by Jodi Vaughn
“And I haven’t had a date in over six months either, but it’s not like I’ve written off ever finding someone, or given up dating.” She shrugged. “Maybe you’ve just gotten picky. Maybe what you used to like isn’t what you want anymore.”
What he wanted was her. Naked and in his bed with his face between her sweet thighs. Jayden’s breathing increased as his body hardened with overwhelming lust.
“That’s not all of it.”
“Then what is it?” She cocked her head, waiting for an answer. For someone who’d been stalked for months she certainly wasn’t scared of him.
“I don’t date because I…” His voice trailed off, the words refusing to come out. A cold sweat popped across his skin as his thoughts turned to that night of torture.
“You don’t owe me an explanation, Jayden. You don’t owe me anything.” Haley stepped around him.
He stood there for a second, trying to shove the memories away and lock them down.
He shook his head and followed after her. He caught up to her as he stood at the hood of the Mustang.
“Look, I…” The words trailed off as he met her pale face and wide eyes.
Jayden followed Haley’s frozen stare. On the windshield stuck under the wiper was an envelope with Haley’s name sprawled across the top.
“Shit.” He dropped the bags and reached in his boot for the concealed gun he always carried. He sandwiched Haley between him and the pickup truck parked next to him.
“Get down.” Jayden searched the parking lot, hoping to catch a glance of the stalker. He only spotted one elderly couple getting out of the car and heading inside.
Squatting down in front of her, he met her scared gaze and caressed her cheek. “Are you okay?”
She looked from him to his hand. “You have a gun.”
“Yeah.”
“You didn’t tell me you had a gun.” She trembled as her eyes widened.
“You didn’t ask.” He quickly checked his car, making sure it was safe from explosives before unlocking the door. If someone had tried to set an explosive or tried to place a tracking device on the Mustang, the car would have alerted him via his phone. It was one of the many perks for working with Barrett and his Guardians. They always had the latest technology, far beyond what the public had access to.
“Let’s get the hell out of here.” He helped Haley into the front seat and buckled her in before going to his side.
“Don’t forget your bags,” she murmured as he opened the car door.
Jayden growled. He didn’t give two shits about the clothes but thought it was better not to argue with her. He was just relieved she wasn’t in shock. For a second he thought she was going to pass out on him.
After shoving the bags in the backseat and swiping the envelope off the windshield, he got in and peeled out of the parking lot. He turned on the street headed out of town.
“Where are we going?’
“We are going the long way home. Just to make sure we are not being followed.” He cast a glance at her.
She nodded and clenched her purse like a shield to her chest. Her gaze was glued to the envelope sitting on the console. She angled her body away from the offending paper, scared to even touch it
“You’re safe. I’m not going to let him get you.” Jayden put the envelope on the backseat and out of her line of sight. He reached for her hand. Her cold fingers tightened around his.
He would protect her no matter what.
“I know, Jayden.” She met his gaze, humbling him with her utter trust in him.
This time he wouldn’t let her down.
This time he would kill before he would let harm come to her.
#
“He left the note on my fucking car, Barrett.” Jayden glared across the back deck of the house as he fought to keep his wolf side under control. Anger surged through his veins and he wanted nothing more than to shift so he could run all this hatred off.
“How’s Haley?” Barrett asked.
“She’s shook up. She wanted to know what the envelope said. I think she’s pretty pissed that I wouldn’t let her read it.” Jayden forked his fingers through his hair. “She’s in bed now, asleep.”
“Good call. She doesn’t need to know what it says. All it does is feed the stalker’s ego and his need for attention.” Jayden could hear the tap of Barrett’s fingertips on his keyboard. “What did the note say?”
Jayden growled as he recited the vile words. “I’m coming for you, Haley. I’m coming to take you to our perfect paradise where no one can find us. I’m going to tie you up and fuck you until you scream my name.” That’s not all. Put some gloves on before you open the envelope.”
“I doubt he’ll leave finger prints.”
“That’s not why you need the gloves. The motherfucker jacked off on the letter.” Jayden had smelled the stench of semen the second he reached for it. But he said nothing, not wanting to freak Haley out any more than she already was. She didn’t say anything, but he couldn’t help but wonder if she smelled it too.
“Sick fuck.” Barrett’s tapping stopped.
“On the bright side you have your DNA.”
“I would have preferred to get a DNA sample another way,” Barrett said dryly.
“No shit.” Jayden blew out a breath. “Any word on the ex-boyfriend?”
“He has made no phone calls anywhere in Arkansas and he’s not received any from Arkansas. He seems to be busy dating his new girlfriend from LSU, whom he started dating a week after Haley was rescued. Total douche bag.”
If Jayden ever laid eyes on that asshole, he was going to beat the shit out of that prick.
“Have you notice anyone showing Haley attention when she’s out and about on campus?”
“You’re kidding, right? Half the male population can’t keep their fucking eyes in their head when she walks by. I saw one dude get slapped by his girlfriend when she caught him staring at Haley’s ass.” Jayden scowled. If the girlfriend hadn’t slapped him, Jayden would have punched him the fuck out.
