Chapter 20 Max
TWENTY
MAX
“Okay. One more time.” Skyler crosses her legs on my bed. “You recorded a video, got in the shower, and when you came out, this was here?” She gestures to the note she’s holding, and I nod. “Which implies someone saw you recording said video.”
“Yeah.” I pull the blanket draped around my shoulders tight to my chest. I’ve called in sick to work the last two days, too freaked out to leave the house out of fear someone will break in while I’m gone.
Or follow me into a dark alley and hurt me.
“They were hiding in the house without my knowledge, and I want to throw up.”
“Have you thought about going to the police?” Skyler reaches for my hand. “This goes well outside the scope of the true crime podcasts I listen to.”
“I’m afraid they’re going to say it’s all in my head. That I’m being dramatic.”
“There is literal proof that someone invaded your privacy, Max.”
“Yeah, but I can see exactly how that conversation is going to go. They’ll say someone making a joke.
They’ll justify it as the note being there for days.
Look at the number of rape or assault reports that never result in charges.
People love to silence women and call us crazy, and frankly, I’m starting to feel like I’ve lost my fucking mind. ”
“You haven’t lost your mind. I believe you. Between the fridge being stocked, your clothes being folded, and a note left for you? Someone else has been here.”
“I just wish I knew who.” I look out the window.
My stomach rolls, wondering if whoever is watching me is out there right now.
“I don’t think it’s Brian. He was never good at being sneaky.
I literally caught him sexting someone else while he was next to me, and he doesn’t have a key. Are you sure it wasn’t Dustin?”
“Nope. The only time he’s been over, I was here with him. For as good looking as he is, I don’t think he’s smart enough to know how to break into someone’s house. And that doesn’t explain the note.”
“I’m missing a clue that would pull all of this together, and I can’t figure out what it is.”
“I wish I could stay and help you, Max, but I need to leave for work. Do you want to come with me? You could hang out at one of the restaurants until I get off work and we can drive home together.”
“No. I’m determined to get to the bottom of this.” I point to the ax that’s within reach of my bed. “I can protect myself, and when I find out who is responsible, I’m going to make them pay.”
“Will you text me so I know you’re okay?”
“I will. Call me when you’re coming home so I don’t throw a weapon at your head.”
“God. That wouldn’t be fun.” Skyler gives me a hug and sighs. “Because I know you’re okay, I’m going to say this next thing and hope you won’t get mad at me.”
“What’s that?”
“For as creepy as this whole situation is, at least they aren’t hurting you. They’ve been in the same house as you. They had the opportunity to harm you. Going the grocery and laundry route is… well it’s not cute, but it’s kind of sweet, isn’t it?”
“This is Stockholm Syndrome,” I deadpan. “And I’m not falling for it.”
“Just an observastion. You don’t need to be in love with them!” She pinches my cheek and climbs off my bed. “I’m serious, Max. Keep me updated.”
“I’m going to deadbolt the door once you leave. Maybe I’ll put a chair under the handle too.” I stand and let the blanket fall away from my body. “This fucker is going to have to jump through hoops if they want to keep messing with me.”
“That’s my girl.” Skyler grins, and I walk follow her down the hall. I check behind every corner and grab the biggest knife from the wooden block in the kitchen. “I love you, Max. We’re going to figure this out. And when we do, I promise I’ll testify in your favor in court.”
That makes me laugh, and I hug her. “I love you too, Sky. Break a leg tonight.”
“Call me if you need anything. We have alternates ready to fill in if I need to leave early.”
I lean against the door frame, watching her get in her car. When she pulls out of the driveway, I sigh and close the door, checking that it’s locked.
A thorough walk through the house doesn’t turn up anything out of the ordinary. When I get back to my room, I stop short.
There’s a flower on my bed with another note attached to it.
That wasn’t there three minutes ago.
I grip the knife tightly and reach for the note, a choked gasp leaving me when I see what’s written there for me.
I’m sorry for scaring you.
I thought you’d figure it out by now.
Let me know when you want me to come out and play.
Forgive me?
There are angel wings around the word now. At the bottom is another heart, this time with an arrow through it.
My blood runs cold.
I grip the wall to keep myself from falling over, and my eyes prick with tears.
Hunter.
Of course it’s him.
It’s been in front of me this whole time.
