need to wonder where she stands because she’d feel it every second of the day—in the way I protect her, the way I’d learn every part of her.

Well then. My mouth is dry, my heart hammering. I can’t help it.

I’m melting a little.

You don’t put a woman on a pedestal to admire her from a distance. You put here there as a reminder of how much she’s worth, so she knows she’s the one calling the shots—even when it might feel like she isn’t.

I swallow hard.

He’s good.

Too good.

But god help me… I think I’m starting to believe him.

The knock sounds at my door so loudly I jump.

“Who is it?”

“Reggie. At the door, Ember. Did you forget already?”

I laugh nervously. “Just force of habit, Reg. Thanks.” I open the door to find Reggie with a box. This place is cheap, and Reggie likely makes minimum wage, but he takes his job seriously, and I’m thankful he does.

“Thanks,” I say confidently. I still have no idea who this is from, though I wonder…

Reggie salutes me then turns to leave as I discreetly begin opening the box. I stare at the contents, my cheeks coloring, as I quickly slide the top on the box and feign normalcy.

“Ember, you expecting a guest?”

I shake my head. “No, why?”

He frowns. “Thought I heard someone moving around up on the roof. Figured maybe you had company. I know that’s one of yourfavorite places to go.” He scratches his nose and shrugs. “Call me if you need anything.”

My heart beats so fast I feel dizzy. Itisone of my favorite places to go. The roof is private, locked off. No one should be up there.

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