Page 63 of One Killer Night

I blink three times quickly and frown as my hand slides down the door, lining up with the dead bolt, ready to lock it the instant I close the door.

“You make sure to lock your door,” he says with a half smile, his eyes dropping to where I’m secretly touching the cold steel on the other side. He takes another step backward. “There are monsters out.”

All he gets is a nod before I shut it and lock it—all the locks—and then rush to the kitchen window and the back door too.

“Fuck,” I breathe out, turning on the sink and drinking straight from my cupped hand. I hear a meow.

Princess is on her back, rubbing herself over the floor, unfazed and unharmed.

“You know what?” I hiss at her, glancing out the window to ensure he’s gone. “Noah was right. You’re problematic. And if you had a shoe, I’d shit in it right now.”

I sneak to the front door and peer through the peephole—he’s already across the street—before I turn around and let out a relieved breath. My attention turns to my feet as Princess weaves between them, headbutting me. I pick her up just as my phone dings.

Damon:Hey—sorry I can’t pick up. I’m in the meeting. Everything okay?

I want to typeNo, I was possibly almost massacred, but I look toward the door again. The guy’s gone, and I don’t want to worry him when I know he’s at work. Things are going so good for him, and I don’t want him cutting out just because I never listen to reasonable advice.

Me:All good. Just miss you and I’m ready to blow this joint.

I’ll tell him later.

I lift Princess so we’re little eyes to big eyes as I say, “How about you don’t almost get me killed anymore since I’m the one who buys you the expensive cat food.” She meows again, and I scowl, adding, “Also, let’s keep this between us. I have a feeling our boyfriend would be really pissed off if I told him I never locked the door and almost got us skinned and worn by some psycho.”

Chapter Fourteen

Noah

I grin, staring at the flat-screen in front of the conference room. Work isn’t just dragging by; it’s also towing my fucking patience with it. Because the keys to the new place are burning a hole in my pocket.

Fridays are supposed to be fun. People even label them that way, but this one feels like a tech-nerd last supper—we’re all gathered in the dark around a twenty-person table, watching a PowerPoint presentation that I’m pretty sure is boring me to death.

I just need to listen and be an adult for forty more minutes before I can call my girlfriend and turn back into a fool in love.

Fuck it. I sneak my phone under the table and type out a text to her.

Me:Well, sad news ... I’m in the longest meeting to ever exist. In fact, we may never see each other again so we should probably say our goodbyes now.

Rexy:Don’t even joke like that. But at the very least send a courier with the keys first. Beacon Hill awaits.

Me:You only loved me for the location. I knew it. This hurts my feelings.

Rexy:Damn, now I feel bad because I actually only love you for your heart . But let me make it up to you. NSFW coming your way.

The grin on my face keeps spreading as I volley between the PowerPoint and the phone in my lap. This meeting just becamecompletely worthwhile. But as soon as the picture populates, I huff a not-so-quiet laugh because Princess is staring back at me.

Rexy:Hey, don’t show anyone my pussy, okay?

My tongue darts out over my bottom lip as I think of something creative to text back until I hear a voice from the front. “Noah? Did you have a thought?” It forces my head up to a waiting set of eyes.

None I can share.

“Nope. Sorry, my throat’s just dry.” I rub my Adam’s apple for good measure.

Tech nerd number one goes back to his presentation about the use of the newest application that’s supposed to revolutionize the business, but my head stays in the gutter as I type back.

Me:Don’t worry, your kitty’s safe with me. I will say it’s a little hairy, but who am I to nitpick.

Rexy:Want me to shave her bald?