Once I’m locked inside my house, I look out the window and see Lenny pull away from the curb. I let the curtain fall back to cover the window.
My house is quiet, and I feel a shiver rush up my spine. I’ve never been afraid of living alone, but now I’m getting the heebie jeebies. The house it too quiet. The sun has almost set, so it’s getting dark inside. I flip the light switch on to my left and my foyer lights up, but it doesn’t help. I walk to every room of the house and flick on every light. Only then do I feel marginally better. I kick my heels off in my closet and move next to take off my jewelry.
I want so badly to call Liv and tell her about tonight and get her advice, but she’s away with Tony on their special getaway. There’s no way I’ll interrupt that. It can wait until she gets back.
Walking back to the living room, I pull my phone from my purse that’s on the back of the couch. I take a seat and pull my legs up beside me.
Me: You obviously researched my date. Why in the hell did you let me go out with him if you knew he was a convicted criminal?
I sit and stew as I wait for his reply. I can’t believe he acted so flippant last night when I told him I was going on a date, when he knew all along that the man was convicted for sexual assault and battery. Does he not realize how bad tonight could have been? Or does he just not care that much?
Sterling: Because I didn’t get the report until right before I messaged you. I had to dig deeper. The fucker’s records were locked tight.
That makes me feel a little better, but not much. This night could have ended so much worse than what it did. I am, however, grateful that he did message me as soon as he found out.
Me: What exactly did the guy do anyway? Do you know that too?
I don’t know if he’s privy to that information, but for some reason, I believe he is.
Sterling: He beat and raped his adopted sister multiple times over a week’s time. The parents were out of town and it was his responsibility to watch over her.
I feel sick to my stomach. I drop the phone in my lap and have to bend over at the waist with my head between my legs. The pounding in my head and the distant buzz in my ears says I’m on the verge of passing out. I can’t catch my breath.
Oh my God! I can’t believe I was having dinner with a guy that beat and raped his sister! Not just once, although once is bad enough, but multiple times! I sat right across from him and had a normal conversation with him. He picked me up from my house. I was alone with him in my home and in his car.
Sterling: You were never truly alone with him, Poppy. I wouldn’t have let him hurt you.
A hysterical laugh escapes my lips before I can stop it, then it turns into a strangled sob. I don’t know that Marc would have hurt me, but the thought of it being a possibility is frightening beyond belief.
Me: Because you were following me?
Sterling: Yes.
Me: And how do you know he won’t come after me?
Sterling: There are some things you don’t need to worry about. Just know that he won’t.
My stomach settles a little, so I sit back on the couch, suddenly feeling exhausted. I rest my head against the back of the couch, but bring my phone up when it buzzes again.
Sterling: We can talk more tomorrow. Get some rest.
Although it’s stupid and reckless of me, I have one more request. I’m an idiot for even considering to continue this dangerous game. I have no clue how long he’s been following me or how much he knows about me. I’m exhausted, and I want nothing more than to take a quick shower and crawl into bed. I can’t explain this need to continue this… thing we have going, but the fact remains, I do.
Me: Give me another letter.
Sterling: S. Sleep well, Beautiful.
I close my eyes and drop the phone beside me. AES. There are endless possibilities with those letters. I don’t even know if he’s giving me letters for his first and last name, or just his first. I’m still freaked out about the whole Marc debacle, but I also feel oddly safe. For some reason I believ
e Sterling when he says Marc won’t bother me. I don’t know what he means by it, and I don’t want to think about it too closely.
I get up from the couch and slowly make my way to the bedroom. Shower and bed is my goal, desperately needing to put the wreck of this day behind me.
Chapter Six
Asher
“The problem has been taken care of,” the deep voice says on the other end of the line.