Blood Kiss (Savage Security Series Book 1) Page 19

  Alisha plopped down in her chair and closed her planning book, setting it on top of the math book. She looked at the mess that was her desk. Piles of papers needed to be graded and filed, writing samples needed to be edited, and art work needed to be hung on the walls. “Look at all of this.” She waved her hand over her desk.

  “Yes, I know. My desk is just as bad,” Cara replied. “Stop procrastinating. Don’t try and change the subject. There’s a story here. I want to hear it.”

  Alisha stared at the phone that refused to chime with the arrival of a text. She was nervous to say too much to Cara since her relationship with Mike was so new. But in all honesty, she wanted to talk to Cara about Mike, and then go home with him to do all kinds of fun things that did not involve school work.

  “So,” Cara said, tilting her head and casually flicking her wrist, “give it up.”

  “I did meet him shopping.”

  “Really?” Cara replied, her voice full of doubt and curiosity. “Don’t tell me. A bookstore,” Cara said flatly. It wouldn’t surprise her if Alisha did pick up a man at a bookstore. There was no shame in that. She just hoped it was in the action/adventure section and not the ‘I’m so boring my diary shredded itself just to get away from me’ section.

  Alisha let out a breath and tilted her head at Cara. “No, not a bookstore,” Alisha replied. “And there’s nothing wrong with meeting a man at the bookstore. Lots of nice guys like to read, especially the smart ones,” she stated as if this was a new concept for Cara who only entered bookstores under duress.

  “So I’ve been told,” Cara replied. “But Mike doesn’t look like he cuddles up with a good book every night. He looks more like he spends his time at the gym or some other macho hangout.” She paused and looked up thoughtfully at the ceiling then shot her gaze back to Alisha. “I can see him shooting darts and downing some serious alcohol in his free time. What do you think?” She cocked her head and narrowed her eyes. She wasn’t leaving until she got the true story.

  “I think that in some bizarre ‘Cara’ world, that was a compliment.” Alisha laughed. “We met at a store, just not at a grocery store or anything that mundane.” She drummed her fingers on her desk. “I met him at a gun store.”

  Cara’s eyebrows rose and her mouth dropped open. She hadn’t expected that. “If gun stores are hiding men like that, I may sign up to be the next Annie Oakley. Hmm,” she paused. “I thought only rednecks hung out at those places.” She chuckled. “He’s way too hot to be a redneck.”

  “Cara,” Alisha sighed, “that’s very narrow minded of you.”

  “I’m tall and skinny,” she shrugged, “I can’t help but have a narrow mind,” Cara teased back. “Don’t be a hater.”

  Alisha rolled her eyes and let out a big breath in exasperation. “I don’t know why I even try with you.

  “You try because you love me.”

  Alisha raised an eyebrow. “No matter how hard you make it.”

  Cara shrugged. “And I love you. But seriously, why were you at a gun store?” Cara asked.

  “You know why.” Alisha picked up the phone and looked at the display. She wanted to hear from Mike again. She wanted to know that he was on his way.

  “Your stalker?” Cara asked. Had Alisha actually turned to guns because of this Neanderthal? “I guess that makes sense.”

  “Yeah,” Alisha nodded. “It got worse this weekend.”

  “How so?” Cara lost her light hearted smile as her eyes filled with concern.

  “He’s jealous of Mike?”

  Cara’s jaw gaped open. “Seriously? How does he even know about the guy? You literally just met him.”

  “The freak is following me. It feels like all the time.” Alisha drummed her nails on the screen of the phone. “He broke into my house.”

  Cara’s stomach twisted. “Alisha, I don’t even know what to say. Did you call the cops?” Her eyes bugged as she stared at Alisha. “Do you need somewhere to stay? You know you can hang with me.” She held her hand over her heart.

  “No,” Alisha shook her head. She knew Cara wouldn’t be able to solve this problem, and after hearing about Mike’s sister and Julia, she didn’t want to drag Cara into the mess. Besides, she figured Mike was her best bet. “Yes, I called the cops, but they can’t really do anything.”

