Page 44 of Arranged Control

Only those words.

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Who would leave this for me? I can’t even begin to think of who would break into my apartment just to leave this strange little question.

It makes no sense.

“What’s going on?”

Seamus’s voice makes me yelp. I jump and hide the note behind my back without thinking. He’s standing over in the hallway, squinting over at me, wiping his face blearily. Before he comes closer, I bend down and tuck the note behind one of the couch cushions.

“Nothing. Couldn’t sleep.”

He drifts toward me. He’s shirtless and wearing a pair of cotton joggers. They cling to his muscular legs. In the half-light from the city, he looks like a vengeful demon lord. Like an incubus sent here to break me.

I should tell him about the note.

Someone definitely broke in here to leave it for me. It could be connected with the murders.

But I don’t say anything.

Maybe because of what it says.

Because it’s about him.

And a part of me doesn’t know how to answer it.

“Everything okay?” He stands at the edge of the living room, looking at me carefully. He’s waking up now.

“Totally fine.” I pull the window shut with a light thud. “I just needed some air.”

He seems more curious than suspicious. “Do you do this often?”

“Not really. But I like the view.” I glance at the buildings and see him coming closer in the reflection in the glass. “It’s just been a stressful few days, that’s all.”

“I know I haven’t made things easier.” His voice is low and soft. He’s very close to me now. I can feel the heat from his bare chest. “I don’t like being controlling. That’s not my personality. I prefer to let things be as they are.”

“I know it’s been a tough situation.”

“I’ve never been responsible for someone before.” He sounds almost pained. “I’ve never cared enough.”

I glance back at him over my shoulder. He’s staring at me, ruthless and unrelenting. There’s hurt in his eyes.

“I find that hard to believe. You’re a good-looking man. I bet you’ve had a million girlfriends.”

“For a night or two.”

“You’re seriously telling me that I’m your most serious relationship?”

I get a very small smile. “You better be. We’re married, remember?”

“You know what I’m saying.”

“I’ve never been with a woman long-term before you.”

I open my mouth to protest, but I don’t think he’s lying. I honestly can’t judge him for it. Alex was my most serious relationship before Seamus, and he was barely more than a fling.

That seems like forever ago.

“You don’t have to be so worried. Whatever’s happening with your family probably has nothing to do with me.”