Page 37 of Killer Confections

“Around my apartment and at my store,” I give the officer my home and bakery address, the sounds of heavy keys being hit on the other end as the cop inputs everything into the system is loud in the silence that stretches.

“Okay, Ms. Bennett, we’ll send a unit out to patrol your areas. If you see anything else, just let us know.”

My phone vibrates in my hands as I thank the officer for his time and hang up. A new message has popped up, and I wearily eye the man leaned against my table before opening it.

My stalker

Boots scuff against the floor and my head swivels in his direction. He’s standing at his full height, hands clenching and unclenching into fists as he rolls his shoulders.

My blood pressure skyrockets as I fumble where I stand. My phone clatters to the floor and I nearly trip over myself as Iscramble to the other side of the alloy table. My breath is loud and labored as I watch the predator across from me.

His eyes have darkened, taking on a hungry and fervent aura. Everything about this man screams danger, yet I can’t seem to place where I’ve seen this look before. A wave of Déjà vu hits me, but it’s overshadowed as he takes slow, deliberate steps in my direction.

My eyes flicker to the set of swing doors across the room before settling back on him. He turns his head tauntingly, as if encouraging me to make a run for it.

My body feels like it’s on fire as adrenaline shoots through my veins. My fight or flight takes over, and I bolt for the doors.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

He takes three long strides to reach me. As my hands outstretch for the exit, strong, thick arms wrap around my abdomen, pinning me to a solid chest.

I flail, my hands attempting to push his hold away as I throw my head backwards. He isn’t deterred in the slightest as he lifts me from the ground.

“LET ME GO!” I scream, my legs kicking and smacking against his shins. “HELP! HELP!” I plead for anyone to hear my cries, but I’m met with a harsh grunt in my ear as my stalker uses a foot to push one of the empty buckets across the room. He stops it in front of one of the many mirrors I have hung up around the store before plopping down atop it. He turns me forcefully, his strong hands gathering my wrists behind my back as he lays me across his knees.

I look up, my cheeks turning a crimson red when I realize what he’s doing. I’m facing the mirror, wide, fear-stricken eyes staring back at me.

He’s going to make me watch.

I squirm, the mixed feelings of embarrassment, fear, and anxiety flowing through me.

“Please,” I whimper. “Take whatever you want, but let me go.” I feel the pressure of hot, heavy tears building behind my eyes.

A large hand settles on my ass, stroking slow circles. The heat soaks through my clothes and my muscles tense at the contact.

There’s a rumbling sound of appreciation from above me that makes my core clench. My body’s reaction is confusing, and I just want him to let go.

His head lowers to my ear, a deep, rough baritone seizing me. “You’re gonna count for me.”

I shake my head, my lip wobbling. “No, please—”

He shifts, turning my body as his hand reaches under me. I gasp when his fingers flick open my jeans before he shoves them down my hips and they bunch near the center of my thighs. My backside is exposed, the cool air hitting delicate skin and making goosebumps rise.

A finger toys with the lace of my panties, running under the fabric and grazing my ass crack.

I gasp, my eyes closing as the heat builds low in my gut. “Please stop. I’ll do anything.”

He shushes me, cooing as his fingers dip further, ghosting my folds. I jolt, a surprised sound leaving me.

“Wait—” I’m cut off when the hand leaves my ass and fists my hair tightly, yanking my head back to a near impossible angle.

Half-lidded glacial eyes pin me. “Count.”

He releases my hair and I suck in a breath, my thighs squeezing as I watch his hand rear back.