Page 24 of The Sinner's Touch

She lifted her eyes and watched him as he left the bathroom. He’d gotten into the shower with her without even worrying about his own clothes. What kind of man did that? None that she knew. They’d all be grossed out and not come near her. She’d get a text or something with a “feel better” message. Even her friends wouldn’t have done all this.

When Kade walked back in, he wore a t-shirt and some sweatpants of her brother’s, carrying the Gatorade Peter had gotten her. He set it to the side, and without a word, he went to work drying her hair. Halfway through it, her stomach rolled, and she dived for the toilet. Thankfully, it was only dry heaves.

Kade rubbed her back the entire time. She’d fallen against him, exhausted, her eyes dropping. He’d whispered something to her then moved her to the bathroom rug, put the pillow down, and helped her lie down. He threw the simple throw over her legs then lay down with her. He’d spent all night on the bathroom floor, taking care of her.

It was one of her best memories of her time with him.

Angel turned over in the bed, staring at the ceiling. He’d always been so gentle with her, like she was a baby bird he was terrified of breaking. Not that they hadn’t fought. They’d fought a lot. He was as stubborn as she was, maybe even more so. He despised her job and made sure she knew how he felt. She’d quit the club once they were married just to make him stop nagging her. Not that she’d have been able to work that much longer anyway. Men didn’t come in to see pregnant strippers.

Unable to sleep, she found the remote to the TV and flipped on the news channel. The top story was the Boston serial killer. The drawing the sketch artist made was in the upper left-hand corner as the anchor talked. She studied the image. His eyes had interrupted her dreams most of the night, making her sleep fitful. She glanced toward the clock and saw it was already after noon. There were still several hours before she had to be at work, but sleep laughed at her.

Nothing to do but get up. She took care of her business in the bathroom and brushed her teeth before heading downstairs. Kade was nowhere to be seen. Maybe he’d gone to work? She expected to feel relieved, but honestly, she wasn’t. Fear had niggled its way into the back of her mind, and at least with Kade here, she knew she was safe. Being alone in Nikoli’s massive apartment wasn’t doing anything for her nerves. She felt out of place and didn’t want to snoop. Well, she did, but she wouldn’t.

The kitchen yielded cold pizza and a bottle of water from the fridge. It would have to do. Collecting two pieces, she popped them in the microwave and took a good look around. The place was bigger than she’d first remembered. The wall of windows showcased the still-falling snow. It had been a pretty harsh winter this year, more snow than she’d seen in all the years she’d lived here.

Usually, when she looked at the city, all covered in snow and sparkling like a winter wonderland, it brought her a little joy. She loved the winter and the snow, but not today. All she could see was him, hiding, waiting to grab her. She hugged herself, another wave of uncontrollable fear sweeping over her. This guy had been kidnapping women for months, and no one, not the police or the FBI, could find him. He was a ghost.

Who apparently had his sights set on her. Why hadn’t she gone back inside with Jessie? None of this would be happening right now and she would be home safe and secure in her cozyapartment. Curled up in front of her fireplace, the Christmas tree twinkling, while she sipped hot cocoa spiked with a little something. Not here in this modern, sterile apartment that offered her no warmth, no comfort, and no sense of safety.

Well, that wasn’t exactly true. When Kade was here, she felt safe. He might be a bastard, but he promised to protect her, and she trusted that. She shouldn’t, but she did.

The microwave beeped at her, and she jumped. Dammit. This was not good. She had to get her nerves under control before tonight or she’d end up breaking every glass she touched. Bars were loud, and if she couldn’t stop jumping out of her skin at every little noise, tonight would be the death of her.

Her laptop peeked out of her messenger bag. Maybe she could do some studying while she waited until it was time to start getting ready for her shift. At least doing something as mundane as schoolwork might settle her down a bit. She took her pizza and the water over to Nikoli’s fancy couch and plopped down. Should she even be eating pizza on his all-white couch? What if she stained it?

The key turned in the lock, and she went still, unbridled fear taking over. Her breath stopped, and she stared while the door was thrown open and someone entered, laughing and carrying grocery bags. Her entire body relaxed when she recognized Lily, followed closely by Nikoli.

“Angel!” Nikoli dropped his bags and started toward her, only to pause. “You okay? You’re white as a sheet.”

“I’m fine.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “I just wasn’t expecting anyone, and…”

“And you were scared.” Lily set her own bags down. “Of course you were scared. We should have called up. I didn’t think.”

“No, it’s okay. I mean, you guys have every right to come in. It’s your place.” She turned toward Nikoli. “Thanks for letting me stay here. I appreciate it.”

“No problem, Angel Girl.” Nikoli enveloped her in a hug. “Anything for my favorite bartender. You holding up okay?”

“I’m fine.”

Nikoli snorted. “If I had a penny for every time Lily said that, I’d have a small fortune.”

Lily’s blue eyes iced over. “Is that so?”

Nikoli’s grin spread across his face, and he winked at Angel before turning his attention to Lily. “Now,dushka…”

“What did you just call her?” Angel interrupted, appalled. He did not just call his girlfriend a douchebag, did he?

“Dushka.”

“And how many times have I told you not to call me that in front of people?” She threw her mane of heavy black hair over her shoulder.

“I can call you a prude instead.”

Angel giggled, remembering Kade’s face when she’d called him just that last night.

Nikoli looked between the two of them, his grin fading to suspicion. “What’s so funny?”

“Your brother.”

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