by M. J. Perry
“Jason.” She whispered softly.
He tightened his hold and groaned loudly. “It’s too early go back to sleep.”
“What are you doing in my bed?” She asked him. It wasn’t that she was mad at him, she liked that she woke up like this but he’d said she had a night and he’d obviously lied to her. She was also shocked that she hadn’t felt him climb in to bed and pull her into his arms, it proved how tired she was that she’d felt nothing at all.
“This is my bed Grace.” He answered, and she heard the amusement in his voice.
She looked around and nearly choked. She turned to face him and he loosened his arms. “Did I sleep walk?” She asked confused.
“No babe. I couldn’t sleep knowing you were in the other room so I figured I’d just go and get you.”
“Oh. Wait a minute, you carried me in here?”
“Yeah, love the t-shirt by the way; glad to see you still slept with a part of me while you were gone.”
Grace blushed. “I took three with me. Didn’t you notice them missing?”
“I thought I’d lost them or something, missing t-shirts weren’t really on the top of my list.”
“I guess not.”
“Hey.” Jason said softly, he used a finger to lift up her chin. “I’m thrilled you took something of mine, I’m really fucking thrilled but I’d be even more thrilled if you let me take it off you so I could see you naked.”
With a blush on her pretty cheeks she smiled at him and his heart broke wide open full of love for her. This woman had always had his heart even when he was fighting his feelings for her because he didn’t want to wreck a good friendship. He regretted doing that but he couldn’t change it. He would never ever hurt her like that again.
“How about you go and put the coffee on so I can get ready for work instead.”
He grinned at her, she was glowing this morning and he’d never felt more pleased because he knew he was the reason for it. “I suppose I can do that but it will cost you.”
“What will it cost me?”
“This.” He said then he took her lips with his in a kiss that left her panting.
“Oh wow. I don’t mind paying that way any day.” She told him while trying to draw in breath; it was hard with him still so close.
“You can pay me with more of that if you like.” He didn’t take his eyes from her lips and she flicked her tongue over her bottom lip in a tease. He jumped on her then, he couldn’t help it. His fingers went in to her hair and he pulled her face to his taking her lips in an aggressive kiss plunging his tongue in and out of her mouth in a rhythm that had her clenching her thighs together to try to sooth the ache he was creating. He moved one of his hands down her face and neck then he brushed his fingers across her breast making her pull in a sharp breath. He rubbed her nipple with his thumb and she whimpered unable to hold it in. His hand moved lower, over her stomach and his hand didn’t stop until he had his fingers in her knickers and he was touching her clit. He caressed it softly and then dipped a finger into her opening, groaning into her neck. “Damn you’re so wet baby.”
Grace moved her hips upwards trying to get him to move faster. He kissed her lips then moved back to watch her face as he quickened his pace and brought her to a mind blowing orgasm. When she came down from her high, she watched Jason as he sucked her essence off his fingers and closed his eyes. “You taste just like I remember.”
She reached out for him and caressed his stomach until she came to the waistband of his boxer shorts intent on give him pleasure just like he had her but he picked up her hand before she could touch him and kissed her palm. She looked at him in confusion.
“That was for you Grace. I can wait until you’re ready to let me inside your body.”
The truth is he was hanging on by a thread and if she touched him, he would give in but he really did want to wait for her. He didn’t want to waste his come when he could come inside her and make a baby and he made a mental reminder to find out if she was on the pill. If he asked her and she wasn’t she would think he meant for her to go on it and he didn’t want that so he’d have to have a look himself.
“Are you sure? I want to touch you.”
“I’m sure baby.” He hopped out of bed and adjusted his cock while she watched him with eyes filled with heat. He had to look away before he took her up on the invitation he wasn’t sure she even knew she was asking. Pulling a pair of pyjama bottoms on he willed his cock to deflate because it was almost painful.
“I’ll make the coffee and you’d better get ready else we’ll be late.” Leaving her in his bed was one of the hardest things he’s ever done, his arousal was off the charts and he wanted to fuck her until his cock didn’t hurt but he needed to wait. This was something he wasn’t going to rush her on. He felt her eyes on him before he closed the door and he let out a breath as he walked to the kitchen.
Grace felt so confused. Jason had always had a high sex drive and for him to turn away from her was weird but his reasons made sense she guessed and she was glad he wasn’t pushing her because she had little resistance when it came to him. She couldn’t believe he carried her from her bed and into his. It shocked her she’d slept through it because she’d become a light sleeper since being away but being at home with Jason had let her drop her guard. Being home was such a relief and having Jason back in her life finally let her relax, she wished she could stay relaxed but that was wishful thinking.
****
Grace came out of her room wearing a confusing blue blouse which had all these ties and ribbons on it. It was sexy as fuck. She had a black pencil skirt on and the slit was up her left leg this time showing off her calf, and her shoes were plain round toes that matched her shirt and made her already gorgeous legs look amazing. She looked gorgeous and Jason contemplated locking her up in his house so no one else could see her like this. There was no way he could do it because she’d hate him for it but shit he didn’t want other men looking at his woman and imaging undoing those ties or wondering what underwear she had on underneath. He shook his head at his thoughts. He watched her like a wolf would watch its prey and he knew she noticed because he could see the blush on her cheeks again. She was such an innocent, he was so fucking glad he was the only one who’d ever know what it felt like to be inside her.