  Cara snorted.

  “I’m staying with Mike.”

  Cara’s eyebrows threatened to rise into her hairline as her eyes bulged and her mouth dropped open. “You’ve already moved in with him?” she said, leaning forward dramatically.

  Alisha rolled her eyes. “Honestly, I wouldn’t be staying with him if it wasn’t for this stalker. But even taking that jerk out of the picture, we’re moving pretty fast.” Alisha couldn’t help but smile. Whenever she thought of Mike, tingles of excitement flit through her.

  “He’s that good, huh? You’re relaxing your ‘rules’ for him.” Cara gave a low chuckle and shook her head from side to side. “You do look as happy as my snake after he scarfed down my brother’s hamster. I swear his beady black eyes twinkled as that tiny bulge made its way through the length of his body.” Cara teased.

  “Ugh, gross!” Alisha scrunched up her face and laughed. She glanced at the phone again, wishing he’d text. “Yeah, he’s pretty awesome. And yeah, my rules have been thrown out the window. Actually, this is the fastest I’ve ever moved with a man, but I’m really comfortable with him. Everything just seems right.”

  “I’m glad you have Mike helping you.” She couldn’t imagine the anxiety plaguing Alisha. What was it like to have fear constantly course through your body? To always know that some crazy person wanted you? “Let me know if you need anything. And I mean anything. You can call me, day or night.”

  “I know.” Alisha nodded and the corner of her mouth turned up.

  Cara stood from leaning on the student’s desk and walked towards Alisha. “Give me a hug,” she said, holding her arms out.

  Alisha stepped into her arms, thankful that they’d been friends since their freshman year of college. Cara had helped her through the death of her parents, and Cara had been her rock during this stalker ordeal. She’d trusted her with the details, but now her trust shifted towards Mike. She knew it was just a matter of time until it would all be over, and she was counting on Mike to pull her through.

  Cara broke the hug and said, “I’m here for you.”

  Alisha smiled. “I know. Thanks.”

  “But I’ve got to ask. Does he have any guy friends?” Cara raised an eyebrow. “The man’s big. He might know of other big men. You know, for a tall girl who struggles to find guys who are at least her height? That one who was walking the halls with him today looked pretty good.”

  Alisha laughed. “That was Jack. Today was the first time I met him.” Alisha looked at her phone again. It mocked her with its silence. “I don’t know his status, but I can look into things for you. But to be honest, this nut job has been my focus.”

  “Of course,” Cara said. “Once psycho is handed over to the police, then we can start on Operation find Cara a man.”

  Alisha laughed. She loved Cara. “It will be my top priority.”

  “Thank you,” Cara said. She walked to the classroom door and turned, “Call me,” she urged.

  “I will. Get back to work,” Alisha ordered with a smile.

  Cara gave her a smile and left, closing the door behind her. Alisha looked at her cell again. Nothing. He was still at the airport. Man, how long did it take to drop a guy off at the airport? Were they hand delivering him to his seat and strapping him in?

  Alisha looked over tomorrow’s plans and realized that she needed to get some books from the library. Since Mike hadn’t left the airport, she knew she could run down to get the books and return to her class before he got there, but she texted him anyway.

  Going to library to get books. Be back in room by 4:25.

  She left off the emoji heart this time. She didn’t want to go overboard with the hearts t
his early in the relationship. He didn’t look like the kind of man who scared easily, but even the bravest of men were frightened by needy, desperate women. She hit send and slipped the phone into her pocket. She hoped she’d hear a quick reply, but knew that if he was with “the man” that he wouldn’t be able to reply.

  As Alisha walked past the front office, Mrs. Hughes called out to her, “Hey, Alisha.” She set the phone back on the cradle. “I was just going to call you. Mr. Parker would like you to stop by his room. He needs to talk to you about some of the Academically Gifted students. I guess a few of your students from last year are now in the nomination process for AG and he needs your input.”

