Page 39 of Shadow and Skulls

“No one sent me.” His brows pull together, and he straightens. “What are you talking about?”

“I didn’t tell anyone about him. I promise.”

As soon as I rush for the door, he’s on me. His big arm wraps around me like a vice. The palm of his hand presses over my mouth.

“Who do you think sent me?”

I shake my head back and forth, struggling to breathe through my nose. I’ll never say his name out loud. Never.

“No one sent me, Kelsie. I know you’re from Iowa because I work for a team of private investigators. I had them do some digging on you. They told me your story. I grew up in the same town as you. I wasn’t trying to scare you. I was just trying to show you the invisible thread that runs between us.”

He gives me a few minutes to process what he’s said.

“I’m going to uncover your mouth now. Don’t scream.”

When I nod, he slowly moves his hand away. I tip my head back, staring up at him. He opens his mouth to explain further, but he snaps it shut when we’re interrupted by a knock at the door. He quickly releases me and hurries to the bathroom.

I take a deep breath before answering the door.

“Hey, baby girl. Mom said you were looking for me earlier. I just wanted to let you know that I’m back.”

My dad grabs me by my arms, marching me backward as he scans the room. His gaze narrows on the partially open bathroom door, the shower is still running.

I grab his hand and pull him to sit on the bed. “I was just getting ready to shower. I’m so glad you’re here. I was worried about you.”

He leans forward, kissing my forehead. “It’s all good.”

A loud crash comes from the bathroom. Our gazes lock briefly before he’s on his feet and shoving the door open. I rush after him, bumping into his backside as he bends over to retrieve Jesse’s curling iron from the floor.

I let out a little laugh. “Oh gosh, that scared me.”

He sets it on the counter, his brows pulling together. “You seem a little jumpy. Everything is okay. There’s no need to be frightened about the club going into lockdown. It was just a precaution. Okay?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I know. I guess I’m just a little anxious after seeing how scared Katie was today.”

He pulls me in for a hug. “Everyone is safe, so sleep well tonight. I’ll see you in the morning.”

I nod into his chest, hoping he doesn’t notice I’m holding my breath.

As soon as he leaves, I lock the door behind him. My mind races as I walk into the bathroom and pull the shower curtain back. Neither of us say anything as water drips from Tank's hair.

“You had someone dig into my past?” I don’t even try to hide the hurt on my face.

He doesn’t try to deny or justify it. “Yes.”

My fingertips dance over my lips. Maybe I should have told my dad he was here. I don’t think anyone from the club knows who this guy really is.

“Why?”

“I wanted to know everything about you.”

“Um, I need a minute to think. I’m not sure how I feel about all of this.” I pull the curtain closed, staring at the giant skull painted on it. “You may as well shower while you’re in there. I’ll go see if I can find you something to put on.”

My chest squeezes as I close the door behind me. I don’t know why exactly, but it makes me happy that this man knows everything about my past. And because he’s still here … hiding in my shower. Reluctantly, I pull a scowl on my face. I shouldn’t be happy about this. I shouldn’t. He violated my privacy.

I allow myself one last smile before stomping back into the bathroom. “I found a robe. I’ll leave it here on the hook.”

His head pops out from behind the curtain, his hand running down his face. “Thank you.”

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