Page 11 of Done Waiting

My posture tenses as Ben whispers something in Chloe’s ear, then saunters to Madison, slinging an arm over her shoulders. “You ready?” I hear him say.

She nods, her gaze moving to him, then back to Ryan’s family, her expression sad as their car pulls away. Ben doesn’t seem to notice, turning toward Chloe with a smile, dropping his arm from Maddie’s shoulders, and falling in step with Chloe. Maddie slowly trails behind them, dejection in her posture.

What the fuck? They’re not paying the slightest bit of attention to her, despite the fact that she’s heavily grieving and just fucking fainted.

Without thinking, I step from behind the tree, enraged at how they treat Maddie. My gaze bores into the back of her, my hands clenching and unclenching as I fight the urge to do something stupid. Something that will fuck everything up, jeopardizing my meticulous plans.

No, Jagger. Breathe.

Maddie's shoulders stiffened as if she felt my stare, her eyes darting around.

Searching forme.

Quickly moving behind a group of pine trees that afford me a view without being seen, I watch her as she slowly spins around, the black dress she’s wearing accentuating every curve as she moves, her long legs toned and looking even more amazing with those black heels on her feet. She tugs the sweater tighter, crossing her arms over her ample chest. Her gaze darts around, intently studying the other mourners leaving the cemetery.

Ahh.I can’t help smiling.She feels my stare.

Good instincts, baby girl. You’re not remotely safe from me.

You’re mine. And soon, you’ll damn well know it.

Ignoring everyone else, I focus solely on Maddie, watching as she turns around, her gaze scanning over the trees, including where I’m standing. For a moment, I wonder if she’s spotted me, but then she looks away, studying another group of people getting in their car, a frown on her beautiful pouty lips.

She’s lucky it’s not dark, and she’s surrounded by people leaving the cemetery. Otherwise, I’d grab her, toss her on the ground, and spread her legs wide. I imagine sliding her panties aside, exposing her wet pussy, making her shiver as the cold air infiltrates the most sensitive part of her. Sliding my finger inside her wetness, I’d watch her face light up with pleasure, a moan slipping out of her parted lips. As I move my finger in and out of her at a steady pace, I’d lower my mouth to her clit, sucking it into my mouth.

Fuck! I need to stop.My breathing is heavy as I lecture myself.The risk of being caught and blowing my carefully laid plans all to hell prevents me from taking what I want from her.

Turning away from me, her steps quicken, carrying her to Ben’s car. A grin spreads over my face as she looks around once more before sliding inside his car, as though she’s aware she isn’t safe. I watch as they leave, heading toward Maddie’s childhood home.

Once everyone has left the cemetery, I vacate my hiding spot, my hands in my pockets as I head to my vehicle. Starting my truck, I put it in gear, heading in the direction of her mom’s house.

Soon, you’ll belong to me, Maddie.

5

THE STALKER

Parking a safe distance away, I wait until the sun begins its descent, twilight settling upon the land. Taking a final drag from my cigarette, I put it out, then throw it in the container I use as an ashtray.

I don’t throw my cigarette butts on the ground. Not just because I don’t like to litter. But I don’t want my DNA readily available for people to grab.

Turning, I slip down a dark alley before weaving through the woods that end at the edge of the Ice Queen’s house. Pausing, I survey the area, ensuring no one is outside, before slipping through the yard, heading toward the rosebush on the property. I’ve nearly reached it when something stops me in my tracks.

Turning, I cock my head, staring at the second-floor window. I swear I feel Madison inside that room.

And I’m extremely concerned about her.

What the fuck, Jagger. This isn’t you. You are a cold-blooded killer, and now you’re acting soft toward a woman you barely know? Worse yet, it’s your fucking enemy’s daughter!

Clenching my hands into fists, I stalk toward the rosebush, hitting it so hard with my hand I rip a few pieces of the bush off.The thorns cut me, pain mixing with my anger.Good.It makes it easier for me to pull my shit together and get my head back in the game. Pain is something I’m used to. I thrive on it.

Squatting down, I have a perfect vantage point of that window. The feeling that Madison is in that room grows. Squinting, I focus on it, feeling the air around me shift when I see a shadow move.

The last of the summer rays shine directly into that window like a light, illuminating her golden strands as she freezes, her attention turning to the window. Her movements are hesitant and guarded as she draws closer to the window. Her face presses against the glass, offering me a clear view of her. Frantic honey-brown gaze combs the backyard, searching forme.

Only she has no idea who I am. Notyet.

I’m laser-focused, studying every micro-expression she makes.

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