Page 50 of Seducer

Hungering.

Get a grip. What was he using, a telescope?

My inner voice was right, but I wouldn’t feel settled until I checked the apartment. I threw back the covers, trying to develop the courage to crawl from the warmth. I’d been alone for so long very little scared me, but right now, true terror was just below the surface. Why was I so certain someone had been in my room? Other than the asshole at the club, and they were a dime a dozen, nothing bad had occurred. I felt completely safe in the city. What about Gina? Was she hurt? Had she been trying to warn me?

By the time I stood, goosebumps were building across every inch of naked skin. I felt so utterly vulnerable in bare feet and little clothes, but this was my apartment and no one was going to take my feeling of safety away from me.

I padded to the open door, darting my head into the hallway. Nothing seemed amiss at this point. Maybe I’d start leaving a light on in the living room or kitchen.

Great. Now I was falling into the trap of acting like a victim.Way to go, girl.I shored my shoulders, rubbing my arms since I was chilled to the bone. By the time I reached the end of the hallway, I’d spun a tale of boogeymen and monsters, both of which would be ready to grab me as soon as I stepped foot in the living room.

Nothing of the sort happened.

All was quiet, except for a small tick from the refrigerator’s compressor turning on. I walked closer to the door, reaching out and curling my fingers before being able to test the locks.

They were in place.

A feeling of relief washed over me and I turned around, determined to shove aside my fears.

At that very moment I caught another whiff of a man’s aftershave. I was positive of it. There were hints of cardamon and a dash of cinnamon along with an even deeper, muskier scent.

He’d been here, a stranger. In my mind, a masked man.

I was frozen on the spot for a full minute until I managed to will myself to move.

No man, masked or otherwise, was going to derail my life. Not when I’d come this far. Fuck him. This girl was strong and didn’t need anyone.

Least of all Zachariah Blackwell.

CHAPTER 14

Zach

“You’re fucking early,” I barked as soon as I opened my front door.

“Yeah, well, this couldn’t wait. Besides, it’s after ten-thirty. I thought you corporate types got a jump on things at an ungodly hour.” The fact Walker was standing on my doorstep at such an early hour meant he had news. I opened the door wider, allowing him into my house. He’d never intruded on my privacy before, so I was surprised he’d decided to breach typical protocol.

I was only half dressed, returning home after five in the morning. I’d remained outside Sara’s apartment, pondering how to handle such a delicious prize. I’d returned home to nurse a couple of drinks before finally lying down.

I’d also lost track of time, which wasn’t like me. “You could have called.”

“Check your phone. I did.”

What the fuck was going on with me? I closed the door and moved past him. “You aren’t supposed to be here.” I headed for the kitchen. Another cup of coffee was needed at this point.

“I’m not some nepo cousin, dude. No one knows who I am.” Walker was a brute of a man on a good day, tattoos covering every inch of his skin. It was tough for him to blend into corporate settings without him terrorizing everyone else.

“Just get to your point about why you’re here.” I didn’t ask him if he wanted a cup of coffee. This wasn’t a social visit.

“Yeah, okay. I guess you haven’t heard.”

“Heard what?” I poured a cup, savoring the rich aroma.

“That dude you asked me check on?”

“You mean Jerry? My house isn’t bugged. You can mention his name.” I turned around to face him, leaning against the counter.

He shrugged. “You never know these days. I didn’t have any time to check on his whereabouts.”

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