Her Shadows, His Secrets

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

HANNA

“Look at me, Hanna.”

I lean back and wipe at the tears. He towers over me, and surprisingly, given the situation, it’s comforting. I feel safe.

He grabs my neck, a tight grip like he so often does, a signature move of his that I’ve come to crave. “You are going to tell me what the fuck happened,” he demands, using his thumb to lift my chin.

“Someone tried to get in.”

“No, no. You said it’s happening again, and you’re going to tell me what is going on.”

“It’s complicated,” I rasp out. What is there to say that won’t make me sound like a madwoman? I couldn’t get the cops to believe me. Why would he?

“I’m a smart man. I’ll manage. Now,” he bites out, and I wait a brief moment, trying to decide where I’m going with this. How to lead in a way he will follow yet not think I’m crazy.

“I know someone was stalking me in New York. I’m sure of it. And I can’t help but feel they followed me here.” My voice is as calm as it can be.

“You were being stalked?”

“Yes. I always felt someone watching me. I know it sounds crazy, but I felt it, right in my bones. But then I confirmed it when every other night, if not every night, someone would come to my door and just rattle the handle. It’s like they were trying to taunt me, build up to some grand finale. Get me good and ready and then come get me when I least expected it. Like some sick cat-and-mouse game.”

He looks angry, like he wishes he could take my words and squeeze the life from them. “You didn’t go to the cops?”

I nod. “I did, but I had no proof. Whoever it was, they were smart. They never left anything, never made themselves known other than the nightly visits. I looked like a crazy person. And I started to believe it.”

“Is that why you came here? Running from a stalker? Did you have enemies, Hanna?”

My eyes widen, and I shake my head frantically. “Theo, I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t even have friends. I kept to myself, and anyone I came in contact with, I was more than nice to. I have no reason to be mean, and I especially have no reason to have any enemies.”

“You aren’t lying to me, are you?” He squeezes tighter, and I’m confused by his question.

“No. What’s wrong? Why are you questioning me?” Then it hits. “Oh God. You think I’m crazy too. You think it’s all in my head.”

“Puppet, I never said that. I’m just trying to figure this shit out.”

“You are? What about me? I’m the one whose house got broken into. I’m the one who was ran out of New York because of some crazed person who for whatever reason is after me. I don’t need another person to make me feel like I’m insane. If that’s what you’re thinking, then just leave.” I step back, breaking the contact.

“No, I’m not fucking leaving.” He sounds on edge.

I turn my back to him. “Theo, I’ve never had any reason to make up lies or hide anything. I’m telling the truth, and if you want to be another person who doesn’t believe that or can’t see me for who I am, then you and I can’t have this. Us. Whatever this thing is.”

He’s on me, his hard front to my back, his large hands cupping my waist and squeezing. “I never said that. I’m still trying to feel you out and get to know you. You have to give me a second to work this all out in my head.” There is something more there that he isn’t telling me. I can feel it. How? I don’t know, but I can.

“What’s this really about?”

“What do you mean? I just told you,” he tells me, and I turn to face him.

“No, two can play this game. I’m trying to figure you out. You’re all broody and hot and cold. One minute, you’re telling me you want this and want to do all these things, but then you don’t call or text me at all. Then you show up and start questioning me as if I made up whatever happened tonight. So what is this really about, Theo?” I raise my voice, irritated now.

“Fuck this.” His lips land on mine hard, claiming me, possessing me, hungry and eager for more.

“What—” I try to get words out, but he has a mission, and I’m not going to survive it. I give in and kiss back, our hands exploring each other, fighting for dominance.

He reaches down and in one swift motion grabs the side of my panties and pulls, ripping them from me. The shredded material falls to ground, and he moves us backward toward the bathroom, our tongues and lips still dueling.