Page 28 of The Chaos She Brings

“His record is twenty-five.”

“Christ,” I mutter, rolling my eyes.

My mild irritation spikes when my least favourite member saunters in like he owns the place. Brad. He’s the kind of guy who oozes self-assuredness, but in a way that’s more cringe than cool. His too-white teeth flash in what I think is meant to be a flirty smile, though it lands somewhere between smug and downright creepy.

“Hey, cutie,” he greets, leaning far too close over the desk.

“Brad,” I say flatly, pursing my lips.

“You still got that boyfriend?”

My stomach flips. Oh crap. What was my story again? Right—he left town. Totally believable. Totally fine.

“Nope,” I say, rolling my eyes playfully, like it’s no big deal. “He moved away.”

Brad’s smirk widens. “Shame. How about I take you to dinner? Help you forget all about him?”

He’s been asking me out since the day I started here four years ago. His persistence would almost be admirable—if it wasn’t so obnoxious.

“That’s going to be a no, Bradley.” I enunciate his full name with a sugary-sweet tone, knowing he hates it.

Sure enough, his frown flickers, but he recovers quickly, his smirk snapping back into place. “I’ll wear you down someday, Tess!” he calls over his shoulder as he heads to the locker room.

Dana shakes her head beside me. “I don’t know how you dealwith him.”

The rest of the day continues uneventfully and by the time I’m ready to pack away I’m glad I came back. My job isn’t amazing, I wouldn’t say I love it in any sense. But I needed to get out of the house. Away from Kai’s intensity.

I started working here for no reason other than I have no idea what else to do with my life and they were hiring. I don’t think I want to use my degree. Not that I’m against it or anything, I love Psychology, but to do anything worthwhile with it requires more school. And that is a big fat no from me.

This job is simple, and for a mediocre receptionist gig, the pay isn’t half bad. It’s not great—obviously—but it’s manageable. I can’t complain too much. I like keeping things easy.

My afternoon shift ends as the sun begins to dip, casting London in a wash of soft pinks and purples.

On my way out of the gym, I feel it—like a weight pressing down on the back of my neck. Something’s not right. I scan my surroundings, half-expecting a figure to step out of the shadows. Instead, my eyes land on a man leaning against the brick wall a few yards down. He’s smoking a cigarette, the glowing tip briefly illuminating his face as he holds my gaze.

My heart skips.

I force myself to look away, but every instinct is screaming at me to move. I take a few quick steps in the opposite direction, my pace picking up as my pulse races. When I risk a quick glance over my shoulder, he’s gone.

Did I imagine him?

I exhale in relief, only to walk straight into something solid.

A wall.

No.

Not a wall.Him.

He’s right in front of me now, his presence suffocating. His smile is cold and sharp, like he’s savouring something he’s about to devour. “Hi, Tessa.” The words slide from his lips like he’s known me forever. His accent is thick—Eastern European maybe.

How the hell does he know my name?

I take a half-step back, attempting to mask the panic creeping up my spine. “What do you want?” I demand, hoping myvoice sounds steadier than I feel.

He cocks his head, the smile on his face not reaching his eyes. “Just wanted to say hi.”

“Who are you?” I stutter, trying to stand my ground as my skin prickles with suspicion.