Page 52 of The Invite
After that, we both finish drinking our coffees in a peaceful silence. It’s been a year since I’ve sat and talked with someone that wasn’t forced conversation.
Half an hour later, I walk Ace to the front door and I see his car parked across the street from my house.
I lean against the doorframe, hugging my middle to ward off the chilly night air. “Thank you for coming over, Ace. I had a good time.”
“We need to do something about you thanking me at every turn,” Ace jokes, his hand curled around the door right above my head.
“I’ll try to work on that,” I promise with a laugh.
“You do that.”
“I will.”
“I’ll pick you up tomorrow.” Bending his head, he says, “When I do, you’ll walk to my car and sit in the passenger seat without whispering a thank-you.”
I nod, fighting a grin. “Good night, Ace.”
“Good night, Nessa.” I suck in a sharp breath when he leans down and kisses my cheek. “I’m going to wait until you lock up.”
I’m too stunned to do anything but do as he says, inwardly appreciating his protectiveness. Whispering another good bye, I step inside and shut the door before twisting the lock until the final deadbolt clicks into place. I also do the latch as Hans taught me.
Quickly entering the living room, I wave Ace through the window. Only then does he walk to his car and drive away.
Here’s Ace caring about my safety and then there’s Augustus, who would rather eat and destroy me like a wolf.
I haven’t checked my phone since I sent him that text. I was angry when I sent it and now that I’ve calmed down, I worry I’ve poked the monster.
Dreading to check my phone, I decide against it. Instead, I call it a night and climb the staircase after turning all the lights off and double-checking the deadbolt and the latch are done correctly. I desperately need a good night’s sleep.
Walking into my bedroom, I close the door and switch the lights on.
A scream rips out of my throat.
“I told you to send him home an hour ago, little prey,” scolds Augustus, who is lounging on my bed with his back against the headboard and his ankles crossed.
His chilling tone reverberates around my tiny room.
Am I seeing his ghost?
H-how is he inside?
I was here the whole time and I just came after locking the doors. My heart thumps an erratic beat that I’m unable to get under control while I stand like a deer caught in the headlights.
It’s becoming a taxing reoccurrence.
A black hoodie wraps around his upper body while matching denim jeans strain against his muscular legs. Messy strands fall on his forehead, almost hiding his left eye. He’s arrogant and uncouth as he sits on my bed without removing his equally black sneakers, even if they’re marginally clean.
My stupid brain also notices how big his feet are, making me wonder aboutanother part of his anatomy that might be equally intimidating.
Thoughts like that are a slippery slope I shouldn’t go down.
“Did you enjoy your cozy date, Miss Nessa?” he drawls casually, but I don’t miss the ominous and territorial edge. “I wonder what Mr. Crane will think about you dating a colleague. It’s against school policy, I’m afraid.”
I shudder.
My tongue has stopped functioning as I try to process his presence.
Unless he has the magical ability to walk through the walls and doors, I’m at a loss as to how he broke into my place once again. I was just at the door, saying goodbye to Ace. He must be gone already, so calling him for help is out of the question.
