Page 59 of In The Dark
I don’t know why him not being here upsets me. Maybe it’s because this is too much information all at once, a rush of realizations I wish I didn’t learn. Maybe it’s because deep down, I’m sick and twisted, someone who loves that he went out of his way to make sure I had food and took care of the chores that were piling up.
Maybe it’s because I secretly like being watched without knowing. The dark and burning desire to have him push past my line of consent is intoxicating. It tells me who he really is, someone not quite as nice as the surface suggests, and I wonder what else he is capable of.
I exhale and make my way to the kitchen, needing a stiff drink. Sliding the knife back in its holder, I grip the counter, not surprised by the soft knock on the back door. The lock turns. The knob twists open. Heavy footsteps make their way down the hall, and when I glance over my shoulder, Hunter is there.
My mouth waters at the sight of him. The all black outfit he’s wearing is sexy, the dark riding pants clinging to his thighs like a second skin. The tank top does nothing to protect his arms but shows off his tattoos, a beautiful display of art and color.
“Max.” He walks toward me, and my breathing hitches. “What’s wrong?”
“Besides the fucking obvious? Youbrokeinto myhouse. I’ve known you for six seconds and you think you can act like that?”
“What else is wrong?” Hunter touches my cheek, his gloved hand offering me a soft caress. “You’re upset.”
“Can you blame me?”
“No.” He hums and walks toward the living room, motioning for me to follow. I can’t bring myself to hate him when he sits in the leather chair across from the couch and flips his visor up so his eyes meet mine. “Talk to me, angel.”
“Is breaking into women’s houses and folding their laundry a hobby of yours? How many cameras do you have set up in people’s bedrooms, since I’m assuming that’s how you’ve been keeping tabs on me?” I gulp down the bite of disgust. “I’d like to have a ballpark idea so I know what days I can expect your housekeeping services before you run off to someone else.”
Hunter’s lips twitch. “Maxine.”
“Don’t Maxine me,” I snap, and there’s a twinkle in his eye. “We hooked up. Big deal. Please tell me how many other people you’re stalking so I know where I fall on the list.”
“Come here,” he says, taking off his helmet. It’s low, commanding, liquid heat that slithers down my spine. “Please,” he adds, softer at the edges, and my shoulders sag.
My feet move on their own accord, crossing the room to him. He pats his lap, legs spread and arms open to make room for me. I hesitate, knowing the second I do this, the second I give in, I can’t hold a grudge. It’s acceptance. Agreement I’m okay with this behavior.
Hunter waits patiently.
He doesn’t push or pry. He blinks up at me, an apology written across his face, and it nearly breaks me in two. I sit on histhighs, relaxing when he pulls me against his chest and runs his fingers down the shape of my jaw.
“I’m mad at you,” I whisper. “Very mad at you.”
“Is this our first fight, angel?”
“I’m close to throwing a book at your head.”
“Make it a hardcover. I deserve to be punished.”
“So?” I huff and lift my chin. “How many?”
“None.”
“What do you mean, none?”
“You wanted to know how much laundry I fold. How many other cameras I have set up in bedrooms. The answer is none. I’m not sleeping with anyone else. I’m not following anyone else. I’m a loyal man, baby. When I’m attached to someone, I’m theirs. And it’s pretty fucking obvious I’m obsessed with you.”
I draw in a breath and touch his chest. His heart is beating fast and I reach up and grab his necklace, giving it a tug. “Why the cameras?”
“Your ex,” he says, and I rear back.
“Brian? Please don’t tell me this is some dick measuring contest.”
“No. I was worried about you after you mentioned he was hanging around. I installed one to your front door, one to your back door, and one in your room.” Hunter rests his forehead against mine. “And I went overboard with watching you. It was supposed to be one time where I took care of some of your chores and left, but I’ve been back multiple times. I can’t stay away.”
“How many?” I demand.
“Six, I think? I watched you get off from your closet the other night.”
