Page 23 of Behind the Shadows
My forehead creased at his tone, but I rummaged through my purse until I located it. Giving it to him, I waited, scanning the area around me in case Draco was around. To my relief, I didn’t see him, or anyone else for that matter.
“Call me if he shows up. That’s not a polite request, either.”
His phone chimed softly, breaking the mood, and I quickly realized he’d taken the liberty of texting himself from my phone to ensure he had my number. With a calm demeanor, he gave my cell back to me, his fingers brushing mine ever so slightly. I stared at the screen, my mind racing with disbelief. He had saved my life, that much was undeniable, but did that heroic act grant him the audacity to intrude into my personal space and dictate terms? As he entered my name and number into his contacts, a wave of anger surged through me like a rising tide. Who did he think he was? Yet, beneath the irritation, a flicker of something softer bloomed—gratitude. For stepping in with Draco. For his commanding presence that, for reasons I didn’t want to examine too closely, made me feel … safe.
“Oh? I shouldn’t argue, just do as I’m told?” I shot him a look as I flipped to my contacts and scrolled. My eyes caught the name and number he’d entered for himself, and my breath hitched. A part of me wanted to delete his information and throw my damn phone out the window in front of him, forgetting that he ever existed. He couldn’t barge into my life even if he had saved me. I barked out a sarcastic laugh. “Monster? You named yourself Monster in my contacts?”
Kip’s expression darkened as he leaned across the seat, his rough fingers wrapping around my throat like it belonged there, my head thumping into the back of my seat with the momentum of his actions. Whatever flicker of gratitude I’d felt vanished, burned away by the heat rolling off him and the warning in his eyes.
His handsome face was mere inches from mine, his thumb dragging slowly over the pulse point beneath my jaw, a subtle rhythm that made my breath hitch. My skin prickled under his touch, and I fought the urge to lean into it. Fought harder against the part of me that liked it.
“I am not a just or fair man, and I often decide who lives or dies. The question is, do you want me on your side, Holland?”
Goosebumps danced across my arms with his dangerous, seductive tone.
As quickly as he’d wrapped his large hand around my throat, he released me and hopped out of the car. Instead of driving off, I rubbed my neck, my skin burning from his touch, and my full attention on him as he walked away with powerful strides. I couldn’t help but feel conflicted. Part of me was drawn to his dangerous and addictive energy, while another part was repelled by his unapologetic demands. What would it mean to have him on my side? Was it worth the risk?
Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to have a monster on my side, but before I decided one way or another, I had to find out more about him, including what motivated him other than control.
Despite my best efforts,I couldn’t shake off the racing thoughts as I drove home. My mind was caught in a never-ending match of Draco versus Kip, each taking turns hitting the ball of doubt and uncertainty back at me.
The night seemed unusually still as I pulled into my driveway, the only sound coming from the crunch of gravel beneath my tires. I sat in the car, the engine still running, mulling over my encounter with Kip. The heaviness of his proposal was overwhelming, like a dense mist that enveloped me. I didn’t know how to respond. Part of me wanted to accept, to embrace the opportunity that was being presented to me. But another part was filled with doubt and fear, unsure if I was ready for such a big decision. The air inside the car was heavy and tense, clinging to me as I struggled with my warring emotions.
I stepped out of the rental, my footsteps echoing in the quiet. The moon cast an eerie glow over my surroundings, shadows dancing ominously on the walls of my house. As I reached for the doorknob, a sudden chill skated over my arms, causing me to hesitate.
Was I really considering aligning myself with a man like Kip just to protect me from Draco? A man who held the power of life and death in his hands without a second thought. Despite the danger that emanated from him, there was an undeniable allure to him, a magnetic pull I found myself drawn to. From a young age, I was forced to dance with the darkness. It was asurvival instinct that had kept me alive this long. But now, with my back against the wall once again, it seemed like I would have to resort to those same desperate measures. Dread tiptoed down my spine. I couldn’t help but feel torn about what I was about to do, wondering if there was any other way out of this situation.
Squaring my shoulders, I stepped inside, the familiar surroundings offering little comfort. The stillness enveloped me like an overpowering shroud, and I struggled to keep my composure.
As I made my way through the dimly lit hallway, a faint whisper echoed through the empty space, and a prickling sensation crept down the back of my neck. I froze, straining to catch any sound that would indicate I wasn’t alone.
I closed and secured the door behind me, realizing that I was giving Draco too much space in my head. Still, he was cunning and evil, which meant I had to look over my shoulder with every move I made.
The sound of my Tory Burch flats echoed off the polished wood floors as I made my way to the kitchen. The warm, inviting glow of the light over the sink greeted me, but my heart froze when I saw something out of place. Cautiously, I set my purse down on the pristine white counter and turned around slowly. Fear and confusion flooded through me as I spotted an envelope with papers peeking out from the top. But I distinctly remembered leaving those documents in the living room, not the kitchen and—unopened. My pulse raced as I scrambled to think about where I’d left it in case I’d simply forgotten.
Frantically, I searched through my purse for my handgun, my breathing ragged. Doubt and fear crept into my mind as I tried to remember if I had placed the envelope near the sink or if someone had been inside my home.
I grasped the gun tightly, releasing the safety with a click, preparing to shoot at an intruder, or Draco.
With every step, my senses were on high alert as I cautiously made my way through each room, checking closets, behind doors, and even under beds. The deafening silence of my empty house only added to my growing paranoia as I desperately looked for any sign of an uninvited guest. But there was nothing, no evidence that anyone else had been there except for the misplaced documents. But that was enough, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that someone was watching me from the shadows.
I lowered the weapon and barked out a laugh. Apparently seeing Draco had stirred up all kinds of crazy emotions and fear. No one had been here, only me, which meant I’d moved the papers and simply forgotten. With a heavy work schedule, it was easy to forget where I’d put things. Hell, I’d done it a lot lately.
“Get ahold of yourself, babe. You’re losing your shit, and that’s not allowed.” A little bit calmer, I strolled back into the kitchen and picked up the envelope. Before I stuffed the papers back inside, a lump formed in my throat as tears welled in my eyes. I swallowed as I stared at the death certificate. Today marked the anniversary. How could I have forgotten?
Desperation reared its ugly head as the unsettling truth took root deep inside me. Draco was dangerous and he would be out for revenge. Against my better judgment, I reached for my phone and messaged Kip.
Me:
I’ll take you up on your offer. We can talk more Tuesday.
I chewed on my lower lip, waiting for his response, but I knew he was working and most likely wouldn’t respond any time soon.
My phone chimed and my belly broke into flip-flops as I read the text.
Monster:
Good girl. I knew you’d come around. Lay low; I’ll be in touch.
