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27

THE STALKER

R eturning to the living room, I drop into the cushions beside her, not wanting to admit how badly I want those pain pills that Abby has. “Here’s a Ginger Ale and some water for the pills she will give you. I wasn’t sure how your stomach felt, so I figured this may help.”

Maddie’s smile is wide as she reaches for both. “Butterflies are in my stomach.” She nods to where Abby is gathering her stuff, preparing what she needs to examine her.

Opening the Ginger Ale, I hand it to her. “You’ll be fine, baby girl,” I whisper in her ear. Leaning forward, I set the water bottle on the large wooden coffee table. “Let me know if you need water.”

She smiles at me, and fuck , I’d do anything in the world if she’d only keep looking at me like that. As though she trusts me implicitly. There’s no fear in her eyes as she stares at me.

Euphoria fills my chest. God, what the fuck is wrong with me? I’ve stalked this woman for over six months, learning everything I could about her. I’ve come up with nefarious plans to torture her once I made her fall in love with me, breaking her heart and then her body before I tortured and then killed her in front of her Ice Queen mother.

And now, I want to protect her, which goes against everything I’ve worked for and planned for years .

I flashback to leaving the warehouse after setting it ablaze and how I stumbled upon Maddie. I tried to convince myself this was the best opportunity to finally capture her and make her mine. Yet, there’s a part of me that knows I’m lying to myself.

M y truck was hidden in the woods, so I limped there, using some rags I found in the warehouse that I wrapped around me to slow the blood loss. Then I limped to my truck, using the kit I keep in the back to clean up, wrapping some gauze and bandages around my wounds.

As I drove, I popped some ibuprofen and called Bryce. We were on the phone as I drove, going over everything. I came to a red light and that’s when I saw Maddie’s Mustang turning toward campus. My brows furrowed as I wondered what she was doing. As soon as the light turned green, I turned onto the road leading to campus, following her.

Maddie led me to a parking lot in a quiet area of campus, large buildings looming around. She was getting out of her car, her gaze locked on a couple ahead. I blanched when I saw her line of sight and realized it was Ben.

At first, I figured she would confront him, as he had his arm around a blonde. But there was something about the way the girl staggered and the way he was leading her around a darkened building on campus that bothered me. I parked my truck a distance away from her, watching as her gaze remained locked on them, never turning around to look in my direction.

As I slipped from my truck, limping after Maddie, foreboding washed over me. My muscles were taut, the cold wind cutting through my sweatshirt. Shoving my hands in the front pockets of my hoodie, that’s when I felt the syringe of ketamine I’d put in there when I was at the warehouse, just in case. I never got the chance to use it.

I was tempted to grab my phone from the pocket of my jeans and call Jason or Bryce to ask them to do a quick search of this area of campus but was too afraid I’d lose Maddie. My stabbed leg was hindering my usual pace as I limped behind her, my gaze locked on her.

When she rounded the corner of the building, something passed through me. My lungs constricted and I sensed she was in danger, though I didn’t know why.

Then I spotted her, sneaking through the woods, and it hit me hard. They’d found three women raped and strangled in the very forest she was heading into. I wanted to scream at her but had no idea how close she was to Ben and that girl.

The confrontation I had with him at the club ran through my head. There was something in his eyes, a dispassionate coldness. As I intervened and then got in his face, I had a sense I wasn’t dealing with an ordinary guy, but a predator much like myself.

Or possibly worse.

Now I know, he’s worse.

I finally reached the woods, drawing up short as I saw Maddie in the distance, hiding behind a tree. She peeked out slowly, her body snapping taut. I slowly moved so I could see her profile, horror etched on her face, then followed her gaze until I saw it, too.

God, that was fucking horrific. The girl was being choked, her arms pushing against him weakly, as he violated her hard, furiously, like she was a blow-up doll for him to abuse. My heart nearly stopped as the woman released a final, strangled gasp, her body going still. The guy didn’t stop, if anything, it seemed that turned him on even more.

Maddie let out a loud sob and his head lifted, gaze meeting hers.

It seemed like everything happened in slow motion, yet there was a sense that time sped up. He finished shortly after, his gaze never leaving Maddie. As he pulled out and started pulling his jeans up, Maddie sprinted away. But in her panic, she didn’t return the way she came, which would have led her to me. She ran on a trail into the woods.

