Page 19 of Depraved Truths

“I should be able to make it by then,” she says, “But only because I’m starving.”

So am I. As she walks away, I can’t help but notice how her shorts cling to her like a second skin.

One step closer to making her mine. I can almost taste the sweet victory on my tongue.

Chapter 17

Over the last few days, I’ve been riding the biggest high. The rush from a kill and a good sleep are enough for me. A huge smile spreads across my face as I wake up this morning. Earlier this week, I turned on the news and heard a brief mention of Candice Smith's accidental overdose.God, that was almost too easy.

Allie called me yesterday to say Ansley was already on her way to her grandma's house in Alabama. According to her, Ansley is handling things surprisingly well, given the circumstances. She'll need therapy for a while, but Allie’s referred her to someone local. Ansley will have a new beginning. The opportunity for a brighter future.

I went out early this morning to browse the home improvement store and run a few other errands. I’ve made up my mind—it's time to tackle some renovations, and an outdoor living space is something I’ve wanted for a while now. I haven’t added any flowers or shrubs to my yard since I moved in last fall, except for the white rose bushes, of course.

Spring is almost over, and summer is quickly approaching. I love everything about lake life—the fresh scents, the melody of chirping birds, the breeze that rolls off the dock. Maybe I’ll put in an in-ground pool. An infinity pool would be perfect, and I’m planning on repainting my sunroom. The previous owner picked a dull off-white color for the interior, but I’m considering something more vibrant—maybe sea blue or sunny yellow.

My day starts at the nail salon, getting a manicure and pedicure. I chose a lovely shade of pink with cute daisies. It’s a bit girly, but I like to offset my darker side.

After paying, I head to the home improvement store, excited to see what they have to offer. I browse the patio and outdoor furniture briefly, then make my way to the paint section. I grab at least thirty color palette samples, and I’m flipping through them when I run into Eli.

“Well, hey there, Little Killer. Where’s the fire?”

The scene at the bar has been replaying in my mind like a movie reel. I can’t believe I gave in to him so quickly. I’ve always been careful about relationships—past experiences taught me to be. My side hobby is something I prefer to keep under wraps. You know, jail and all. I’d rock the shit out of orange, but I’d rather not spend the rest of my life behind bars.

Eli has an aura, a certain charm, that makes me feel inexplicably drawn to him. It’s not just his rugged good looks, with his chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes.Though that definitely helps.I hardly know him, but he makes me feel safe in an indescribable way—something I’ve never experienced. And apparently, my body is telling me it’s been too long since I last got off with something besides my fingers and my vibrator.

And his mouth—lord help me. If we hadn’t been interrupted at the bar, I’m certain I would’ve been riding his face by the end of the night. Just the thought of it has my panties soaked. I meant every word when I told Eli I wanted to make a good impression in Lake Falls. My profession requires me to be a good role model.

“I guess I could eat,” I confess, amused over how he’s charmed me into this so-called date. “I’ve got a couple more errands to run first, though.”

Eli aims a sexy smile my way. “Meet me there at noon?”

“I should be able to make it by then, but only because I’m starving.”

We part ways, and I next stop in the garden section and pick out a houseplant, lantana, and two rose bushes. White roses, with their delicate petals and sweet scent, symbolize purity and innocence. They have significant meaning for me. I have a garden full of them. One for each life I’ve taken. A rebirth of sorts.

I’m about to check out when a text message notification interrupts me. I grab my phone and enter my password, assuming it’s from Allie, but it’s from an unfamiliar number:

Little Killer, I'm not rushing you, but I’ve snagged us a small booth in the back at Rosie’s. See you soon, beautiful.

How the hell did he get my number?

I type a quick reply:Okay, Stalker.Be there soon.

I arrive at Rosie's Italian Restaurant at exactly noon. This charming spot is known for serving some of the best Italian food in the state. I glance at the rearview mirror to check my appearance, and quickly finger-comb my beach waves and apply a small amount of lip gloss before heading inside.

A well-dressed gentleman, who I presume is the host, greets me with a friendly, “You must be Tessa. I’m Sam. Eli’s waiting for you.” He gives me a broad grin, followed by a wink. Eli probably knows everyone in the towns around Lake Lucia.

Feeling a little underdressed, I survey the other customers, relieved to see most are wearing casual attire.

“Our dress code applies only in the evenings,” Sam says, as if reading my mind.

He leads me to a secluded table in the back, away from the crowd. The lighting is exquisite, soft and romantic, with the gentle glow of candlelight flickering across the room. As we approach the table, Eli stares at me intently, his eyes fixed on me as if I’m the only person in the room. The waiter pours water while I take the seat Sam pulls out for me.

“Thank you, Sam,” Eli says, never taking his eyes off me as I join him. “You look even more beautiful in candlelight, just as I knew you would.”

I’ve never been good at taking compliments, so I just roll my eyes. “I’m here. You can stop laying it on so thick.”

He sits back casually. “I’m just calling it as I see it, Tessa.”

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