Page 43 of Hellebore

“You peed outside?” She bursts out laughing. I pretend to be offended.

“Well, either that or piss in my panties.” The panties my hot, dangerously smooth stalker took with him…

We stay for a couple more hours, but I swear I feel him everywhere. Every few minutes I catch a tall, broad shadow moving through the crowd. Watching. Waiting.

I drive us home since Lucille drank more than I did. I drop her off at her place, ignoring her protests. She needs to see her parents tomorrow for their usual family lunch. I promise I’ll call her first thing and keep the alarm on.

When I finally pull up to my building, I sit in the car for a long moment, scanning the darkness. Is he here? Watching me right now?

I walk up the stairs and find a single black hellebore lying on my doormat.

At least he didn’t get inside this time… I think.

I pick it up and step into the apartment, heart hammering. My mind keeps spinning. What if…

I will be passed out. I won’t remember anything.

Why does that thought make heat pool low in my stomach?

Because I do want it. Because there’s something intoxicating about being completely powerless… yet knowing exactly what’s coming. The loss of control. The surrender.

The last guys I’ve brought home flash through my mind, especially Luke. He would never be capable of doing this. He’d probably freak out.

You don’t even know him! My mind screams.

True, but I’ve brought strangers home after knowing them for less than an hour.

Fuck it.

I walk to the fridge, take out the slice of cake, and carry it to my bedroom. I kick off my combat boots and roll down my thigh-high stockings. I keep the chain choker and the dress on. Then I sit on the edge of the mattress and start eating.

One side of my mind is screaming that he could have poisoned it. The other side grinds out, Good girl.

My hands shake as I finish the last bite.

I set the beautiful silver plate on my nightstand and lie down in the middle of the bed. I grab the remote and switch the lights to a deep, sensual purple. My eyelids grow heavier and heavier.

A soft sound, my bedroom door opening, makes me fight to stay awake.

A tall shadow moves beside the bed.

I turn my face toward it, eyes barely able to focus.

“Don’t hurt me…” I beg, voice slurred and weak.

“Never, my darkness,” he murmurs. His warm hand gently cups my face.

Then everything fades to black.

Chapter Thirteen

DRYSTAN

Istand at the edge of her bed and simply stare.

She lies there, eyes closed, lips slightly parted, breathing slow and deep under the soft purple glow.

Ethereal. Untouchable. Mine.