Fuck . My backpack with my knife and gun was in my truck, as was the gun under my seat and the one in the glove box.

He started chasing after her and keeping my eyes on him, then her, I headed back the way I came, sticking close to the shadows of the large building. I saw her up ahead, running out of the woods. Adrenaline flowed through me, blocking the pain, as I ran to the building, watching and waiting at the corner of it. She slipped and fell and I nearly started toward her. She was already climbing to her feet, looking over her shoulder, before she ran toward me. As she turned the corner of the building, I grabbed her, spinning her around and clamping a hand with the piece of cloth I’d had the ketamine syringe wrapped in. I pushed it against her mouth, trying to keep her quiet. I hated doing this, cutting off her oxygen and knocking her out briefly, but she nearly screamed when I grabbed her, and I needed to get her the fuck out of here.

Carrying her into the building, I located an elevator that led to the basement. Once the doors open, I headed toward the first door, balancing her against me as I tried the doorknob. Thank goodness it was unlocked.

The room was full of custodial supplies. I couldn’t turn the light on in case he followed us, so I leaned Maddie against the wall. She started stirring, so I grabbed the ketamine and injected her to keep her out longer.

Pulling my cell phone from my pocket, sweat rolling down my skin, I called Jason. He was full of questions when I said, “I’m in danger and need you to help me get out of here unseen.” I didn’t mention Maddie, knowing he’d only have more questions. I told him the building name I’d noticed when I carried her through the doors. “I’m in the basement.”

I heard him typing as I impatiently squatted down, catching my breath, my eyes watching Maddie. I didn’t give her a lot of ketamine, knowing that shit has some dangerous side effects, so I’m not sure how long she’ll be out.

“You’re in luck. There are some tunnels beneath the building. I’ll send you the picture and how to get there.”

“My truck is parked in a lot.” I described the buildings and what I’d seen when I backed in.

“You’re in luck, brother. When you come to this section of the tunnel where you can go left or right, take a right. Follow it, and it will bring you to Swanson Hall. It’s a short distance to your truck if you follow the hallway and go out the side door.”

“Thanks, Jason. I’ll update you as soon as I can.” Hanging up, I whispered to Maddie. “Here we go, baby girl. I’ve gotta carry you outta here.” I snuck to the door, quietly opening it and checking the hallway. It’s clear . Heading back to her, I lowered myself in front of her. Taking a few deep breaths, on the final exhale, I lifted her, leg and arm wounds screaming in agony. Gritting my teeth so hard I thought they’d break, I stared into her face as I stood, then carried her to the door. I checked again before carrying her out, moving as quickly and quietly as I could toward the tunnels.

My heart beat frantically as we moved through the narrow tunnels, the yellow lightbulbs swinging and casting eerie shadows as I carried her. Though Maddie doesn’t weigh that much, I had to stop, resting her against the wall twice, just to take some of the strain from my arm.

Finally, we reached the end. I was soaked from sweat, breathless, and in agony as I entered Swanson Hall. You’re almost there, Jagger. You can do this. For her. My gaze dropped to her face and I whispered a vow to her. “He’s not getting you. I’m getting you the fuck off the campus and to my house, where I’ll keep you safe.

And that’s exactly what I did.

M addie’s hand squeezing mine brings me back to the present. Her face is pale as she studies Abby, who is examining her. Her panicked gaze shoots to mine, her eyes so wide I can see the whites, body quaking beside me.

I lift our hands to my lips, kissing the back of hers. “You’ll be fine, baby girl. It’s just blood pressure, oxygen levels, and pulse. Abby wants to make sure you’re okay. She’s nothing if not thorough.”

She nods, staring at Abby’s face, looking unconvinced.

My fingers grab her chin, turning her head to mine. “Eyes on me, baby girl. I’ve got you.”

She has no idea how true those words are .

Even with two stab wounds, I got her off the campus, keeping her safe from her serial killer ex. I’ll continue to ensure she’s safe from that bastard, as well as anyone else who would try to harm her.

I’m delighted when her heavy breathing slows.

When Abby finishes and tells Maddie everything looks good, Maddie slumps in relief, a relieved smile on her face. I listen as Abby goes over everything, then gives her something to help with the nausea.

Once Abby finished and Maddie took the pill, I whispered in her ear, “Are you okay?”

