“I’m just saying. He is fine as hell.”
I laughed.
CiCi grabbed the square blue cloth in front of her. “Damn girl, I need more napkins. I’m about to drool all over myself.”
I grinned. “Stop it.”
“So, I see Trigger is definitely out of the picture.”
“For sure.”
Trigger was no competition for Hunter. The contest would be over before it started.
I studied Hunter’s face for a few minutes as he scanned the area. This afternoon, he appeared on guard, but relaxed. One would’ve never known that he’d been so hot and heavy while kissing me this morning.
Damn. I want more. So much more.
I lifted my glass of water and sipped, hoping to cool off.
It was good to know I wasn’t the only one caught off-balance by Hunter. CiCi’s response showed me that. Hunter oozed the type of pheromones that tangled women’s panties and had them rubbing themselves in the evening.
Hunter turned my way. Heat showed on his face.
My breath caught.
CiCi looked at me, then him, and then back to me. “Wait a minute. You two have kissed or fucked or something?”
Embarrassment flushed over my face. “We’re…cool.”
“Hmmm. Something happened.” She giggled. “You look like you’re ready to tear his clothes off.”
I am ready. We’ll have to fix that this evening.
He thought we should wait. I had no plan to follow that at all. After that kiss, I couldn’t’ think of anything else but his mouth all over my body.
“What’s going on with the creep that’s been bothering you?” CiCi’s question knocked me out of the lusty mood I was in and pushed me into fear.
“Hunter’s helping me with that.”
“Do you want me to stay with you or anything?” she asked.
“No.” I hadn’t told her about the apartment or explained why we were at the suite when we did hair and makeup. Hunter suspected that my stalker was someone around me, and I would think that way too. I planned on hiding details and keeping things secret until the person was found.
CiCi and I chatted about industry gossip over the salads.
I did my best to ignore the potential danger that had arrived on my doorstep. There were so many unanswered questions. What was that gift about last night? Why the hell did the crazy person do that to my apartment? Thank God Hunter had been here to distract me from the terror of it all with his lips.
Hopefully, he can do more to calm me.
I was determined to ignore the haunting dread around me. The threat from this stalker lurked in the shadows like a thief prowling the night. It messed with my head. It had me on edge. It ruined my sleep. Disturbed my peace. It stole the soothing silence away.
Lunch ended with the bitter taste of my anxiety mucking the good moment up.
Hunter will find him. I know he will.
18
The Red Paint Would Symbolize Blood
BROKENHEARTED
I watched Zola as she took her time getting on set.
I was so close to her, but so far. There were too many people around to truly paint her. We needed privacy, so I could cover her in red.
This was all practice.
Time was still ticking.
This would just be a moment to prepare us for the final one.
There would be so much blood.
And as the red liquid streamed down her face, she would smile for the camera like she always did, knowing who really owned who.
After that, even he would know.
And salvation would come.
And hearts would finally reunite.
And the pain would end.
19
Cock Tease
Zola
I practiced the dance some more and went to my dressing area to be fitted.
Before my team came in, Hunter blocked them and closed the partition to give us some privacy.
“How are you doing?” he asked.
“Fine.”
“You don’t look like fine. You look upset. Did anybody say anything?”
“No.” My bottom lip quivered. “I’m just nervous about the stalker.”
“Don’t be. I’m here. Fuck that guy.”
I let out a long breath. “Thanks for being here.”
“Always, Zola. Anytime you need me, I’ll be right here.”
An ache twisted in my chest. I’d forgotten that there would be a moment when he would have to leave. He lived all the way over on the West Coast and had only come to help me. Even if we did have sex, what more would happen?
“What are you thinking about?” He touched my arm and slipped his fingers down the length of it.
“I’m thinking about us.” I gazed up at him. “I want more than a kiss.”
A fierce hunger blazed in his eyes. “You’ll get more than that. Trust me.”
“When?”
“After I’ve…ended this guy.”
“No, I want it tonight.”
He grunted. It was the subtle proof that he wouldn’t be able to contain himself with me. The very confirmation made me crazy.
I smiled. “You’re going to fuck me tonight?”
He didn’t confirm or deny it.
“Because you want me just as bad as I want you,” I whispered.
He licked his lips.
“I’m just wondering one thing, Hunter.”