Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 37645 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37645 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
I nod, but Casey’s shaking so hard her teeth are chattering.
“He tried to break in,” my mother says. “We held the door, but he almost got inside.”
Armstrong nods grimly. “He’s been on my radar since the incident at graduation. You’re not the only ones he’s bothering.” He takes a notepad from his breast pocket. “Mind if I ask a few questions?”
We answer all the Sheriff’s questions. Casey stays mostly silent except to confirm that yes, she used to date him, and yes, he’s been texting non-stop since she dumped him.
“He’s obsessed with her,” I say, unable to keep the venom out of my voice. “He acts like she owes him something, like she’s property.”
Armstrong scribbles notes, then looks up. “I’ll have my deputies keep an eye on the little shit. In the meantime, stop by the courthouse and file a restraining order.”
“He tried to break down the door,” I point out.
He nods, tired. “Have you told Wyatt about it?” he asks and I realize the Silver Spoon Falls Grapevine has been busy.
“He knows about it.” Mostly, I’ve been downplaying how bad it’s gotten because I didn’t want to drag Wyatt into the situation.
Casey finally speaks, her voice barely above a whisper. “He’s going to hurt someone. I know it.”
Armstrong’s eyes soften, just a little. “We’ll keep an extra unit nearby tonight. If he comes back, call me on my cell.” He tears off the number and hands it to my mom.
He promises to patrol the neighborhood, then leaves us standing on the porch as he pulls away.
That night, I unfold the entire story to Wyatt, revealing the unsettling episode of Stellan's menacing behavior. His anger flares, eyes narrowing like a storm brewing as he processes the threat against us. “Don’t ever keep something like this from me,” he growls, his voice a low rumble that vibrates through the room. His lips trail a fervent path down my body, each kiss igniting a fire on my skin. “It’s my job to keep you and our family safe, and I can’t do that if I don’t know about threats,” he insists, the determination in his voice as solid as steel. As he devours my pussy, I find myself whispering all kinds of promises, my words a passionate pledge to keep him informed, no matter the circumstances.
CHAPTER 11
NAOMI
Two days later, the proverbial shit hits the fan. By the time I pull into the fried chicken restaurant parking lot, I’m panicking. I received a text from Casey a few minutes ago that caused my heart to stop.
Case
pls pick up @ 5
There were zero emojis or exclamation marks, which is the digital equivalent of her whispering for help from the bottom of a well.
Determined to keep my promise to Wyatt, I quickly messaged him about the situation but he might not see it for a little bit. Today, he’s helping the alarm company install an even more advanced security system.
I kill the engine and scan the lot. Three pickups, one battered sedan, and a familiar white-and-black truck with the words “Silver Spoon Falls Ranch” stenciled on the door. My blood pressure ticks up three notches knowing Stellan works for the ranch.
Inside, the place is packed to the gills. Every booth is full of patrons apparently aware that drama is about to go down from the tension hanging heavy in the air. I spot Casey behind the counter, scrubbing down a sticky patch of laminate with something close to violence.
She looks up as I enter, then ducks her head fast, trying to hide her face. It doesn’t work. I already saw her eyes are red and puffy, and the tip of her nose is bright pink. I slide onto a stool and wait for her to say something, anything.
She just shakes her head, chin trembling.
“What happened?” I whisper, low enough that only she can hear.
“Booth three,” she whispers back. “He’s been here since noon. Just… watching.”
My neck prickles. Booth three has the best line of sight to both the front door and the counter. Stellan sits alone, hunched over a takeout cup and untouched plate of fried chicken. His jaw works side to side, like he’s chewing on a grudge instead of the slice of pie that sits untouched in front of him.
“Tell your boss you’re leaving early.” I take charge of the situation.
She shakes her head again, more violently. “I don’t want him to have control over me,” she says, but there’s zero conviction in her voice. “I’ve stayed over here because I’ll punch him in the face if I have to get close to him.”
Not wanting my sister to get fired over the little asshole, I decide to handle it. I send Sheriff Armstrong a text telling him Stellan is at Cluckers. “I’ll take care of him,” I say, pushing off the stool and making my way to booth three before Casey can stop me.