And besides, isn’t that the key to lying? Believing it enough yourself first?
Eagerly turning my attention back to the clothes hanging in front of me, I run my fingers along the fabric. This entire closet is dripping with her scent and despite my best efforts, I cannot help myself but bring one of her sweaters up to my nose. With a full breath, I take in her scent, enjoying how fucking divine it is.
Before I lose myself here for hours, I pull back and check the time on my watch. I should head out before her class is over, but I stop in my tracks when I notice black lace peeking out of one of her dresser’s drawers.I turn to walk away but stop in my tracks.
Fuck it.
I grab the pair of panties and shove them into my pocket.
Then take the steps two at a time, walk through her kitchen, but stop at her refrigerator. After a quick look around, I sense my time growing short, so I leave through the back door, then quickly lock it behind me. With a quick reset of the alarm, I head back to my car.
Within no time, I park in my usual spot and wait for her to come out.
I watch her walk down the street alone, but as she passes my car, I catch a worried look on her face. That’s when a man, looking no older than her, comes out of the studio and jogs up to her.
Who the fuck is that?
He rests a hand on Lux’s arm and she doesn’t back away. There’s a familiarity between them and although their conversation seems innocent, it doesn’t tamp the rising jealousy boiling inside of me.
Calm down, River. It’s probably only a friend from class.
I almost convince myself this is nothing, until I catch him grinning as he nervously shoves his hands into the front pockets of his unnecessarily tight joggers. He gestures to the coffee shop and against my better judgment, I move to step out of my car when I see her gently shake her head.
Good girl.
I watch Lux head into her car, but instead of following her home like I usually would, I make a U-turn and trail him into the parking garage a few streets down.
Maybe I can have a simple talk with him. Tell him Lux is off-limits.
I park on the lower level and keep a safe distance between us as I tail him to the upper floor where he’s parked. Slipping my mask over my face, I wait for him to reach his car.
Once he does, I rush toward him and with one swift motion, throw my body into his from behind, slamming him into the driver’s side of his BMW.
“What the f—”
His words are cut off when I wrap my arm around his neck, crushing his windpipe.
“It’ll be easier if you stop resisting,” I warn him as he flails under my grip, his hands coming up to my forearms.
He reluctantly eases, and I take the opportunity to shift him so he’s facing me.
“Who are you?”
“Your worst nightmare if you ever speak to Lux again.”
“Lux?” he grits out, his face turning new shades of scarlet as I tighten my grip.
“The woman you asked out.”
When he doesn’t respond, I press my forearm deeper against his throat as he vehemently nods his head in understanding. I keep my arm tightlyagainst his windpipe a few seconds longer, his face turning a deep shade of red, before I finally let him go.
Gasping, he crumbles to his knees, attempting to catch his breath.
I slightly bend down until I’m sure he can hear me. “And I’d suggest you find a new class to attend.”
I don’t have to wait for his answer to know my message was received loud and clear.
Chapter 7