Barrett snorted.
“What?”
“You’re sounding a little green there, Jayden.”
“Are you trying to insinuate something?” Jayden gritted his teeth.
“No. I’m saying flat out you sound like a jealous mate.”
“I’m just here doing my job. That’s all.” Jayden shook his head. What did Barrett know about it, anyway?
“Famous last words. Damon said the same damn thing about Ava.”
“This situation is different. I’m different.” Jayden clenched his jaw, irritated that Barrett would even try to compare him with Damon. After all the bullshit that Damon had gone through the male desired someone like Ava.
Haley deserved someone better than him.
“I’ll call you if he gets a match on the DNA. Until, then, keep Haley safe.” Barrett disconnected.
#
Frustrated, Haley bolted up in bed and glared at the neon numbers on the clock.
1:00 a.m. What the hell? She hadn’t even slept one damn hour. She was going to be exhausted in the morning.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw that semen-coated note, taunting her with whatever hidden evil message was stuck inside its white walls. The fact that Jayden wouldn’t let her read what was on it made it even worse. Since they’d gotten home that’s all she could think about.
“Screw this.” She climbed out of the bed and padded over to the wall to turn the light on. Snatching her pillow and a blanket off the bed, she headed for the living room. She and flung herself on the couch and reached for the remote.
“Maybe some mindless entertainment will lull me to sleep.”
“What are you doing up?” Jayden stood in the doorway, bare chest with his jeans hanging low on his lean hips. He rubbed his hand across his muscled chest as he leaned against the doorframe waiting for her answer.
Haley’s mouth dropped open as her gaze wandered down his finely chiseled chest. He didn’t
have six pack abs; he had a twelve pack.
“I can’t sleep.” She forced her eyes to meet his. Hopefully it was dark enough that he didn’t catch her gawking at his half-nude body. “Did I wake you?”
“I was finishing up some research on the Internet. I was just getting ready to go to bed.” He crossed his arms over his massive chest. His muscles rippled under the motion in a sexy yet dangerous way.
“Okay. Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.” She aimed the remote at the TV and clicked.
“You really need to try to sleep. You’ve got class tomorrow.” His deep voice drifted over her.
“I know. It’s just…” She cringed, ashamed that she felt so helpless. “Every time I close my eyes I see that envelope. And I feel like he’s here, watching me.”
His bare feet on the hardwood floor made no sound as he walked towards her. The chill she felt earlier was now gone, and she shifted on the couch.
Jayden sat on the coffee table blocking her view of the infomercial casting lights against the walls in the dark.
“He doesn’t know that you are here. The house is secure. You’re safe, Haley.”
“I know that. My head knows that. But my imagination didn’t get the memo.” She let out a frustrated laugh.
He stood and held out his hand. “Come on.”
“I told you I can’t sleep.”
Jayden took her hand and pulled her up with him. Her heart sped up at his touch. She couldn’t make herself to pull away. His touch soothed her, made her feel safe and protected. Made her feel wanted.
“You’re not sleeping in your bed.” He tugged her down the hall and stopped at his bedroom door. “You’re sleeping in mine.”
Warmth spread from her chest down between her thighs as she stared at the bed where he’d been sleeping. She looked from the bed back to him.
“What?” Surely she had misunderstood him. He had pulled away from her only a few hours ago and now he was offering an invitation to sleep in his bed.
“You’re sleeping in my bed.”
“Where are you going to sleep?” She frowned, trying to make her brain compute as her breathing turning to a soft pant.
“Beside you.” His deep voice sent shivers of pleasure shooting across her skin.
“I just thought you would be able to relax knowing I was there to keep you safe.” He shrugged.
Just like that her heart melted like a hot caramel at his kind gesture.
“It’s just sleeping, Haley.” He rubbed the back of his neck, looking a little uncomfortable.
He’d probably never had to ask a woman to sleep in his bed before. They were probably all breaking their necks to jump right in.
“I know, Jayden. I trust you.” She touched his arm as she met his intense blue-eyed gaze. A ghost of a smile hovered on his lips and he nodded once.
Walking to the bed, he tugged the covers down and waited for her to crawl in. He started to unbutton his jeans and then froze.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t wear underwear.” A faint blush stole across his cheeks.
“To bed?” Haley swallowed. The thought of Jayden sleeping nude had her blood heating like a hot July summer. What would one night with him, wrapped in his arms, be like?
“Ever.” Jayden grumbled as went to the dresser and pulled out some basketball shorts before heading for the bathroom.
Haley snuggled down into the warm covers. She inhaled deeply, letting Jayden’s masculine scent wash over her.
Minutes later she felt Jayden slide into bed behind her. Unfortunately he made no move toward her but kept to his side of the bed. If she weren’t so tired it would have hurt her feelings. But not tonight. Her disappointment soon gave way to sleep as her eyes drifted shut.
#
Jayden opened his eyes just as the first light of dawn spilled gently through the blinds, casting the room in a soft glow.
He knew the second he opened his eyes what he would find. Haley snuggled against his chest, her body pressed against every angle of his frame and his arms wrapped around her. Her scent drifted up to him and heated his body.