“Coffee?” He asked knowing it was a stupid question. Grace loved coffee, but he’d needed a distraction. He handed her a mug, and she sat down at the breakfast bar.
“Thanks. Where’s Peter?”
“He’s gone to check the library camera feed at the office. We need to get going else you’ll be late. I’ll stick your coffee in a travel mug while you grab your bag.”
“You’re right, I don’t want to leave the morning routine to Jill.”
She jumped down off the stool and took a couple of sips of her coffee before she headed back to her room. She noticed her phone was flashing and checked the messages. No one had this number except Jill, Peter and Jason so she guessed it was probably Jill grilling her on everything. When she opened the text she nearly dropped her phone. Her eyes grew wide as she took in the words.
‘I told you what I would do if you didn’t listen to me Grace. Now instead of punishing him I’m going to punish you and I’m looking forward to it.’
“Jason.” Grace shouted.
“What’s the matter?” He asked in concern as he made it in to the room. She couldn’t read it again so she thrust the phone at him instead and watched his expression harden.
“Fuck. Grace don’t worry, you’re safe. I’ll take your phone with me today and check out if I can locate where this text came from.” He said through clenched teeth. She heard the anger in his voice and she clenched her hands worriedly. What did her mean by punishment? She didn’t want to find out at all. “Ok, but you can’t just say don’t worry and expect me to stop.”
“Yes I can. You agreed to do anything I told you to do remember.” He said arrogantly making her smile.
“Yes
I did and I’ll try not to moan too much about it, at least I know he isn’t going after you anymore. That makes me feel better.”
“You’re safe too baby. Trust me. You’re being watched by us and the cameras. At the library Jill is with you and she’ll never let anything happen to you. She loves you.”
“You’re right. I trust you.” She did, but she also had a sick feeling that something bad was going to happen which might be silly but she couldn’t make the feeling go away. She smiled to reassure him because he was watching her like he was worried she was about to break.
Picking up her bag she took his out stretched hand, and they walked out of the house hand in hand. He only let go of her when he strapped her in and once he got behind the wheel he picked up her hand and placed it on his thigh.
Grace’s mind was racing; she was desperate to work out who this stalker was. She’d never been able to think of even one person it could be. Who was this person who believed she belonged to them? How the hell could she find out?
The library car park was empty when they arrived. Grace knew Jill would be in inside though. She waited to get out of the car until Jason walked round to her side seeing Jill through the window Grace waved to her before they made their way to the big door so Jill could let them in.
“Hello.” She said cheerfully while eyeballing Grace. Grace sighed; she knew she was in for it as soon as Jason left them.
“Remember what we agreed Grace.” Jason said in a serious tone.
“Yes Jason.” She said
“Good, Peter or I will pick you up at five.”
Grace nodded. Jason leant down and kissed her nose. “Be good.” He grinned then gave Jill a chin lift before he walked back to his car.
They both watched him, unable to tear their eyes away from the deliciousness that is Jason. After he drove off Grace turned to face Jill, and she rolled her eyes. “I need coffee first.” She’d left her travel mug at home and she hadn’t had enough to tide her over while she let Jill drag the whole story from her.
Jill laughed and locked the door behind them before she walked to the kitchen.
“Coffee for you and then you tell me everything.” She called over her shoulder.
Grace took a deep breath and followed her.
Chapter Seven
Jason stormed into his office way too pissed off to speak to anyone, even Peter. He sat down at his desk and tried to calm down. He was so angry that the fucker had sent Grace a text threatening her. She was scared; he’d seen her reaction before she’d tried to hide it behind a brave face on and it made him want to punch something. He never wanted her to feel like that again. Shit hadn’t he promised himself he wouldn’t let her get scared anymore?
Peter came in after knocking lightly on his door with coffee in one hand and a smirk on his face which he promptly lost when he saw Jason’s expression.
“Fuck. I was about to tease you about having to carry sleeping woman to your bed but it’ll save for later. What’s happened?”
“This happened.” Jason held Grace’s phone out for him to take and he did reading the text with a grimace. “Is she ok?”
“She’s shaken, but she’s strong. Are the interns watching the cameras?”
“Ann is watching real time and Scott is going over the footage from the weekend just in case. I doubt he was anywhere near the library but it’s worth a check.”
“Ok good. I’m going to the florist now. Are you coming with me?”
“That’s a stupid question, of course I am.”
“I’m driving.” Jason announced.
“Whatever.”
They drove to the florist shop with little hope but they got a pleasant surprise. The assistant was really helpful. She gave a complete description of the man who always ordered flowers for Grace and she offered to work with a sketch artist. He wanted to give Grace the description first in case it jogged her memory. She’d already said she has no suspicions of who it could be though. Grace was too nice, she saw the good in people and never saw the bad coming. Jason was sure that’s one of the reasons why they were perfect for each other; he saw the bad in every one until they proved him wrong. They thanked the assistant and said they’d be in contact if they needed her to do the sketch and then Jason drove straight to the library and to Grace.
