Chapter 12 Camille
It’s been two weeks since the corn maze incident. In that time, the Butter Bliss has been transformed. Gary approved the insurance claim within a few hours of my bids, agreeing to pay for the rebuild and use Coleman Lumber for the construction.
Granny Jo is healing, still as feisty as ever, and now she’s excited for the grand reopening of the bakery.
But right now, I stare at Rex. “I don’t know about this.”
Rex is too calm. “I don’t know how else we’ll get this stalker to risk exposure. He keeps leaving roses and gifts, but he’s always gone before we can find him.”
“I know.”
“If he thinks you’re alone, he’ll try to contact you. Maybe he’ll come to the bakery, and we can finally take care of this.”
“It’s risky.”
“Not as much as you think. There’s a prospect watching the store, and I’m here in town. No one will get inside. You’ll be locked in. You’re safe.”
I really hate this idea.
“Baby, I’ve got to catch this asshole and end it.”
He’s right. I don’t have to like it, but this is the best chance at catching the guy.
“You’ll watch your phone. Right?”
“Yeah.”
“And if I need you?”
“I’ll run to your side.”
“That’s a pretty big promise,” I tease him, trying not to be anxious.
“I’ll keep it. For you. Always, Blissy Girl.”
I close the door after Rex leaves, keeping my promise to lock up tight as the last few words he said linger in my mind.
Always, Blissy Girl.
I blink, thinking of the inked initials on his skin. The two letters in black script that mark his neck. B.G.
Wait.
My legs feel like jelly as I plop onto a nearby chair.
Rex Coleman tattooed my nickname on his neck. Wow.
He really does love me.
With the debris cleared inside the store, the drywall and new floors installed, and the kitchen functioning, the new Butter Bliss will soon be ready for customers.
There’s cosmetic work like painting to finish up, as well as the décor, but it brings a smile to my face to see the rebuild almost complete.
I still can’t believe that all of the Coleman brothers cleared their schedule to come sort out the mess inside the bakery.
I’ll always be grateful.
Since it’s quiet, I open my playlist on my phone and listen to music as I sort and organize all the tools, small appliances, and supplies we’ll use inside the bakery. Rex found sturdy shelving that matches the décor, and now all the mixing bowls and baking pans will be stored within easy reach.
I’m so engrossed in the work that I forget about the world outside these walls. It makes me happy to be back in the Butter Bliss, preparing something special to sell to our customers. Since the electrical inspection has passed, the stoves are available for use. Yes, that’s plural.
There’s a whole wall split in half by a massive countertop. Each side has four wall oven doors, for a total of eight ovens that can operate simultaneously. That’ll cut way down on time for Granny Jo. She only had two ovens before this.
I’m craving Granny’s homemade cinnamon rolls and set to work on the dough. By the time they’re in the ovens, I’m whipping together her famous cream cheese icing to pour over the hot rolls once they come out.
I hum as I clean up the workspace, tidying up the supplies I used and placing them into the appropriate containers.
I’m tired, but the hard work is worth it.
It’s beginning to look like the shop I’ve always envisioned, modernized, clean, and welcoming.
Once I’ve added the final touches, like the new plants in place, I’m hoping customers come inside for more than just the baked goods.
We’re building a fireplace and reading nook, as well as a study/work area for customers to use laptops and other devices.
There’s a slam on the front door of the shop, and my head snaps up, locking eyes with the stranger on the other side. He’s wearing a dark hoodie, gloves, and a black mask that disguises his features. The gloves are the same gray color that I saw at the corn maze as the stalker tied me up.
I’m terrified, but I also know that he can’t get inside. I move closer, too curious about his motives not to use this moment to learn more about him.
He tilts his head, staring right back.
It’s so creepy. This obsessed fan has never told me why he’s following me or what he wants from me.
He pulls a small notebook from his pocket and scribbles a note with black marker, flipping it over before he smashes the message against the glass.
I have to walk all the way up to the door to read it.
They didn’t tell you about me.
I frown. They?
He flips to a new page, writes, then slaps the response close to my face.
The TV producers.
I don’t remember. Wait. I remember a memo left on my desk. It said there was an incident, and the producers handled it.
“What do you want? Why are you stalking me?”
He shakes his head. A new message flips up for me to see.
Not stalking. Watching. Waiting.
I know I’m going to regret asking, but I can’t help it.
“Waiting for what?”
He tucks the notepad away and lifts a finger, shaking it back and forth like I’m a naughty girl for asking.
“I’m not afraid.”
He rests his palms on the glass, pressing his body close against it. For the first time, I hear him speak.
“Fear will bind us together.”
It’s not the voice of a young man, I realize. It’s someone older, experienced, and determined. He’s probably in his late thirties or forties—a grown man who knows better than to terrorize women.
“Your number one fan, Cami.”
I take a step back, feeling repulsed.
“Blissy Girl.”
I feel my legs buckle as he laughs, pushing off the glass. He jogs away from the Butter Bliss, and I stay on the floor, processing everything he said.
It takes a few minutes for me to realize that no one has come. Not the prospect who should have been watching for trouble. And not Rex, who told me to call him if the stalker showed up.
I feel spooked as I reach for my phone and call Rex’s number. “Rex?” My voice quivers as he answers on the second ring.
“Baby, you okay?”
“No. I just saw him, Rex. He came to the front window.”
“Fuck! Are you okay?”
“I don’t know,” I answer with honesty.
“Just breathe, Cami. I’m close by. What’s he wearing?”
I describe him to Rex. “Give me a few minutes. I want to be sure he’s gone and check in with the prospect before you let me in.”
“Rex? I haven’t seen the prospect. He’s not checked in.”
The prospect should have been watching. It was his job to stay alert. I thought I’d see him once the stalker left.
