Even if the attraction was mutual, Fallon had bigger things to deal with than some guy who was a jerk to her. She had real-life problems and, even if she wasn’t being stalked by some lunatic, she was still moving to a new town, trying to get a job, and find some place to live. That was a lot to take on even without the fear factor.
I meant what I told her in that I couldn’t understand how someone could stalk her for so many years and not make himself known, because there’s no way I’d be able to stay hidden if I was fixated on her. That’s why I had doubted her story at first. Hell, I still couldn’t fully grasp her situation, but I realized I wanted to. I wanted to help, and I also wanted to phase Karla out. If Fallon felt comfortable calling me, then that was one step closer to keeping Karla safe and away from whoever was tormenting Fallon.
Now while I didn’t have any problems with strong, independent, ball-busting women, I took my role as a man seriously. And with that, came the need to protect the fairer sex if I could. I had no doubt Karla and Fallon could probably take on the threat together, but the thought sent unpleasant tingles down my spine. Trevor would never be the same if anything happened to Karla.
And then, an idea started forming in my head. And while completely ridiculous, it was worth a shot. All these years, he’s been after a single woman living a scared, solitary life, but what if she had a boyfriend? What if she was living with someone? Would he still come after her? Would he still be so bold?
I made a mental note to ask Karla if Fallon’s ever had a boyfriend since the stalking had begun, just to get a better picture of what we’re dealing with. Sure, there’s no way Fallon would move in with me or pretend to be my girlfriend, but that wasn’t going to deter me. If she were willing to go along with Karla’s plan to put herself at my financial mercy, surely, she could see the value in a compromise of sorts, right? Granted, Karla’s plan was all before I treated her like shit and she hated me, but it wouldn’t hurt to offer up my plan.
I mean, the worse she could do is tell me to fuck off, and she’s already done that, so I was thick-skinned there. Right now, guilt and attraction were a lethal combination working to devise a plan that would help us both. Fallon from her stalker and me from losing my goddamn mind with worry and guilt.
Chapter 13
Fallon~
He must do drugs.
That can be the only explanation for why I’m at Karla’s listening to Xander Raynes and his insane idea.
I mean, I thought he might be a little touched in the head when he showed up at my motel room the other night, but this?
This was proof he was doing drugs.
There was a heartbeat of silence before I turned to Trevor and said, “I know Brant is small, but surely there are drug rehab programs available through the church or something to help Xander, Trevor. Because your friend is obviously on some heavy shit.”
Trevor full-out laughed, while Karla chuckled softly. Xander grunted, not appreciating how I was trying to get him some help. I mean, I didn’t care for the man, but that didn’t mean I didn’t have compassion for people with drug problems. Not all drug abusers were bad people. Some were good people just making bad choices.
Across the table, Xander leaned forward with his elbows propped up and his hands clasped together. A bit white-knuckled, I might add. “I don’t do drugs, Fallon,” he gritted out, clearly insulted.
“I beg to differ,” I argued. “You must, Xander. That’s the only reason why you would voice this ridiculous idea.”
His amber orbs narrowed a bit. “Why is it ridiculous? Karla pretty much confirmed that you’ve lived alone all these years since this all started. Who’s to say my idea doesn’t work?”
I cocked my head as my brows drew downward. As if addressing an idiot, I replied, “It’s ridiculous because I can barely stand to talk to you much less live in the same goddamn house as you.”
“You’re willing to shoot down a good idea just because you’re still mad?” he asked.
“I’m not mad at you, Xander. I don’tlikeyou,” I clarified. “There is a difference, you know.” While I was woman enough to admit the attraction, that still didn’t mean I liked the man. It just meant that he was hot as hell and looked like he knew what to do with a woman once he got her in his bed.
He seemed unaffected by my declaration. “So then, this gives me a chance to change your mind about me while keeping you safe.”
“And what about your safety? What if this guy comes after you?” The second those words flew out of my mouth, I knew Xander Raynes was a man’s man. His entire demeanor shifted into alpha mode and the look on his face was positively feral.
“Let’s get something straight here, Fallon,” he growled-I mean,growled. “I can take care of myself. I can protect myself just fine. And I sure as hell can protect you if it comes down to it. I wouldn’t be suggesting you live with me if I didn’t think I could.”
Okay.
Well.
Time to incorporate some common sense into this insane scheme. “Xander, you don’t know me,” I pointed out. “You know nothing about me. It’s crazy to allow someone you don’t know to invade your space.” Having lived with the violation of someone coming into my home whenever they felt like it, my respect for people’s private space was extreme.
Then he hit me with something I wasn’t expecting. “Just like you were willing to hand over everything you own to me on the word of Karla’s trust for me, I’m willing to trust you on her word as well.”
The thud in my chest was real. Xander seemed as if he was trying, but that first impression was too hard to shake off. “And what if I leave the milk out? What if I don’t put the cap back on the toothpaste? What if I let my laundry pile up? There are more issues here other than me making off with all your valuables.”
“I’m not a big fan of milk. You’ll have your own bathroom. And I’ll be happy to do your laundry.” The last part was said with the smoothness of silk and a positively rakish look in his eyes.
“My own bathroom?” Not saying I was going to go along with this idiotic plan, but my own bathroom was a selling point.
