Chapter Twenty-two
Dani
T he next morning, Victor and Jason each kiss me before I climb into my car and head back to Maya’s place. I didn’t mean to stay the night, but after Jason ate me out for the second time, I couldn’t move.
Victor had to carry me to bed, and I was asleep before they could even join me. But staying the night wasn’t a terrible thing since they woke me up three more times to fuck me.
The fact that it couldn’t have been any later than seven when I fell asleep didn’t mean I woke up early, though. No, it was after nine when my eyes finally blinked open. Then, of course, we had to fuck one last time.
We didn’t exactly put a label on what we are to one another, but it feels like I have three boyfriends right now—and it makes me as giddy as a schoolgirl.
There are only two things that will make this better. The first being Maya joining us. The second being to find my stalker and them going to jail.
As I pull up at Maya’s place, my phone dings.
ANDRéS
Good morning, beautiful.
DANI
I can’t believe you’re still awake.
ANDRéS
I couldn’t go to sleep without talking to you.
I thought you’d reach out to me before now to tell me how last night went.
DANI
I’m calling you because this isn’t something to be discussed over text messages.
He immediately picks up, the ring barely audible before he’s on the line. “Hello, mi reina . Tell me all about your night and don’t leave out any details.”
“Well, first, I’m just now making it back to Maya’s place.”
“You stayed the night?” he asks, cutting me off. “That sounds like things went really well.”
I scoff, grabbing my bag as I climb out of the car. Now that I’m not staying at my apartment, I don’t have anyone to walk me to and from the building, but since it’s daytime, I figure I’ll be fine. “If you want to know, you’ll keep your mouth shut.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I walk to the building at a leisurely pace, in no real hurry to get to Maya’s apartment. I still need to tell her about what happened with Andrés, but part of me is glad I didn’t already tell her because there’s so much more to tell her now.
I just hope she’s home. She sent me a message last night while I was asleep, and Jason let her know I passed out and would stay the night. I’m not sure whether she’ll assume we slept together or not. If she does, then there’s a good chance she’s going to be pissed at me.
Not that she has a right to be. She’s made it very clear she doesn’t want any kind of commitment—no matter how much I might want one.
Shaking my head, I turn my focus back to the conversation with Andrés as I head into the building and up the stairs. Since Maya lives on the second floor, it’s faster just to walk up the stairs.
I don’t see the box until I’m almost on top of it and immediately freeze.
“Dani?” Andrés’s voice yells from my phone, and I realize I must’ve dropped it at some point because it’s lying on the floor. “Dani, answer me! Are you okay?”
With shaking hands, I bend over and pick up my phone. “I’m here.”
“Holy shit. I thought someone snatched you.”
“Umm…no. But there is a box outside Maya’s apartment.”
“Fuck. Call the cops and head back to your car. I’m on my way.”
But I don’t move. “I’ll see you soon.”
I hang up on him, even as he curses me out. I don’t bother answering when he calls me. Not the first, the second, or even the third time.
Instead, I just stare at the box, trying to gather my courage. I’m not sure how long I stand there, but eventually I grab the box and unlock the door to Maya’s apartment.
“Maya?” I call out as I step inside, shutting and locking the door behind me.
When I receive no response, I walk over to her room to find the door open and the bed made.
Either she didn’t come home last night or she left early again today.
I force myself to keep walking to the living room and set the box on the table. I know I need to open it, but all I can do is stare at it.
I jump when rapid knocking begins on the door. “Dani?”
“Andrés,” I murmur, rushing to the front door and throwing it open.
“Oh, thank fuck.” He pulls me into his arms. “I thought I told you to wait in your car. How long until the police will be here?”
I shake my head. “I didn’t call them.”
“Why the fuck not?” he asks, pulling away.
“I want to see what’s inside first.”
He considers me for a moment before shaking his head. “Okay. Did you open it yet?”
“No, I couldn’t make myself do it.”
“Which should be your first clue that you need to call the cops.” He holds his hand up when I open my mouth to snap at him. “I understand you need to see what’s inside first. I’ll open it for you, and then we’ll call them.”
Andrés gathers me in his arms and kicks the door shut, making sure to lock it before carrying me into the living room. He sits on the couch and settles me beside him.
For a moment, we both just stare at the box on the coffee table.
He takes a deep breath before picking it up and tearing it open. As he pulls back the flaps, I hold my breath.
There could be anything inside the box, and I’m almost afraid to find out what it is.
I frown when I realize they’re pictures. I reach inside to grab one, eyes going wide when I see it’s of me and Andrés in the back of my car in the Behind the Lens parking lot.
“What? How? There was no one around.” I shake my head as I shove it into his hands and grab another one. This one is of me being DVP-ed by Jason and Victor in their dining room. The picture was clearly taken through their window.
I clutch my stomach as I drop the picture, feeling like I’m going to vomit. Especially when I realize there’s something written across both pictures—whore.
“There’s a letter,” Andrés says softly, holding it in his hands. He tries to keep it from me as he reads it, but I snatch it from his hands.
You’re mine, and it’s time your whoring ways stop. I can accept the other whore, but these men? I’ll kill them all.
Does your whore know you’re fucking them all behind her back? Maybe I should tell her.
Something tells me she won’t be impressed.
Your time is running out.
I’m coming for you soon.
Obviously, it’s not signed. I drop it into the box and jump to my feet, making a run for the bathroom. I barely make it to the toilet in time to throw up.
Andrés joins me, holding my hair back as he murmurs into his phone. He’s not being quiet or anything, but I just can’t seem to focus on his words as I throw up a second time.
“Oh, mi reina ,“ he murmurs, tossing his phone to the side so he can rub my back. “I called the police. They’re on their way. I also spoke with Victor and Jason. They wanted to come over, but I told them I’d stay with you. Maya didn’t answer her phone. Maybe if you call, she will.”
“Thank you,” I tell him, glancing over my shoulder. “Thank you for coming, and thank you for taking care of all of that. I just…”
He nods. “You couldn’t. I understand. Are you done?”
I shrug as my stomach turns over again, but when I don’t throw up, I push to my feet. “I need to brush my teeth.”
“Of course. Then, I want you to call Maya. She should be here since it’s her apartment. And you need her.”
I shoot him a smile before brushing my teeth quickly. I make my way to the living room, where Andrés is waiting. “Better?”
Before I can tell him yes, there’s a knock on the door. He stands and heads for the door, handing me my phone as he passes.
Unlocking it, I dial Maya. I’m not overly surprised when she doesn’t answer, but I leave her a quick message letting her know what happened and asking her to come home.
I’m glad Andrés is here, but I need my best friend.
When the detectives join me with Andrés right behind them, I sigh. It’s going to be a long fucking day.