Run Little Fawn (Hunter’s Mark #1)

Chapter 14

THE FAWN

He found me.

The thought ricochets through my mind as I slip into my hotel room, my heart pounding against my ribcage. I can still see his piercing gaze locking onto mine for that fleeting moment before I tore my eyes away, pretending not to notice him.

A futile attempt, I know, but maybe it bought me a sliver of time.

I lean against the door, closing my eyes and inhaling deeply. The inevitability of this moment has always lingered in the back of my mind, a taunting specter waiting to materialize. Yet, the reality of it still sends a shiver down my spine.

He won't strike immediately, I reassure myself, my analytical side grasping for logic amidst the chaos. If he intended to, he would have done so already.

No, this is a game of cat and mouse, and he relishes the thrill of the chase.

With that thought, a wry smile tugs at my lips.

If he wants to play, then I'll make the most of the time he so graciously grants me.

I stuff my bag into the hotel safe, strip off my clothes, leaving a trail to the bathroom, and step into the steaming shower. The hot water cascades over my skin, soothing the tension from my muscles. I tilt my head back, letting the droplets run down my face, a momentary reprieve from the impending storm.

After what feels like an eternity, I reluctantly turn off the water and wrap myself in a plush towel.

Exhaustion seeps into my bones, the weight of the day finally catching up to me. I collapse onto the bed, the soft mattress embracing my weary body.

Sleep now, worry later, I tell myself as my eyelids grow heavy. If he's going to come for me, I might as well be well-rested on his time.

Not mine.

A few hours later, I wake up feeling surprisingly refreshed.

The dress I bought at the department store earlier hangs in the closet, a silent reminder of the role I must play. That isn't all I got at the department store. I treated myself to a nice wallet on this asshole's dime so I could stash my bag in the safe, and I picked up some makeup and other necessities, too, to make myself halfway presentable.

I slip it on, the silky fabric caressing my skin like a lover's touch. The deep green hue complements my eyes, making them appear even more vivid. The fabric is tighter around my hips and bust, making me look like a siren in an old movie, and tonight, that's exactly what I have to be.

Hunting is his game.

Seduction is mine.

I run my fingers through my hair, tousling the waves until they fall in a cascading mane around my shoulders.

Not bad, I muse, a hint of satisfaction tugging at the corners of my mouth. If I'm going to face him, I might as well do it looking my best. A small act of defiance, perhaps, but it gives me a sense of control in a situation where I have precious little.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what lies ahead. The anticipation is a tangible presence in the room, crackling like electricity in the air.

I know he's out there, watching, waiting for the perfect moment to make his move.

But I refuse to cower in fear.

With one last glance in the mirror, I square my shoulders, tuck some money into my brand-new wallet, triple-check that the safe is secure, and head for the door. The click of my new heels against the hardwood floor echoes like a warning shot, a declaration of my readiness.

Let the games begin.

The elevator dings, signaling my arrival at the top floor. The doors slide open, revealing the opulent restaurant that occupies the entire level.

I step out, my heels sinking into the plush carpet as I take in the breathtaking view of the city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

I scan the room, my eyes darting from table to table, searching for any sign of him. The dim lighting casts a warm glow over the space, creating an intimate atmosphere that both soothes and unnerves me. Couples lean in close to each other, their hushed conversations punctuated by the occasional clink of glasses and the soft strains of live piano music.

But he's nowhere to be seen.

The host approaches me with a polite smile, his tailored suit a perfect match for the refined surroundings. "Good evening, madam. Table for one?"

"Two, actually," I murmur, allowing him to escort me to a table nestled in a secluded corner. The white tablecloth drapes elegantly, the silverware gleaming in the candlelight.

I settle into the plush chair, my fingers absently tracing the stem of the crystal wine glass.

"A bottle of your finest red, please," I request, my voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

The host bows slightly before disappearing to fulfill my order. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. The anticipation is a tangible presence, a weight pressing down on my chest. I know he's here, somewhere, watching me from the shadows.

And then, I feel it.

A presence behind me, a shift in the air that sends a shiver down my spine. A hand reaches over my shoulder, long, elegant fingers grasping my empty glass. I watch, transfixed, as the liquid flows into my glass from the bottle in his hand, a steady stream that seems to stretch on for an eternity.

"Found you, little fawn."