Chapter 6 #2
How have I never noticed? This doesn’t make any sense.
“It’s my job, Cashmere, not to be noticed unless I want to be.”
There he goes, reading my mind again. “You’ve been following me?”
“Just to make sure you get home safely.”
“You’re a fucking stalker.”
He nods. “Technically, yes, but not with any bad intentions. You know that.”
“You appointed yourself my unofficial bodyguard and expect me to, what? Thank you?”
“I don’t expect anything.”
“Unbelievable.” I throw my hands up, turning on my heel to march back to my apartment. “You’re something else.”
I can hear his heavy footsteps following me, so I swing around and put my arm out, pressing my hand against his chest.
“Go home, Specter.”
“Why are you out here? You looked worried. I can help.”
“I don’t need your help.” I poke his chest. “How dare you invade my privacy. You’re just like all the men at the club who can’t take no for an answer or respect professional boundaries.”
His face falls, but his expression hardens again very quickly. “I’m nothing like them.”
There’s a threat in his tone that should scare me, but shockingly, my cock swells. “Maybe not, but you sure are acting like them. You want to protect me by doing the same thing those losers do?”
The look on his face tells me that he didn’t see it that way until this very minute.
“I apologize, Cashmere. I get a little headstrong sometimes. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“Yeah, well, you did.”
“I see that now.”
“How long have you been here tonight?”
“I’d just got here when you saw me. Why?”
So he probably didn’t see the man in the parking lot either.
“Did something happen?”
I shake my head. “I just wanted some air. Is that a fucking crime?”
“It’s twenty fucking degrees outside.”
“And? Maybe the cold is good for my complexion. Or maybe…” I gently push his chest. “I don’t have to explain anything to you. Now go.”
He nods, but the frown on his face makes him even more dangerously sexy. “I’ll go.”
“And don’t come back.”
He raises an eyebrow. “I don’t think you can tell me what to do with my time.”
“If you think stalking me will wear me down to get me in your bed, you’re fucking wrong.”
Specter releases a low growling sound as he reaches out to grab my wrist. He tugs me closer, until our chests almost press together. He knows there are no club rules I can use out here, but I don’t think he’d hurt me. No, I know he wouldn’t. He could’ve done it by now if that was his intention.
“I know something you don’t know yet, Cashmere.” His warm breath fans across my face, smelling of cinnamon as he leans in. “I’m not some loser customer who’s gonna come and go in your life, throw you a few bucks and a couple of drinks and be satisfied with that.”
“Oh really?”
“Really.” His free hand moves to my face, gently caressing my chin, and practically melting all my resistance. “I’m gonna be your man. I already am, I’m just waiting for you to figure it out.”
“I don’t even know you.”
“That’s your fault.”
He closes the space between us and I wonder if he has the balls to attempt to kiss me. He’d better not. I’ll claw his eyes out, even if it does sound kind of nice. I’ve learned that the only way to handle bossy men is to be bossy right back.
“Fuck, you’re beautiful.”
I’ve been called beautiful a thousand times in my life, but never in such a reverent tone. If someone could get the ice around my heart to melt, it could be him, but that doesn’t change the fact that he overstepped big time.
“Go home, Specter. I’m fine.”
“I’ll make you a deal. When you get upstairs, you’ll wave to me so I know you’re safely inside. Then I’ll leave.”
Normally, I would push back a lot harder, but after the night I’ve had, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to have someone checking in.
“Fine, but I’m mad at you.”
“I accept your anger, gorgeous. You’ll be mad at me again.”
I scoff, shaking my head. “You’re stubborn, aren’t you?”
“I prefer the term persistent.” A slight smile tugs at his lips. “Good night.”
“Night.”
I back away slowly, keeping my gaze locked on his until I reach the sidewalk and turn around to go inside.
If that man from earlier was still hanging around, chances are high that Specter’s presence scared him off.
I shouldn’t be flattered by his intense attention, but I kind of am.
I know enough to realize he’s dangerous on some level, yet my instincts tell me I’m safe with him.
That doesn’t mean he won’t pay for this though.
He needs to learn the rules of engagement.
I enter my apartment and do a quick check around to make sure I’m the only one here. When I’m certain I’m alone, I walk to the window and peer down, waving at Specter, who is still standing in the lot by his car. It’s only then that I realize he knew which apartment I’m in.
He salutes me then dutifully gets in his car. I watch him drive off, exhaling slowly. What a fucking mess this night has been. I have a stalker who knows too much about me, and a man who thinks it’s his job to keep me safe.
I need a reset. A shower and some tea should do the trick.
Then tomorrow, I’ll wake up and figure out who the fuck left that shit on my doorstep.
They obviously don’t know who they’re fucking with, but they’ll find out.
I’ll do anything to keep my past firmly where it belongs.
If he really knew me, he’d already know that fucking with me is a very bad idea.