* * *
Xander made sure he strung out the full hour to the very last second as he took his time exploring every curve, mark and scar across my body. He looked at me like I was someone. Like I was a gorgeous woman that he cherished but he hadn’t realized the effect he’d had on me was mutual. He was so damn addictive. I couldn’t get enough.
I wanted to score every second in my mind ahead of turning up at Victory Studios, using it to keep me calm when Travis spouted his mouth off about the pair of us. Xander and I hadn’t even defined where we stood together outside of last night but if the last hour was anything to go by, then it wouldn’t be the last time I allowed him into my bed or between my thighs. All I knew is that Travis Lumsden would be on the warpath the moment I walked hand in hand on site with Xander but no matter what he said, it wouldn’t halt this connection that was growing between us.
I quickly started to get dressed as Xander sent Barrett a text, probably to update him on the recent developments. Maybe he could get hold of the video footage from the night team and finally discover who was behind these pranks. My gut knew it would be unlikely but I still hoped. Whoever was behind this wasn’t going to allow themselves to be seen on camera and leave themselves open to getting caught this easily without a battle of some sort.
“Ready?” Xander asked me as he opened the car door, bending down to reach for my hand. “I’ve got you. You don’t have to worry. We’re going to catch whoever’s behind this.”
“I’m not worried, Xander,” I snapped as I stepped out of the car. “I want this over with. These stupid games are starting to annoy me.”
“Whatever you think, these aren’t games Charlotte,” Xander stated. “Have you not realized that yet? Someone wants to freak you out, maybe even hurt you and I won’t let that happen.”
“My protector,” I snarked mockingly. Xander opened his mouth to retort back at me but I quickly continued. “Don’t. I know what you’re going to say. Let’s see what this is all about, okay?”
I noticed Travis stood outside the entrance to the main studio filming block next to Barrett. The pair of them must have been informed of our arrival through the security gate as they waited for us to approach.
“You decided to grace us with your presence finally?” Travis asked as we finally stopped in front of him. “I thought Barrett here may have been sent instead.”
“Travis, Xander told you an hour. Give him a break, hey!” I snapped as I headed in the direction of the car park. “We can talk about your disapproval about Xander and I after but first, let’s see what the hell has been going on, shall we?”
“Keep close by my side, kitten.” Xander smirked as he placed his hand on the base of my lower back and walked next to me. “I can’t guarantee that whoever did this is still not around.”
“Seriously, they’ll be long gone by now.” I huffed out loudly.
“She’s right,” Travis agreed. “I haven’t seen a soul about.”
“It doesn’t mean they haven’t got eyes on us though,” Barrett mumbled. “Trust us, we should know.”
The moment we stood outside my normal designated car parking space, having been directed by security to use the alternate parking on arrival, a shiver passed through me. I expected to see twenty-eight bunches of flowers but I didn’t expect this. Twenty-seven perfectly twine wrapped bouquets all scattered together but in the center was the final one—torn, wilted petals were bunched together, covered in a dark red substance. I edged closer slowly as Xander gripped my wrist and grabbed my chin to get me to look at him.
“Charlotte…” he murmured cautiously and I finally clicked what it was in front of me. More blood, but why? “Deep breaths, okay?”
“I’m fine,” I stated firmly but deep inside I was anything but as I spotted the note under the tied stems. “I want to read it.” I pointed at the paper and pulled back my shoulders. “I need to know what it says.”
“Okay, but you’re not doing this alone,” Xander admitted as Travis and Barrett agreed while surrounding me in a protective circle.
I opened up the envelope and began to skim read the words, finally allowing my tears to fall. Xander was right. I was in danger.
I’m back, Charlotte Baxterly.
You thought this was a game? Something I would grow tired of?
Never. Why should I?
Not until I get justice.
Twenty-eight what a poignant number—wouldn’t you agree?
How old are you now Charlotte? Do you even celebrate your birthday?
I wonder if you like what I did to the final bunch of daisies? Maybe it gives you an idea of what I want to do to you?
Stomp you out.
Squash your presence away from the media—from existence.
It would ease my suffering at least.