“Yeah. I think she’s perfect.”Dennis’fingers gently brushed my thigh. I shoved them off.
“Hands off.” I slammed my glass on the bar and stood.“And stop stalking me.”
He chuckled and wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me back down.“But we have so much to discuss.”
“Do you really know this guy?” I asked Sean. He seemed too normal to be friends with a psychopath. But then he smiled with teeth for the first time and I saw a definite pair of fangs. So he was one, too.
“Yup. He’s one too.”
“Stop reading my fucking mind.”
Sean laughed and leaned forward.“Do you have to be so vulgar?” His tone was playful and the cute smile was back.
“I don’thaveto do anything.” I realized Dennis’arm was still around my waist and pushed it off.“Can you close my tab? Please.”
“Sure thing.”
“Thanks.” I waited impatiently for Sean to close me out, doing my best to avoid looking anywhere near Dennis. I was tempted to leave my card here and just order a new one.
“Here you go.” Sean set my card and its accompanying receipt on the counter.
I filled it out and signed before dropping the pen. “I’m leaving.”
“I’ll go with you,” Dennis said, standing to follow.
“Please don’t.” I brushed past and strode out of the bar, ignoring the few men who tried to catch my attention.
“Wait up.”
Of course, he was following me. I squished between two girls talking in the middle of the entrance. One called out an insult but I didn’t bother to apologize or pausefor a confrontation.
“You’re back,” the same guy from before said. He was still beside Tuffy, leaning against his motorcycle and talking to some friends.
“That I am.” I was about to unlock my car when my keys were swiftly taken.“What?” I snapped, glaring at Dennis.
“Give me ten minutes and I’ll leave you alone.”
“For how long?”
“A few hours.”
“No.” I snatched the keys back and got in, slamming the door.
“I’ll be there when you get home.” The dangerous undertone in his voice was back.
“I don’t give a flying fuck if you’re there or not,” I said through the closed window. “Move before I hit you.”
He could clearly hear despite the glass, but he didn’t move an inch. I started the engine and revved it, staring him down. He moved in front of my car like he knew I wouldn’t do a damn thing.
It was the opposite, actually. He clearly didn’t know me at all.
I put on a burst of speed that missed his foot by a fraction of an inch. That was an accident; I’d been aiming to hit him. I maneuvered a tight turn and tore through the lot. His borderline giggle was echoing. Whether it was in my mind or not, I was determined to leave him far behind. I arrived home a few minutes later and cautiously walked through the house, flicking on every light along the way.
“Dennis, I’m home,” I called, staying alert while climbing the stairs. If he was here, I’d have my knife ready this time. Or so I thought—I froze in my bedroom doorway.
“You called?” He was perched atop the window seat with a blood red lighter in hand. The flame burst up and danced across his thumb. He didn’t flinch, didn’t even seem to feel it. Myeyesrose to see him watching me.
“No.” I bent to unlace my boots, keeping my eyes on him.“I wasn’t seriously telling you I’m home. I was being sarcastic.” I kicked off my shoes and climbed on the bed. My gaze fell back to the lighter.“Doesn’t that hurt?”
