Page 46 of Merciless Obsession

Time went by and by the time an hour passed and the message to Maine was read but not replied to I figured he wasn’t coming. Rolling my eyes, I exhaled an annoyed breath. Not only did I waste money getting this hotel room, but my time was wasted too. Two things I didn’t take lightly.

First blocking Maine, I went and grabbed my sweat suit to put it back on. I had gotten a matching forest green bra and panty set for tonight. Just because this was a random hookup didn’t mean I didn’t like to feel sexy. The material was thin and see through, showing off my nipples.

Making sure I had everything, I prepared to leave. On my way to the elevator, I texted Inaya.

You can stop worrying. The guy never showed. I’m omw back home.

Hitting send, I pressed the button to call the elevator. My foot tapped impatiently. It looked like it would be me and my toys tonight.

It was a little after eleven by the time I checked out and got inside my car. I turned my heat on full blast to quickly warm my car and rubbed my hands together before throwing the gear in park.

An incoming call came through after I pulled away from the hotel and started for home.

“Yes, Inaya,” I answered, checking my mirrors to get over.

“What happened?” she asked.

“You read the text. He didn’t show up. I don’t know why and I didn’t ask.”

She smacked her lips. “Damn babe, so now what?”

“I go home and try again another day.”

I didn’t do repeats outside of James, but maybe I should break my rule and meet up with someone I knew would show.

“Why don’t you come to the casino this weekend? There’s always some high rollers during the weekend and you can pick up someone there.”

“No.” I shut her down. “That would require them wanting to talk and get to know each other. That’s not what I want.”

“Are you sure that’s why?”

I glanced at my dashboard screen then back at the road. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I mean, maybe you only want to connect with a certain someone who likes to take you against your will.”

I stopped at the red light and tapped my fingers on my steering wheel.

“This has nothing to do with him. I don’t even like him.”

Inaya snickered. “Are you sure? You said he still sends you roses and notes, right? That you keep, I might add.”

“I can’t stop a grown man from doing what he wants.”

“Butyou keepthem!”

I rolled my eyes and pressed the gas when the light changed. “Okay, that doesn’t mean anything.”

“He gave you a nickname.”

“Again, I can’t control other people’s actions.”

“Yeah, yeah. You’re tough, Ziora, and if you really didn’t want that man around you I’m sure you can make it happen, but youhaven’t. Let me ask you this. Have you changed the codes to your house?”

I stayed quiet, turning on the street that led to mine.

“Exactly.”

“I haven’t had time,” I defended weakly.