  Alisha sighed. Every year it was the same thing. Third grade students went through the nomination process for Academically and Intellectually Gifted Education. The parents whose children were borderline went to the second grade teacher for support to back their child’s academic ability. Who was it this year? “Okay,” she nodded. “I’m heading that way now. Thanks.” She gave a little wave and called over her shoulder, “Have a good night.”

  Talking with Mr. Parker shouldn’t take too long. She had her phone with her. She could always let Mike know where she was when he texted.

  Alisha pulled open the heavy door that led into the library. It was already dark, and as she entered, the automatic overhead lights flickered on. Ms. Nice, the librarian, left promptly at 4 o’clock each day. There was a school joke about setting your watch to Ms. Nice World Time instead of Greenwich Meen Time. Did Ms. Nice know about the joke? Would she even get the Nice versus Meen part? But really, with a name like that, and a personality as anal as hers, how could they not tease her?

  Alisha walked through the library towards the AG classroom that lay on the periphery of the library. The light was on, so she knocked on the door, “Hi,” she said, peeking into Mr. Parker’s classroom. She took a few steps into the room and sighed. Figures he wouldn’t be here.

  She didn’t want to waste her time looking for him. If he’d asked Mrs. Hughes to call her down here, then he should be here waiting for her, not wandering the halls of the school. Frustrated, she decided to leave him a note. She walked to his desk, grabbed a pen, and found a stack of sticky notes. With the pen in her hand, she started scribbling a note.

  Suddenly a sharp pain pierced her neck and an arm encircled her waist, gripping her tightly. She opened her mouth to scream, but a hand covered it before any noise came out. Her eyes slid closed.

  24

  Mike checked his watch as they escorted their client to the airport’s private terminal. He looked over his shoulder at Jack, who walked behind their client. Jack shrugged and gave him a sympathetic look.

  The traffic on the interstate was backed up due to a bad accident involving a semi. After crawling through traffic to get to an exit, they were finally able to take back roads to get to the airport.

  Their client wasn’t at all worried about catching the plane. That was the nice thing about chartering a flight. The pilot always waited for you. Unfortunately that didn’t help Mike. The school day was over and the kids were getting on the buses. Soon the school would be empty.

  Mike walked faster, hoping his speed would encourage their guest to pick up his pace, but it did no such thing. It only increased the distance between him and the lump of worthlessness he was being paid to protect. Mike wanted to pick the man up, throw him over his shoulder and double-time it. He’d carried heavier men before. He could do it again. But he’d hear about it if he did. Cole would be pissed, and he’d end up unemployed.

  “How much farther,” the man asked without looking up from his phone.

  “We’re almost there. That’s your plane.” Mike pointed across the tarmac to the Cessna sitting outside a hangar.

  The man looked up, pushed his glasses up his nose and said, “Ah, yes. I see it. That’s not the one I flew in on today.” His eyes went back to his phone as he slowly trudged along.

  Mike didn’t care what the man flew in or out on. “Oh, really?” he replied, sounding interested. “Hmm. I guess sometimes they mix it up a little.” He smiled politely at the man whose face was focused on his phone.

  Jack rolled his eyes behind the man. He knew Mike was pissed, but there wasn’t much they could do about it. Social norms demanded that they treat this man with respect regardless of his lack of concern for others.

  They approached the lady waiting at the foot of the stairs. “Hi, Rachel,” Mike said, extending his hand.

  She leaned forward and shook Mike’s hand. “Hi, Mike, Jack.” She greeted them both with a warm smile. “And you must be Mr. Hampton.” Rachel stepped forward and extended her hand to the client.

  Mr. Hampton slipped his phone into his pocket and moistened his lips with a quick lick of his tongue. He liked the look of Rachel. Her blond hair was styled perfectly for her pretty face and her makeup was applied just right. It highlighted her nice features without looking too slutty. He liked that. If the barn needed painting, paint it, but there was no need to get all vampy and trash up the view.

  “Nice to meet you,” Mr. Hampton said, taking her hand in his. He couldn’t help but lick his lips again. It was a nervous tick that presented itself whenever he was around beautiful women.