****
Grace had spent the last couple of hours drinking coffee and filling Jill in on everything. Jill had listened quietly, only saying the odd thing and when Grace finished awkwardly with ‘that’s it’ Jill launched herself at her and hugged her so tightly she struggled to breathe.
“I’m so sorry Grace; I wish you would have told me.”
“Me too, maybe you could have talked me into telling Jason and Peter.”
“It’s done now, there’s no point crying over it now. Now we plan.”
“Plan?”
“Well ok, we make lists. We need to write a list of all the people you suspect.”
Grace sighed. “I can’t.”
“Nonsense, it’ll be easy.”
“No it won’t, that’s the problem because I don’t have any idea who this could be. I have no suspects.”
“None?” Jill asked in disbelief.
“None.” Grace confirmed.
“Ok well let’s think back to when it all started then. As soon as you moved into Jason’s room officially right?”
“Yes.” Grace answered slowly.
“It’s someone you know then.” Jill told her sadly.
“Yes. I was living in the same house anyway but as soon as I moved my clothes into Jason’s room all the letters and cards started.”
“Did you tell anyone about moving in there?”
“I’ve thought about it, maybe I did tell someone without realising it but I don’t announce my private life to the world and I can’t ever remember discussing it with anyone except you.”
“Maybe someone overheard us talking about it? This person is crazy Grace.”
“I know believe me I do.”
The bell on the front door rang signalling that someone had entered the library. Jill patted her thigh and got up. “Start your list, all the people who you’ve ever known and spoke to around the time it started.”
“I’ll try but I need more coffee.”
“I’ll come and help once I’ve dealt with our customer.” Jill called out as she walked out the office.
Grace got a pen and paper but she just stared at it. All she could think about was that she knew this person who was terrorising her. She’d stopped herself from thinking too much about that possibility but Jill had just blown that plan away. She sighed and thought back. At the time she’d been working alternative weekends with Jill. When she worked she had Adam Cross with her, she never told him anything personal though and he never asked her either, he was shy and didn’t talk much to anyone. She used to catch him looking at her sometimes and he’d quickly look away but she never got any creepy vibes from him. There was Sophie who worked with Jill on her weekends, she'd only met her twice and surely this stalker had to be a man because of how the letters were worded. There were five dads who used to bring their daughters to the reading groups in the evenings but she didn’t even know all their names, she couldn’t believe it was one of them. She was trying hard to make a list but there was no one to write on it. It was pointless.
Jill called her name, and she slung the pad and pen down to go and find her. She headed out the office and into the main room and stopped dead when she saw who Jill was talking to. Her face heated.
“John.” She greeted. Why on earth was he here? She didn’t want to talk to him but her manners made her carry on walking over to where Jill and he were standing.
“Grace, I heard you were back. How are you?” He asked her, his voice a sexy rumble. He was a very attractive man, his brown curly hair and blue eyes drew people in but he was more than that. Before Jason woke up and realised what they could have was special, Grace had dated John, he’d made her laugh and she’d really en
joyed spending time with him. He’d made her happy, and she’d tried to let that be enough but he wasn’t Jason. She hadn’t wanted to hurt John, so she’d stopped seeing him. He’d known about Jason, she’d never told him but he was a detective after all so it wouldn’t have been hard to work out especially when she never took him home or let him pick her up if Jason was home. He’d met Peter a few times though, and they’d got on.
“I’m doing good thanks. How are you?” She finally answered.
“Good. Gracie I’m ok I just wanted to check on you. When you left Jason came to mine looking for you. I figured you’d told him about us?”
She shook her head. “No I’ve never told him anything.”
“Well anyway I didn’t know where you were so I couldn’t help but Peter agreed to keep me in the loop if he heard anything but he never did. I guess you’ve been back a while?”
“I came back about three months ago. Peter didn’t know until yesterday though.” Was it really only yesterday? It felt like forever ago.
“Why did you leave?”
“It’s a long story, really long actually.”
“Grace you should tell him, he might be able to help.” Jill told her.
“Peter and Jason are handling it.”
“Someone needs to tell me now.” John said sounding concerned.
The bell above the door dinged, and they all turned to see Peter and Jason walk in. Jason tensed immediately when he saw John standing next to Grace.
“John, how are you?” Peter asked shaking his hand.
“Good. I’m waiting for someone to explain what’s going on with Grace and what you and Jason are handling for her.”
“It’s under control.” Jason growled before Peter could answer him. John raised his eyebrows at Grace. “It seems he knows.”
Jason glared at him before looking at Grace. “Come here.” He ordered softly. Grace didn’t hesitate to go to him and she saw Jason’s face soften. Was he jealous?
“We have a description of the man who orders your flowers, it’s a good description and it could jog your memory, if not the florist has agreed to do a sketch.”
