She shook her head. “No, I always close and lock all the windows and doors when I leave. It’s a ritual for me, has been for years. I know I didn’t leave any open.”
Muerto tried the windows in the living room, kitchen, studio, and bathroom while Raven tagged along. When they got to her bedroom, he went over to the large window and pulled on it. It flew open. “Seems like you forgot to lock this one. That’s probably how the guy got in.”
Shaking her head, she muttered, “No. There’s no way that window was open. I distinctly remember double-checking to make sure all windows were locked and secured. I absolutely did not leave that window unlocked. Who else has a key to my place besides you?”
His smile told her he was placating her. “Only the management company. They have a key to all my places. They have to in case of an emergency and I’m not around.”
With her arms crossed, she looked pointedly at him. “I’m telling you that Idid notleave a window unlocked. Someone came in here with a key.”
Muerto came over and hugged her. “Okay.”
Shrugging him off, she shook her head, her face muscles tense. “Don’t patronize me. I know what I did. Can someone get in here without a key?”
“I’m not patronizing you. I’m only saying that sometimes we make mistakes. And yeah, someone can get in here without a key, but the lock isn’t pried open and you said the deadbolt was set. A bump key can open most locks, but I doubt someone would use it to come in and leave you a rose. Has anything been stolen?”
“No. Have any of your other tenants had a similar problem?”
“Nope.”
“Do you think Walter would do something like this?”
“Walter? I don’t think so. Anyway, I talked to him after you told me that he was bothering you. He didn’t realize he was giving you the creeps. Has he kept away from you lately?”
“So that’s why I’ve been able to garden in peace. I just thought he’d gotten a job or something. It’s been nice. But he was staring at me while I was waiting for you. He had a real odd look on his face. I couldn’t figure out what he was thinking.” She shivered.
“He obviously finds you attractive. I’m sure you’ve had your share of creepy guys staring at you. To be honest, he looks like he’s out of shape. If he came in through that window, you’d see it. I bet it was the same teenagers who left the roses on your mat a few weeks ago. They’re just trying to mess with you. I’ll see what punks are living around here and have a talk with them.”
“We never established that the first incident with the roses was the work of the teenagers. You’re just assuming it is,” she said softly.
“You gotta admit it’s a pretty lame thing to do. This shit has ‘punks’ written all over it. You want me to put in an alarm?”
Rubbing the back of her neck, she sighed. “No. I’m mostly here, and now that you’re spending the night with me, I feel safe.”
A few hours later, as they sat on the small patio in the backyard watching the sun set, she took a gulp of red wine while Muerto finished the last morsel of the steak he’d grilled. As he talked about motorcycles, her mind drifted back to the wilted rose in the puddle of blood.IknowI locked the bedroom window.A dark sense of foreboding grabbed hold of her and choked her until she dropped the wineglass on the cement, the shattering glass mimicking her nerves.
“I’m sorry. Let me get the broom.” She leapt up and retrieved a dustpan and broom from the closet off the kitchen. While she swept, Muerto received a call from one of his brothers. He excused himself and went inside. As she threw the last glass shards into the trash, goose bumps pricked her skin despite the warmth of the evening air.What did the rose in blood mean? Is it a warning?For the past couple of weeks, a suspicion had niggled at the back of Raven’s mind that someone had been watching her. She hadn’t seen anyone, but shefeltit like a frosty breath on the back of her neck.
“Did you get all the glass?” Muerto asked as he came out with another glass of red wine in his hand.
“Pretty much. Everything okay at the clubhouse?”
He laughed. “Yeah. Brutus wanted to know if you were up to playing a game of pool with him. I told him that shit was a one-nighter only.” He shook his head, laughter in his chest.
“I think it’s best if I retire my cue stick.” She forced a smile.
“Come here, babe.” He stretched out his arm and she took his hand as he got up from the chair. He yanked her to him, settling her down on his lap and pressing her head on his shoulder. Stroking her hair, he said in a low voice, “Don’t let what happened today get you down. I’m with you, and I’m sure as fuck not going to let anything happen to you. You’re special to me.” He kissed the top of her head.
They held each other until the mosquitoes started feasting too much on her exposed arms. Laughing, she jumped up and pretended to help him to his feet. Carrying the dishes inside, she felt closer to Muerto than she had to any man.
After loading the dishwasher, they settled on the couch and watched a thriller. It wasn’t exactly the best choice, but her man was with her, so she felt invincible for the moment. She was exhausted, so after she checked all the doors—Muerto followed behind her double-checking—they went into the bedroom. Soon they were tangled in the sheets, Raven grinding her rounded ass against his chest and his belly. Then she mounted him and rocked back and forth until they both fell back, exhausted and sated.
A sound woke her up. She looked over at Muerto, but he slept peacefully.If it was something to worry about, surely his instincts would wake him up. After all, he’s tuned in for danger.
But then there it was again, like a light rustling coming from across the street. She’d opened the window after their amazing lovemaking to cool them down and they’d fallen asleep. Again.
There isn’t a wind tonight.
She rolled out of Muerto’s embrace and crept to the window. Looking out, she stared at the trees across the street.Wait. What’s that? Is that a person? Oh fuck!Her eyes flew to Muerto. He still slept. Rubbing her eyes, she focused her attention back to the window.
Is there something… someone out there? Can he see me?She jumped away and plastered herself against the wall next to the window. Furtively, she peeked out. In the night, the trees looked like men crouching down and staring at her. The minutes ticked into an hour.This is insane. I’m letting my imagination get the best of me. I must be seeing things.She shut the window and closed the curtain, then headed back to bed. Snuggling against Muerto, she closed her eyes and tried to sleep, his arm wrapped around her, cocooning her in his warmth and protection. As she began to drift to sleep, a car engine pierced the quiet. Before her foggy brain could make sense of it, sleep finally came.