I knew things with him were too good to be true.
He broke into my house, went through my stuff, watched me without permission, and I’m not calling the police because… why?
Something is fucking wrong with me.
I’m so furious. The second I see him, I might strangle him. Or carve out a piece of his flesh and roast it over a fucking fire so he can feel violated like I’ve felt violated.
I dial 911, my fingers hesitating over my screen before I complete the call. Hunter’s name pops up, a text message coming through, and I drop the knife on my bed as fury rips through me.
Hunter
Do you really want to get the police involved?
Me
What the FUCK is wrong with you? How did you get into my house?
Hunter
Magic :)
Me
Are you following me?
Hunter
Define following.
Me
Watching me when I can’t see you?
Hunter
Maaaaybe.
By the way, that dress looks beautiful on you, angel.
I turn my attention to the bathroom. I pick the knife back up and wrap my hand around the knob of the half ajar door, shoving it fully open. I pull back the shower curtain and lower the hand holding the knife, stabbing the air.
“Got you, asshole,” I seethe, but the bathtub is empty.
My phone buzzes with another text, and my chest heaves with adrenaline.
Hunter
The shower? Really? Way too obvious. I have to make you work for it.
Me
I’m going to kill you. This behavior is so inappropriate.
Hunter
Is that why your nipples are so hard right now?
“Mother fucker,” I hiss. I look down at my shirt and cross my arms over my chest. “I’m not kidding. I will murder you and make it look like an accident. Everyone will believe me, and you’ll rot in hell.”
Hunter
You don’t want to hurt me. And I’d never want to hurt you.
I stalk out of my room and slam the door. I run to the kitchen and grab a dining chair, lodging it under the knob so wherever he’s hiding, he can’t escape. His name pops up as a FaceTime call and I answer, grinning because I know I’ve caught him.
“Sorry. You’re going to be stuck in my room for a while.” I hold up my middle finger. “But I’m not going to let you out until the police get here. It’s what you deserve. What is wrong with you?”
“Let me out?” he asks, and I frown at the image on my screen. He’s leaning against the exterior of a building, a leg kicked up behind him. The motorcycle helmet he’s wearing hides his face, and my pulse jumps. “I’m not in your house, Max.”
“You’re not?”
“I was in your house. But I’m not anymore.”
“It was you who did my laundry?” I whisper.
“Yes.”
“And filled the fridge with food?”
“Mhm. Can’t forget the new mattress I bought you.”
“You…” I swallow and rub my forehead, anxiety clawing at the base of my spine. “You watched me get off. How dare you? I didn’t consent to that, you fucking pervert.”
“Didn’t you?” He tips his head to the side. “You opened your curtains. You mentioned wanting me to watch you touch yourself. Guess what? I did.”
I don’t know if I want to scream or laugh. I don’t know if his actions are predatory or sweet. My head hurts from trying to justify what he’s done but my body is hot from his words, the truth slipping out.
“I need to go,” I say, and the disappointment in my voice surprises me. I should be ending this call and getting on the phone with law enforcement. Replacing my locks then finding a new place to live.
Hunter tries to say something else, but I hang up before he has the chance to defend himself.
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? You broke into my house. 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 his thighs, 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.”
“I knew there was someone there.” I shove his chest and he wraps his fingers around my wrist. “Apologize.”
“I’m sorry.” He kisses my nose then my cheek. “I’m sorry, angel. You’re under my skin, and I can’t stop. No more stalking. If I’m there, you’ll know I’m there.”
“I should make you sleep outside.”
“I’d do it willingly. But only after I give you the one hundred boxes of Earl Gray tea bags I bought for you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I know it’s your favorite, and I drove around to every store in town finding the best brands.
I also had some shipped in from England.
You have a cup every night, and this was part of my apology plan.
” Hunter’s hands roam up my back. “I’m sorry for scaring you and making you feel crazy.
I’m pathetic when it comes to you,” he murmurs.
“I’m so mad at you, but I’m also mad at you for making it hard to be mad at you.” I grab a fistful of his shirt, bringing his mouth close to mine. “No more secrets. No more spying. Do you understand?”
There’s a flash of reluctance that flints in his eyes, but he blinks it away. Gives me a wide grin and kisses me like the world is going to end tomorrow.
“I promise, angel,” he says. “No more secrets.”