Protecting Her - Alexis Noelle Page 0,40

shouldn’t have just dismissed her the way I did but I was fighting to keep what little control of myself I had. If I would have looked at her and saw the panic and fear, I would have lost it. I feel like I failed her yesterday. When Ryan came back to see me, I breathed a sigh of relief. I knew Sam had gotten in touch with one of the guys or Jules. I also knew they wouldn’t just leave her to be an easy target.

I stand up, willing myself to go upstairs and to see her. When I open the door to the guest room, she is under the covers sleeping. She looks like an angel. I walk over to the bed, trying my best not to wake her. I quietly undress before slipping under the covers next to her. My arms wrap around her, pulling her body against mine. I close my eyes, enjoying the feel of her pressed against me. I still can’t believe that she wants me. That she thinks I’m good enough for her.

“Hunter?” Her sleepy voice whispers in shock.

“Hey, cupcake, I’m back.” She turns to face me, a smile gracing her beautiful face. “I’m so sorry for yesterday. For losing my temper, for taking it out on you.”

“I didn’t know what I did that made you mad. I didn’t know what you wanted me to do.”

My hand strokes her face. “I know. You didn’t do anything baby. I was pissed at myself for playing into his hands. I couldn’t face you.”

“What happened? Did the detective charge you?” Her face is full of worry and I can see the love shining through her eyes.

“No, he isn’t charging me. Apparently, they can hold you for twenty four hours without charging you and the asshole took full advantage of that.” It pisses me off that I had to spend the night in there just for Marks to show some level of superiority.

She kisses me and I pull her closer to me. “I was so scared. I didn’t have anyone’s phone number. Luckily, I remembered where this house was and I had Joe bring me here. I hope I wasn’t a bother to Brian or Jules.”

“No, trust me Jules loved having you here.”

She smiles. “I really liked spending time with her. Your friends have all so readily accepted me. I haven’t had anyone close to me in such a long time. Thank you.”

“What are you thanking me for?” Her arms move up to wrap around my neck.

“Thank you for introducing me to your friends. Thank you for all the times you made me laugh when I wanted to cry. Thank you for making me feel like I’m not alone.” I take in what she says, knowing what I want my reply to be but trying to work up the nerve to say it.

“I love you, Samantha Baker.” I am so full of nerves. My hands are shaking like a little bitch as I open myself up to her after I swore I would never let anyone in again.

The shock on her face is evident; she never expected those words from me, at least not right now. “I love you, Hunter Stone.”

She kisses me once again and I try to let go of all the fear and paranoia.

I just passed the point of no return.

Now that I have her.

Now that I love her.

I will die before anyone takes her from me.

Chapter Twenty

Samantha

It’s been a week since Hunter told me he loved me and I still get chills every time he says it. Detective Marks decided not to press charges against Hunter, thank God.

My stalker is still around. I received another note yesterday. With each one I am getting more and more nervous. The police have no leads at all, which is even scarier. I thought by now they would have at least found some DNA on the notes or the flowers. I feel like a sitting duck. The only solace I have is Hunter. He makes me feel like everything isn’t falling apart around me.

He doesn’t trust Detective Marks at all and has been trying to make Ryan look into the case. Sometimes I see a fleeting look of panic pass his face and it scares me even more. Today is my day off and we are spending it together. A part of me wants to mention to him what today is but I don’t know how to bring it up.

Hey Hunter, today is my birthday!

So you know