She nods, giving me a soft smile. “I am now.”

Fuck . How she looks at me softens me, breaking down all my defenses.

“I need a cigarette quick. I’m gonna have Abby and Bryce stay inside with you.” Her face clouds from worry, and I squeeze her hand. “I’ll just be right out there on the deck. Bryce will get me if you need me.”

Maddie’s face relaxes and she says, “Okay.”

As I head toward the patio doors, Jason follows. I glance at Maddie, who is talking to Abby, a smile on her face. When her eyes meet mine before I step outside, I don’t give her warning looks or words. She looks pretty content to be here right now.

When the door closes behind us and we light up our cigarettes, I lean against the railing, staring at the woods. “Out with it, motherfucker. I know you have something to say.”

While my brother, Jason, is a tough motherfucker, he’s never been through the shit I have. His parents, my adopted parents, are wonderful people. Jason and I have been friends since elementary school, so he’s watched me go from a normal, happy-go-lucky kid to a monster filled with hatred and darkness. He’s never supported the idea of me torturing, then killing, Maddie, especially without any evidence she’d done anything wrong.

Jason takes a long drag from his cigarette, turning his head and blowing smoke in the opposite direction. “I like Maddie. So does Bryce and Abby.”

I nod, not saying anything, my head turned to his as I smoke, assessing him.

His blue eyes are serious as he locks them with mine “Don’t fuck this up.” His words are low, intended only for my ears. “Plans change, Jagger. Circumstances change. You can get your revenge without involving her.” He puffs on his cigarette, then turns his head, blowing the smoke away from me. “You’re obsessed with her, obviously. You aren’t going to like hearing this, but I think it goes beyond what you need to do to get revenge.” He holds up his hand when I open my mouth. “You fucking saved her tonight, Jagger. Two stab wounds and you carried her through dark tunnels beneath the parking lot and out two fucking buildings to make sure she was safe from him. Don’t fucking try to tell me it’s just about revenge. You care for her and in the brief time I’ve been around her, I can see why.” I glower at him and he punches my uninjured arm. “I’m not after your girl, motherfucker, even though I love working you up.”

I flick him off, a smile curling my lips.

He laughs, unbothered, before he throws a look over his shoulder to the window behind us. “Look at her, Jagger. Who do her eyes keep darting to? Who does she look to for peace, comfort, and security?” Facing me he says, “You, motherfucker. She’s obsessed with you, too. Although it may be more than that but I don’t know her well enough to say.”

His words hit me hard as I turn around, looking at her through the window. She laughs at something Abby says, then her eyes meet mine.

Turning away, I stare at the thick forest stretching around my house. Fuck. How did everything get so complicated?

Jason pats my shoulder. “See what I mean?”

My eyes cut to his and I shoot him a glare, not saying anything.

He laughs, shaking his head. “Fine, asshole. Live in denial.” His voice cuts off, a worried look on his face. “I’m not sure what her relationship is with the Ice Queen, but you need to consider that.”

With a heavy sigh, my gaze moves from his to the woods. “I know.”

He leans in. “If it comes down to it and you have to let this go for her… Well, some things are better left in the past so you can have a better future.”

I turn my head, studying him. With a sigh, I pat his shoulder. “I’m not willing to give up on the idea of my revenge just yet. Let’s just see where things go and what I can find out now that she’s here with me.”

“You have no intention of letting her go, do you?” The smirk on his face tells me he already knows the answer.

“No way in hell, brother.” Turning around, I watch her through the window as she throws her head back, laughing at what Abby said. “I’ll never let her go.”

M addie is wearing one of my t-shirts that she requested I get for her, her warm body curled against up, my front to her back, as she peacefully sleeps. I nuzzle against the side of her face, happiness blooming through my chest when she lets out a content sigh that causes the blood to flow faster inside my veins.

Although I’m exhausted, I can’t get that same peace. I’m too fucking terrified of my nightmares, especially having one while lying in bed beside her. But there’s no way I could leave her alone. Her terrified eyes filled with tears when I tucked her in and took a step back to leave. She sat up, gripping the covers, red-faced from embarrassment, before pleading with me to crawl in bed with her. My resolve caved. Whatever my Baby Girl wants, she gets.

Sighing, I bury my face in her hair, breathing in her scent. It calms my pounding heart and aching body.