Outside, sirens wail, alerting us to a possible problem. They draw closer as the red and blue lights light up the street.
“Rex? There’s a police cruiser outside.”
“I know. I’m almost there. You sit tight. Have that phone in hand and ready to call Boomer if the stalker comes back.”
“It might be Boomer outside.”
“I don’t think it is, baby.”
Rex arrives in less than five minutes. The rumble of multiple motorcycle engines tells me he’s not alone.
When he comes to the door, I flip the lock and open it wide. Phantom and Hayride are with him.
I greet the guys as Rex rushes toward me. “He’s gone. No sign of the stalker. Come here.”
I never have a chance to say a word before he’s tugging me into his embrace, holding my head over his heart as I fist his soft black shirt. “Why is the stalker doing this? I don’t get his obsession with me.”
“Don’t know,” he growls, “but I swear to you that I’ll find this fucker and find out.”
For some reason, that scares me. I think the stalker wants Rex to hunt him. He’s been bold enough to show up at the bakery, taking his time as he talked to me.
“You know, he finally spoke to me.”
“What did he say?”
“That fear will bind us together.”
Rex stiffens. “He’s not done yet.”
“He’s toying with us,” Phantom agrees.
“I think he’s enjoying this. Like it’s a game to him, Rex. He called me Blissy Girl.”
Rex snarls, “I’ll kill this fucking bastard.”
I shake my head and push against his chest, separating us a few inches. “No. Don’t piss him off. I don’t want this guy escalating and trying to hurt Granny Jo.”
Rex doesn’t appear to be swayed. “You’re gonna have to get used to me being around all day until we catch this guy.”
“Isn’t that a job for the police?”
“Baby, around here, we are the law.”
Boomer, the sheriff. The president of the Kings of Anarchy’s brother.
“Isn’t that illegal?”
All three of the guys chuckle.
Rex snorts. “You think this town cares if we break a few rules if it means they’re safe in their beds when they sleep at night?”
Good point. “I guess not.”
“Boomer can be trusted. He upholds the law. You won’t find anyone more willing to rid this town of a stalker than him or us.”
Rex means the club. A group of rowdy bikers. The only thing separating a psycho and me.
I sigh. “When you say you’re gonna be around, what do you mean?”
“I’ll be crashing with you and Granny Jo for a bit.”
My eyes widen with shock. “You’re what?”
“Sleeping on your couch, baby. No one is gonna bust inside your home and hurt you.”
I have no idea what Granny will think of that, but I’m not going to refuse.
“Good. You understand. Makes this shit a lot easier if you don’t fight me.”
I glare at him, hating that macho shit he likes to pull. “If you think—”
“Damn, there’s that fire I love.” He leans down and kisses me so fast that I’m not sure it happened until it’s over, and his cocky smirk twitches his lips. “Gotta take care of something. I’m leavin’ Hayride. He’ll stay until I get back.”
I don’t bother to ask what Rex needs to do. It’s better I don’t learn the details in case he decides to break the law. “Fine. Thanks for making sure I’m not alone.”
He tilts his head, staring at me like I’m daft. “Baby, I think you’re a bit confused. When I say you’re under my protection, it’s more than making sure you’re not alone. The whole club has got your back. And me? I’m yours. Any way you want me.”
The innuendo wasn’t lost on me. “Ugh.” Why does he have to say this stuff in front of his club brothers?
I don’t know why I’m
He slides a hand around my waist and grips it tight. “Don’t second-guess us. We’re good.” He drops his head close to my ear so only I can hear him. “I want to feast on your pussy later.”
I smack his chest, and he catches my hand. Something wicked sparks in his eyes.
“Fucking love that fire in you. Turns me on.” His hips press closer to mine. “Feel that? It’s all for you. Let me know when you want me to fuck all the stress away.” He pauses. “Again.”
“Rex—”
His lips crash down on mine, sucking all the protest away before the words can form. I forget there’s an audience and I get lost in the possessive, addicted pressure of his mouth against mine. A moan forms and breaks free as he lifts his head.
His tongue sweeps across his lips. “Damn, Blissy Girl. You sure taste sweet. I can’t decide if your pussy is as addictive as this sassy mouth or if they’re equally delicious.”
I blink as he chuckles. Our eyes connect, and he winks. It’s not until after he’s out the door and I’m standing alone with Hayride that the truth sinks in. He distracted me.
Hayride glances around the interior of the Butter Bliss. “It’s coming together. Gonna take a seat at the table where I can see out all the windows. Need a coffee, honey. Black.”
I pour him a generous cup and snap a lid on top. Handing it over, I smile as he reaches for it. “Thanks for staying with me. It’s on the house.” Not that I’m open for business, and he needs to pay.
His mouth stretches wide, the smile twitching the corners of his lips. “Watch that offer, honey. Mountain will rip the arms off any fucker stupid enough to take you up on that.”
“Uh, okay?” I don’t know what to say.
“Damn. You really are sweet, aren’t ya? No wonder Mountain is snatching you up. Ain’t no help for it now. You’re his.”
I frown because the caveman mentality of these bikers is really starting to get on my nerves. “I’m not a piece of property.”
He winks at me like I’m a cute, ditzy thing who doesn’t understand the ways of the biker world. Okay, I don’t, but still. It’s annoying.
“Not yet.”
Like it’s inevitable. Like, I don’t have a say in this claim.
Hayride whistles as he takes a seat, kicking out his feet as he sips on his coffee. When he sees my eyes narrow, he chuckles.
The cocky biker, who is far too similar to Rex, the big Mountain with all his dark tattoos, just keeps grinning like the situation is amusing. I don’t get these bikers. They’re strange.
Hayride’s words stick with me long after Rex left. Property of Mountain. I need to talk to the big mountain about this.