Page 27 of Break Me

I’d also felt excitement about the upcoming date like the first time a boy had asked me out in high school. I’d primped and restyled my hair three or four times. I’d gone to my favorite store and had tried on ten dresses before I found the perfect one.

My confidence had been high and I’d looked damn good. Then the date had turned to shit with the guy leering at another girl. I’d sworn off boys until my sophomore year in college.

Snatching the envelope, I opened it, feeling the scowl slowly crossing my face.

Halle,

Just a few things I thought you might enjoy. I must admit, I hope you’ll wear the dress tonight. I’m taking you somewhere special. I’m very much looking forward to spending time with you. My feisty captain.

Alexsey

There was that act of possession again that Alexsey seemed to think was an amazing attribute. Another wave of irritation flowed through me.

Sighing, I handed Kristine the note. My entire body was quivering as I opened the packages. With every one of them, my sister squealed like Emily had when I’d given her the new toy.

“Would you keep it down?” I gritted out. When I held up the dress he wanted me to wear, my heart did a few somersaults.

“That is freaking gorgeous. Would you look at that?”

“There’s no price tag.” Why did it matter? The dress was gorgeous, vivid purple and the material was soft and silky. And would expose all my rounded curves.

“Girl. That is the most expensive shop in town. I actually was allowed to snap a few photographs of the interior of the storeand some of their merchandise for my series on what to do in Las Vegas. Just wow. He has excellent tastes.”

I pulled out shoes and was feeling that tiny bit of anger returning. When we both noticed a pink bag from a local lingerie shop, I slapped my hand over my sister’s mouth to mask her little yelp. “Don’t do it.”

“Ooh-la-la. I can tell what he has on his mind.” She pulled out several thongs, two lace bras, and what was that? A corset? Was he kidding me? I’d worn one of those once for Halloween and had hated it. I wasn’t that kind of woman.

Why was it that my mind drifted to his statement about me surrendering to the darkness?

“Well, he’s not getting it if that’s what he thinks. That’s crazy. I don’t know him.”

“But you want to know him and don’t deny it.”

Another sigh slipped past my lips, a dreamy one. Until I noticed a bag from my pharmacy. “What is that?”

“That is a teddy bear. Would you look at the size of him? Oh, my God. Emily is going to be so excited.”

I barely looked at the bear she was holding, instead pointing to the white bag that she knew all too well since she’d been kind enough to pick up Emily’s prescription a few times.

“That.”

She followed my eyes to a much larger bag than we were used to seeing. “I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do.” I grabbed it, taking several deep breaths before opening it. “Six inhalers. How did he manage that?”

“Are you kidding me?” She peered into what was left of the bag. “That’s…”

“Creepy. How did he convince my doctor or the pharmacist to give me the six-month supply?”

“Does it really matter?”

I glanced at my sister, trying to answer the question. “He knows too much about me. He came into the bar last night. Don’t you think that’s odd? Then the way Liam reacted was not normal.”

“What are you trying to insinuate? That Liam had something to do with the fire at Alexsey’s house?”

“I don’t know, but it all feels… set up.”

“I think you need to take a deep breath and relax. Liam would be unhappy with anyone you dated because it’s not his brother. Think of the way he reacted when Jeff stopped by for a drink and dared try and flirt with you. Remember that?” And he knew Jeff very well, had seen him with Sean on several occasions.