After what seems like an eternity, my eyes grow heavy, and finally, I succumb to exhaustion, feverishly hoping I don’t have any nightmares before I drift off.

But it’s not me that has a nightmare tonight.

It’s Maddie.

It seems I’ve just fallen asleep when she trashes against me, hitting my chest. My eyes snap open, and I blink from the bright light filling the room. Maddie’s body is sprawled over mine, her head on the right side of my chest as she jerks and twitches.

I’m about ready to wake her up when she screams, rolling beside me to her back and bolting upright.

Sitting beside her, my hand gently rubs her back. “Maddie, it’s okay. It was only a dream.”

She turns her head, tears streaming down her face. Shaking it frantically, she says, “I-It w-w-wasn’t a d-dream.” A sob comes out and she presses her hand over her trembling lips.

“Baby Girl.” My hand cups her cheek, wiping away the tears that fall. “I’m here.”

She throws herself against me, climbing onto my lap. Her tears soak my skin. “I need you.”

Stroking her hair, I press kisses to the top of her head. “You’ve got me, Baby Girl. I’m not going anywhere.”

Her fingers dig into my skin, gripping me tighter, as she clings to me.

God, she’s afraid of being abandoned . I’m acutely aware of that feeling from my past. It’s the most wretched thing to experience, having everyone in your life abandon you, even if it’s unintentional. It breaks your trust, destroying your self-worth.

Tightening my arms around her, I gently rock her until she stops sobbing. When her cries change to hiccups and she pulls away, wiping her eyes, I study her bloodshot eyes and blotchy skin. “Do you wanna talk about it, Baby Girl?”

She stills, cocking her head. She melts whenever I call her Baby Girl .

“I’m so fucking sorry, Jagger,” she says by way of explanation. I’m puzzled by her apology until she whispers, “I know who the killer is.”

Oh shit. My muscles tense, waiting for her to say more.

“It’s Ben.”

All the air leaves my lungs. I’m glad she remembers and knows it’s not me, but fuck, I hate what she’s about to go through.

“I fucking dated a rapist. A serial killer.” She hangs her head in shame. My hands cup her chin, raising her face to mine. Her expression is full of self-loathing as says, “I fucked a serial killer.”

“Baby Girl. Don’t—”

She cuts me off, her cheeks burning. “Jagger, I dated a man who violates women. I watched him… Get off from her death.” Refusing to meet my gaze, she mutters, “What kind of person am I? I’m—”

“The most amazing woman I’ve ever met. The only one comparable to my mother.” I rarely mention my biological mom, let alone discuss her with anyone, but in this case, I’ll risk it. “You have a heart of gold, Maddie. Ben took advantage of that. He learned your weaknesses and infiltrated your life.”

She’s quiet for a long time, before she finally speaks. “Your opinion of me hasn’t changed at all, has it?”

I stare at her, stunned. “Why the hell would it?”

“Well, because I um… Was involved with a serial killer.”

“And now you’re involved with a stalker who kills corrupt assholes as part of his vengeance gig. So what?”

A smile breaks across her face. “You… You don’t think I’m horrible? Like… him?”

My hands cup her face as I roll her onto her back, my body covering hers. “Fuck no, Baby Girl. Nothing could lower or change my opinion of you.” My stare is intense, showing her the truth in my eyes.

Her lips slam on mine, kissing me with a fervor I’ve yet to see from her. Moaning into her mouth, I surrender to her, devouring her with equal intensity.

She wraps her legs around my hips, grinding against my hard cock, moaning and whimpering into my mouth. My hands slide into her tangled hair, not being gentle with her. She doesn’t need gentle right now. Maddie needs to feel how obsessively I want her.

When our lips break apart, we breathe like we just ran a marathon.

Rolling her over so she’s straddling my dick, I grab the hem of my t-shirt that she’s wearing, tugging it over her head. My mouth latches onto her nipple, nipping, sucking and licking it as she moans and squirms against me.

Releasing it with a loud pop, I pull back, staring into her eyes. “I need you to sit on my face, baby girl.”

Her eyes light up before her entire face and torso turns red. “Um… I’ve never done that before.”

“Good. I’ll be the first and only man to eat you like that.” I swat her ass and say, “Now lean up and get those panties off and get your ass up here.”

“Yes, sir.”

Fuck. Me.