Page 16 of The Rose and the Hound (Ashes and Roses #2)

This was beyond good news. A real lead! A man had obviously been with my mom at around the time of my conception and was interested enough to ask for a photo.

I crossed my fingers that this would be it.

I had two hours until my Hound arrived. Shit, I should shower.

I took a long shower, taking care to wash my hair and shave everywhere.

I had no intention of doing anything with him.

This game was fun right now and I was enjoying our foreplay, but shaving always made me feel confident and ready.

I blow-dried my hair into waves and put on very natural-looking lipstick and a light dusting of face powder.

I curled my lashes and applied my mascara carefully.

I loved fake eyelashes, but I was trying to be a little bit subtle.

Subtlety obviously wasn’t my strength, but my appearance wasn’t screaming sex.

I put on black knee boots and made my way out to the living room.

If he made a comment on my outfit, I’d tell him that I went out for drinks with my colleagues after work.

There was a knock at my door. It wasn’t a secure building.

It was supposed to be, but people always left a brick at the entrance because the fob reader was so temperamental. I’d let Gloria in a bunch of times.

This was too early for my Hound. I answered the door almost immediately but could only see the back of a delivery man becoming smaller and smaller as he hightailed it to the staircase.

I swear they should put delivery people in the Olympics.

They ring your bell, toss your package, and depart at lightning speed.

I took the package in and opened it. I gasped.

A pair of pretty little panties was wrapped in cellophane.

There was a rose embroidered delicately on the butt.

My Zahra,

Clever girl. I wonder if you’ll wear these for me.

Your Kalb.

I was right! Ace is my Kalb, my dear Hound!

And he was reciprocating. Not only that, but he also initiated the whole thing!

I spoke to him today and he didn’t let on that he knew.

Okay, my darling Kalb, I’ll play along with you.

I wasn’t stupid this time. There would be no naked ambushes.

No begging or screeching. I felt in control.

He wanted me. He started this. Usually, I like to wash panties before wearing them, but I’d make an exception here.

I wriggled out of my panties and put on my new special pair.

They fit perfectly. The man had a good eye!

He was also very committed to stalking. He’d left a sticky note on my door while I was at work, so I came home to a bright yellow reminder of his feelings.

Rose, I know the real you.

He did know the real me. He really did, and he accepted me anyway.

I almost wanted to pinch myself. I had made progress finding my father, and the handsome man helping me was into me!

He was kind and caring, if a bit stalkerish.

But then, I was an actual convicted stalker so who was I to judge?

Besides, I loved his slightly darker side.

His devious, sexy side. I was having fun for the first time in years.

I always felt like I had secrets with Dr. Conti, but I know now he was just listening to mine.

He never offered anything back other than strict professionalism and a listening ear.

But my Hound, he sent me things. He wrote me sweet notes, came to my building when I didn’t know it and left me gifts.

In an effort to play his game and act innocent, I turned on all the lights in my tiny apartment.

I was a tidy person but didn’t want it to look like I’d tried to clean up for him, so I got out a few mugs and left them on the counter.

I didn’t own many books, but I randomly grabbed the few I had and put them on the coffee table.

The bed was made, and it looked a bit welcoming, so I put a washing basket on it.

Perfect. This place was the opposite of seduction.

What if he brought wine? I reached into my cabinet, grabbed the only two wine glasses I owned and shoved them into the dishwasher.

If he wanted wine, we’d use high balls or mugs.

I would not admit to romantic feelings for this man. At least, not yet.

I sprayed my jasmine perfume and paced. I still had 30 minutes until he arrived, and I knew from experience he was always punctual to a ridiculous degree.