Chapter Eighteen DRAVEN I knew it . He likes me. I squeal to myself after the two of them leave . Smiling and dancing around the condo , I wash up what was left of our failed dinner and then head upstairs wanting to be clean and pristine for my night with Domonic . Even though Im not planning to get naked for him , I need all surfaces of my body smelling like heaven and every inch of me soft as a babys bottom . So naturally , I get into the large jacuzzi tub with bubbles , bath salts , and a fresh new razor . I soak for about thirty minutes before hopping into the shower for a final rinse . Wrapped in a towel in front of the mirror , I smile at my reflection . Im not nearly as haggard as I had been when I first arrived in this wonderful town . Studying my body , I realize something amazing . My bruises are practically gone . How in the world they had faded so quickly , I would never know . Maybe because I havent been stressed ? Or perhaps all the good food Ive been eating ? Exiting the bathroom with a huge smile on my face , I slip on bright red thong and forgo the bra . Then I dress in a pair of lowrider jeans and a tight , vee cut black top . one that dips so low in the front that my nipples are barely hidden by the neckline . Grabbing my phone off the nightstand I hit Domonics contact and traipse down the stairs . Realizing I probably shouldnt disturb his meeting just because I am dressed and ready , I dont make the call . Sometimes I can be so lame , I say to myself , just as the doorbell sounds . Who the hell can that be ? I reach for the deadbolt to unlock it then my hand freezes on the latch . Something inside of me buzzes to life . A sliver of fear slithering up my spine . The hairs on the back of my neck are standing at attention and I suddenly feel extremely alone . Dont panic , just breathe . It cant be Domonic . It cant be one of his friends . Maybe a neighbor ? Or maybe a salesman ? -Margo ? Just answer the door . Raising my eyes to the peephole I peer outside . Theres no one out there . My eyes scan the giant windows , realizing for the first time that the shades are still open . The yard is clear . No one in sight . But something is nagging at me , and I am suddenly terrified . 1/3 Chapter Eighteen I have felt this before . This sensation of fear, of being watched. Someone is out there , and they are watching me . My ears begin ringing as I stare out at the foggy evening beyond the glass . I rip my eyes away and look down at the phone in my hand . Once again , I punch in Domonics contact and this time I hit send . It rings only once . Draven ? Whats wrong ? I Im scared. What ? Someone is here. They rang the doorbell , and I went to answer the door but- Someone rang the doorbell ? Y yes , but I checked and theres nobody out there . This might sound stupid but I- Fuck I should never have left you alone ! Whats wrong ? Says a voice in the background that I dont recognize. be there in two minutes . Do not hang up , do not move. Domonic commands . Okay , I whispers , spinning in a short circle to scan all parts of the yard . Draven , are the shades still open ? I can hear commotion on the other end of the line . Car doors slamming , people scrambling . It sounds like his entire meeting is heading this way. He is driving , I can hear the screech of his tires through the phone . Good , now scan the yard and as slowly and carefully as you can . Take note of anything you see. My eyes are glued to the windows around me. Studying for any kind of movement in the trees or around the yard . The sound of angry sets of tires ripping up the asphalt fills my ears, and I began to breathe easier. But then , a large branch on the opposite side of one wall seems to shake with tremendous weight. As if, someone has jumped from it . As if…someone has been watching from the trees . Just as I hear the sound of engines revving up the street, I whisper , The trees … I think someone was in the trees. Which trees ? Domonic questions as headlights filled the driveway and his Hummer screeches to a halt in front of the condo . But I cant answer him because the room is spinning , the adrenaline from moments ago falling away from my body as he and Bart bust through the front door . * Domonic , I whimper , falling forward just as he reaches me at the foot of the stairs . He cradles me against his chest, lifting me off my feet and carrying me toward the back of the main house . Ive got you , he says, staring down at me with stormy gray eyes. 2/3 Wed, Chapter Eighteen Paul and Rainier are circling the block , Bart says. Timmons and Quinn are scouting the woods . Everyone else is surrounding the outer walls . Check the condo , Domonic commands and Barts concerned face disappears. Domonic punches a code into the panel on his back door and it clicks open so that he can carry me over the threshold and into the warmth of his house . I shouldnt have left you , he hisses , taking a seat on his leather sofa, with me on his lap. This is my fault. Nothing happened , I whisper , my eyes falling shut with fatigue . But Im so tired . Its okay baby . Thats the adrenaline dying off. Did you see anyone? I shake my head no , my eyes closing heavily .. But I think there was someone in the trees. I believe you , he says. Just rest now . Well talk about it when you wake up. I smile as he rocks my body against his chest as if I am a small child . Suddenly I know I am in the safest place I will ever be. That Domonics arms are the only things that can keep me from danger . All clear Domonic , I hear Bart say. Damn it ! Domonic hisses . There were two black sedans with out of state plates down the street when we left. See if theyre still there . If theyre not ? Find them . 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