Chapter 16 - Aubrey #2
“Can we make a stop before heading home? I had some books that I requested at the library, and I want to stop and see if they got them in yet.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Don’t they normally call if they’ve got them in?”
I nodded. “Yes, but the cut-off time for returns is at three, and I know there are a lot of people who will bring their books in just before it. And my book could be in that equation.”
“Alright, yeah. It’s on the way.”
We said our thanks to Beverly and made our way to the library. Klaus parked the car, and I hopped out.
“I’ll just run inside and see if they have my books.”
Klaus frowned, cutting the engine. “And I don’t trust you being alone.”
I rolled my eyes. “You can literally see the checkout table from here, Klaus.”
“Aubrey.”
“It will take me two minutes.” I hurried across the sidewalk and up the stairs. I pushed the door open, inhaling the scent of books and fresh air. I went straight to the checkout table where Fiona stood scanning books. She spotted me and smirked. “You here for your book?”
“I am. Are they in?”
She nodded. “I was just about to scan them.”
I beamed and moved closer to the counter. I watched as she scanned in the books and slid mine to me.
“Thank you, Fiona. Can I give you another list that I’m looking for?”
“Of course.” She slid me a pad and a pen. I quickly wrote down some titles and slid them back to her. “Thank you so much, Fiona.”
“Of course. Enjoy the books.”
I turned, holding the book close as I headed for the door. I froze when I spotted that Klaus was leaning against his car. A woman with long blond hair stood in front of him.
I pushed the doors open and stepped outside. I could hear her laughing at something he’d said. She pushed at his shoulder, her voice a high pitch. “You’re funny, Klaus. I forgot that sense of humor.”
My stomach dipped, and I felt hot suddenly. I zoned in on her hand where it hit Klaus.
“I’m just being honest. You’ll see a lot of butts with how many shifters go over there for their trips. A lot has changed.”
The woman laughed. I watched as she moved her hair, giving him a big grin. “Well, thanks for the advice. I’ll remember that. Is that Italian place still open?”
I felt the heat growing, my fingers tightening on the books. Anger hit me as he nodded, pointing down the street. “It is. Still serves that amazing lasagna too.”
I moved closer and cleared my throat. The woman turned, her eyebrows going up. “Oh, hello.”
I forced a smile. “Hello.”
“I was just catching up with Klaus. Haven’t seen him in a long time.” I watched the way her eyes trailed over Klaus like she was sizing him up. I felt irritated, and I stepped closer to him.
“Yes, my husband is sweet,” I added, staring right at her. I made sure to move my left hand, letting the light hit my ring to really show that he was taken.
I watched the way her eyes looked at it, her lips pulling together tightly before she forced a smile. “Well, Klaus. I didn’t think I’d see the day. Congrats.” She gave a smile that didn’t fit her face and turned and walked away.
Klaus looked at me, confused, and I scowled. “Who was that?”
“An old friend,” he stated, looking confused.
“Friend? Friend or someone you dated? Because there is a bit of a difference.”
He shrugged. “She’s an ex, but we broke up years ago. We weren’t really dating, even. It was more of a physical thing.”
So she knew what Klaus looked like naked. She knew what he liked in bed and what he could do to a woman. I wasn’t wrong to think she was interested in him because she was.
I scoffed and turned, marching away.
“Hey! Aubrey!”
I headed down the sidewalk, not wanting to be stuffed in a vehicle with him. I couldn’t. I’d say something I shouldn’t.
“Aubrey!” I could hear him tailing after me. “Aubrey, stop! Why are you getting upset?”
“I’m not upset,” I snapped.
“That’s a load of crap. Just tell me.”
“I’m not upset. If you want to go and sleep with another woman, go right ahead. I’m not stopping you.”
“What? Where did that even come from? Who the hell said anything about sleeping with anyone?”
“I’m not stupid. I could see it in your guys’ faces. You clearly had a connection. It was clearly physical, and she was talking to you because she wanted to start it up again.”
“Even if that were true, I’m married.”
I paused and turned around. “Marriage doesn’t mean anything, Klaus. People cheat, and this isn’t even a legit marriage.”
He sighed. “Are you jealous? Is that why you’re upset?”
“I’m not upset!” I screamed the words at him. “I’m walking home!”
I turned, continuing down the sidewalk, and didn’t stop. I couldn’t hear Klaus following, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t. I straightened my shoulders, refusing to look back.
I turned the corner and slammed into a body. I went to quickly apologize when I was yanked forward, my back slamming into the building. Pain radiated over my body as a person crowded over me. And that smell hit me hard.
My eyes widened as Mike filled my vision. His face was just inches from mine, and he held that disgusting smile on his face. “I’ve been looking for you.” His smile grew cold. “And I’m not happy.”
I went to scream, but he covered my mouth, and I felt something press against my temple. I could feel it was cold, and my body stiffened. “You say a single word, and I will make this bloody.” his words were rough as his lips pressed closer. “Because I told you that you were mine.”
Fear hit me, and I looked around, trying to see if I could get away. Klaus had to be right around the corner. He had to know I needed him. He promised to protect me. I just had to wait just a minute.
But there was no one. No one was saving me. There were no footsteps coming our way. And that hit hard. Klaus wasn’t coming.