  Rachel managed to restrain the shiver that threatened to sweep over her body at the man’s clammy touch. She knew by the way he took her hand and kept licking his lips that this was going to be long flight. Although his fingers slipped around her hand, his grip was weak. He didn’t even shake hands like a real man.

  She knew she’d catch him looking at her ass at least five times on this short flight. Hopefully he’d keep his hands to himself. She much preferred flying with the workaholics. They kept their faces buried in their computers and other various technologies that they barely noticed she was there. Those were great flights. This dork was probably going to try to talk to her, let her know how awesome he was as a miserable attempt to impress her.

  “Come with me, Mr. Hampton. We’ll get you seated and back home to your family.” She stepped out of the way, angling her hand up the stairs so that he’d see that she wanted him to go first. She saw no reason to give him a great view of her ass as they climbed the stairs, but he didn’t fall for it.

  “Oh, no,” he replied. At his smile, Rachel felt as if tiny, creepy bugs crawled all over her. “After you.” He licked his lips again and extended his hand towards the stairs. “Ladies first.”

  Asshole. “Thank you,” Rachel replied with a demure smile. Most likely this guy’s tip would suck as much as his manners.

  Jack wanted to body slam the prick against the tarmac and teach him some manners, but he controlled himself. Losing his cool wouldn’t do any of them any good. Besides, Rachel had a black belt in karate and was currently studying krav maga. If the slimy douchebag stepped out of line, she could quickly put his pudgy little body back in place. In fact, he’d pay money to see that.

  Mike barely breathed as they ascended the stairs. He anxiously waited for the jet’s door to close. Then he dashed to the limo.

  25

  Pacey couldn’t believe his luck. The library was empty. He knew Ms. Nice would be gone. The lonely spinster was always gone by four. He imagined that she had twenty or thirty cats roaming around her home, and that was why she kept to such a strict regimen. But when the library was empty of all students and teachers, his heart raced with enthusiasm. Everything was going according to plan. Today was the day he would consummate his relationship with Alisha.

  Pacey hid behind the nonfiction bookcase. As he stood there, he thought it was ironic that the topic of books he stood beside was predators and prey. He chuckled to himself. Of course he didn’t consider himself a predator of Alisha, more of a suitor, but still, an analogy could be made. She was his desired, and he would capture her heart.

  As Alisha walked to his desk, he slithered around the bookcase and slipped the needle out of his pocket. His blood pulsed, swooshing through his ears. His excit
ement built, and he felt it tenting in his pants. He was ready for anything. He knew she would be surprised if she turned and saw him, but he was prepared for that. He could move quickly if he needed to.

  He silently crossed the room, her back to him as she scribbled something on a sticky note. He closed the distance between them. Her sweet perfume floated in the air. He took a deep breath and let the wonderful fragrance wash over him. Then he plunged the needle into her neck and slipped his arm around her waist.

  Her body tensed under his arm as she tried to fight him, but the drug worked too quickly. He congratulated himself on choosing correctly. He didn’t want to kill her, but he needed her compliant quickly.

  Her lax body was heavy in his arms. He laid her gently on the floor beside his desk. Her head fell to the side, and he placed a finger on her pulse. The steady beat calmed his nerves. “Sleep now, my precious,” he whispered. He kissed his finger and placed the kiss upon her lips.

  He needed to act fast. There was no telling how long the library would remain empty. He closed his classroom door to ensure a little privacy in case someone wandered into the library. He hated that someone could peek through the little glass window in the door, but for now that didn’t matter. No one was there to interrupt him.

  He dug into his school bag and pulled out a zip tie. Kneeling over Alisha, he cuffed her wrists. Sliding his hands under her arms, he dragged her body to the other side of his desk. This would shield her from the view of someone peeking in through the door window.

  He chuckled at his luck in being assigned this classroom. Originally he’d complained and felt underappreciated. He didn’t want to be adjacent to the library. He was a real teacher, and he deserved a real classroom, not some tiny room off the library where he’d have to listen to the noise of students filtering through the library all day. But now, now that he needed an outside door, he was thankful to be adjacent to the library. For someone needing privacy and a door to the outside, this room was top notch.