He had waited until she fell asleep before he scooted closer. He didn’t touch her but settled for watching as she finally rested peacefully and without a care in the world. Without worrying if her stalker was right around the corner, waiting for his opportunity to grab her.
Jayden tightened his hold on her, fighting to keep the negative thoughts out of his head of what could happen if the stalker found Haley. He wouldn’t let that happen, not this time.
He was almost asleep when he felt her snuggle against him last night seeking out his warmth. He had been helpless not to touch her. So he pulled her into his arms, settling her against him before going back to sleep himself.
Something had shifted inside him, something changed that made him feel like he wasn’t himself. He felt more peace and more comfort when he was with Haley than he had in a while.
It scared the hell out of him.
They couldn’t go down this road. There was no future for them. She deserved to be with a male who was worthy of her. And that male wasn’t Jayden
But right now, he would hold onto her and pretend.
Right now, he couldn’t let her go. He knew the time was drawing near when he wouldn’t have that choice.
The time would come when she found out about him and she would be the one to walk away.
#
Haley knew it was morning by the light trying to sneak in behind her closed eyes. She didn’t want to move. If she moved, the moment would be gone. She wanted to stay right where she was, snuggled in Jayden’s arms.
When she first realized she had her leg draped over his and was wrapped around him she had almost pulled away, embarrassed at how she had ended up like that during the night.
She knew that if Jayden realized she was awake he would pull away. So she faked it and pretended to be asleep, just to enjoy the feel of his body for a few minutes longer.
His delicious heat sunk into skin, warming her body. Her nipples hardened and she knew he could probably feel them against his bare chest through the thin material of her shirt. Her hand rested low on his steely abs and her fingers itched to trace each deep groove of muscle lower until she was holding him in her hand.
Her stomach tugged with lust at the mental image of Jayden lying naked and letting her explore his body with her hand and her mouth and her tongue.
He moved under her hands as he took a deep breath. She knew he was awake. Still she stayed still, eyes closed, with her dreams clasped in her head.
Maybe if she believed hard enough she’d get her wish. After all, everyone deserved to get at least one wish in their life. God knows all her other wishes had long been forgotten.
Maybe her wishes didn’t come true because she had always hoped someone would grant them to her. Look how that turned out.
No, if she wanted something, she was going to have to reach out and take it herself.
With her body getting warmer by the second and lust licking deep in her stomach, Haley trailed her hand down Jayden’s stomach until she reached the waistband of his shorts.
Her fingertips slid behind the elastic and she wrapped her hand around Jayden’s rock hard erection.
CHAPTER FIVE
Jayden had been trying his damnedest to feign sleep. But with Haley’s tempting body pressed against his like a second skin, he couldn’t control his sex-starved body. His body ached with lust as his cock hardened to the point of pain.
He was in dangerous territory where she was concerned and yet he still couldn’t make his arms release her. Instead, he pulled her closer.
He knew the second she was awake. Her breathing increased as she stirred against him, her body coming to life. It was like electricity, sparking between their bodies, burning him with a passion so sweet it hurt.
The second he felt the brush of her hand against his abs he expected her to pull away. He wasn’t expecting her to slide her
hand down into his shorts and wrap her fingers around his aching cock.
“Haley, what are you doing?” Jayden groaned out between clenched teeth as her hand tightened around his shaft and slowly stroked.
“If you have to ask, then I’m doing it wrong.” She slid her hand up to the tip. Her thumb circled the head before she slid her hand back down to the base.
“Haley…” She was going to fucking kill him with pleasure. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to focus on anything but her talented hand.
She lifted her head and met his gaze. She was beautiful, sleepy eyes and kissable lips. All he could think about was getting her naked and burying himself in her hot little body.
“I’m I hurting you?” She gave him a hard squeeze.
He jerked his hips upward and groaned.
“Fuck, no.” Jayden closed his hand over hers, searching her face for any hesitation any reason why they should stop.
“This isn’t a good idea.” He forced the words past his lips and rose up on his elbow.
“Let me, Jayden. Just for a little bit.” She glanced at the clock. “It’s not like we have time to do much else.”
He let his head hit the pillow.
She smiled and reached for the sheet to pull it down. He grabbed the covers.
“Don’t pull the sheet down.” He swallowed as his heart thudded in his chest. A thin sheen of sweat broke out across his body.
“Okay.” She frowned but didn’t ask any questions. Leaving the sheet in place, she laid her head against his shoulder and met his gaze. She slid her hand under the sheet and gripped his cock again.
“Harder, like this.” Jayden covered her hand with his and squeezed, showing her how hard he like it.
She tightened her grip.
“Shit.” He let go of her hand and squeezed his eyes shut, the pleasure too intense to bear.
Her lips slanted over his and suddenly she was kissing him, snaking that sweet tongue into his mouth. He gripped the back of her head, holding her close, kissing her deep and hard.
She straddled his thigh pressing her wet panties against him, showing him she was just as turned on as he was.
He pulled away and glared at the clock, wishing he could freeze this moment.
