Falling Deep Into You Trilogy Box Set

by Terra Kelly

  Vikki could tell her friend was lost in thought when she approached, so she lightly tapped on her shoulder. “Hey sweetie, you okay? You have a look I can’t decipher.” She sat down next to Preslie. “Penny for your thoughts?”

  “I'm trying to understand my life and this David shit. Maybe I did something I shouldn’t have or maybe I should have given him a second chance.” She went to say more but Vikki stopped her.

  “Nope, you don’t get to blame yourself. He is sick and needs help.” She leaned forward and grabbed Preslie’s hands. “I love you. You know that, right?”

  Preslie fought back tears. “I love you, too," she said as the first tear rolled down her cheek. “I want to sleep in my own bed. Feel comfortable walking around by myself. Have a moment of peace and solitude that does not include the bathroom.”

  Vikki stood. “Come on love, let’s get you a hot bath and ready for a hot guy.” She grabbed her purse in one hand and reached out her other hand for Preslie to take.

  “Night," Preslie said and waved to Ella. "It's time to get ready for music, dancing, and hot men.”

  Ella laughed. “Have fun you two and sorry I couldn't run you home.”

  “Oh stop, it all worked out!” Preslie looped her arm into Vikki’s. “Ready?”

  “Ready.”

  When they arrived at home, Preslie headed to the bathroom for a few minutes alone to clear her head. She added bath salts and made the water super-hot. The moment she stepped into the tub, it was like calm settled over her body. She forced her mind to stop thinking about David. About thirty minutes later she stepped out of the lukewarm water to dry off. She wrapped the towel around her now chilled body and walked across the hall to her room.

  She was standing at the entrance of her closet when Vikki popped her head in. She was already in a slinky knee length black A-line skirt and a red see-through button down blouse. “Hey sexy, going like that tonight?” She walked in and sat down on the edge of the bed. “You should wear that knee length black dress with the spaghetti straps. I love how it buttons down in the front." She winked. "You will look sexy as hell."

  “I do love that dress and it’s perfect to dance in.” Preslie walked to the back of the closet and grabbed it off the hanger. After putting on a cute pair of thong panties and a matching bra, she shimmied into the dress. Her hair was still dry, so she removed her clip holding her long wavy hair and brushed each strand. She freshened up her make-up and sprayed a little perfume. Turning toward Vikki. “Okay, let’s do this.”

  “You sure you’re ready?” She giggled as she stood up. “The concert could be over by now.”

  “Whatever, hush woman. Let’s go dance our asses off.”

  The Flying Monkey was packed by the time Preslie and Vikki arrived. The stage was so huge it made the place feel like a concert venue. The bar could hold about a thousand people at once and was a bi-level building with seating throughout. Preslie couldn't hear herself think the moment she stepped through the doors. They both agreed in the car ride over they needed a strong drink, so they headed to the bar to order a few cocktails the moment they walked in. They were resting on the edge of the bar laughing about something random when Preslie heard a familiar voice. She glanced over and noticed the cop, Miles was sitting at the other end of the bar with a few guys. Turning back to Vikki. “Want to go say hi?”

  “Hell ya. Did you see who he is with?”

  Preslie shook her head. “Why of course, how could you miss them?”

  Ricky nudged Miles. “Someone can’t take their eyes off you...and I can’t take my eyes off her friend.”

  Miles watched as Preslie and Vikki approached. “Hey, you made it!” He stood and offered his seat. Vikki sat down so she could be closer to the mystery guy. “I’m glad you both came tonight. It looks like it will be a sold-out show."

  “That’s awesome," Preslie said moving her straw around in her drink. "We discovered we went to one of your concerts a few years back.”

  “Yeah, the special concert on the lawn with ten bands?” Vikki said reaching for the pineapple slice sitting on the rim of her glass.

  “Ah yes, the Beat the Heat Summer Concert." Ricky nodded and sat his beer down. "That was a blast.”

  “I remember it," Miles said and grabbed his beer. "The end is still a blur but we don’t need to discuss that part.” He glanced over at Preslie. "Do you both want to grab a drink after the show with us?”

  Preslie turned to Vikki and shrugged. “Sure.”

  “It’s almost show time." Miles clapped his hands together. "See you later for drinks."

  “Who the fuck was that?” David whispered. This was the second time he caught Preslie with that fucker.

  David was wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, and standing in a corner away from everyone. He showed up for the concert the moment he saw her at the hospital talking to another man. It was time to let the bitch know breaking up with him was the wrong choice. He stood, grabbed his drink, and went to stand closer to the stage. He wanted to approach her at the perfect moment. Hopefully Preslie's best friend would leave her alone for about ten minutes, just enough time to set her straight.

  Preslie and Vikki found an open table close to the stage. The guys took a moment to adjust the strings on their guitars. A few minutes later Miles walked forward to the mic. “Hey, how's everyone doing tonight?" The crowd erupted at his question. "That good, eh? Well okay then, let's do this.” The screaming got louder as he looked back at the guys. “One, two, a one, two, three…” Then he started singing. Their music was rock n’ roll to its core.

  Vikki looked over at Preslie. “Holy shit. They're amazing.” She stood to dance.

  Preslie couldn’t take her eyes off Miles. She knew he was married, but still, when he sang her girl parts came alive and screamed for more. She forgot to pay attention to who was near them because she was enjoying the band so much. Well, more like she was enjoying the lead singer of the band.

  Miles was in the zone all night. Except when his eyes strayed over toward Preslie. By the fourth song, he gave up and kept his eyes locked on hers. She moved ever so slightly in her chair and moved her mouth like she knew every word to the songs. Every once in a while she would grab her cocktail and hold it in both hands while swaying back and forth. She had gorgeous long, brown hair he wanted to run his hands through. Her smile almost stopped his heart.

  For the second to last set they all agreed to play the new song, Falling Deep Into You. He couldn’t figure out why this happened but Preslie clouded his thoughts as he sang the song. He loved Angie and always would, but the way she left him was unforgivable. He was already past anger and had gone right straight into letting go.

  Preslie was having such a good time. When the slow song started, her eyes roamed over his body. He was built and his tight worn jeans didn’t hold any secrets back. The shirt he had on was short sleeved and his biceps made the cuffs look too tight. Their eyes met again and it felt as if he was singing the song for her ears only. She paid attention to the lyrics and stopped swaying. Falling Deep Into You, what does that mean? Is this song about him?

  When Miles noticed her stop dancing, he became concerned. Did she hate the song? When he reached the last verse, she showed a hint of a smile. Maybe she liked it. He let his eyes move away from Preslie, the crowd was screaming and holding their lighters in the air. When the band finished the set, they all raised their hands as a thank you and walked back stage. He glanced back one last time and found Preslie watching his every move.

  Ricky slapped Miles on the back. “Great show, man.”

  They entered the green room. Miles sat down on the sectional couch and put his feet up on the coffee table. “So, tell me, you think they liked the new song?”

  “Like? I would say they loved it.” Seth slapped his hand down on Miles’ thigh. “I noticed you couldn’t take your eyes off a certain someone.”

  “Maybe." Miles rolled his eyes. He noticed his body wanted more of her, needed more.

  P
reslie stood up after the band left the stage and stretched a little. She turned to Vikki who was grinning ear to ear. “What?”

  “Oh nothing, I enjoyed the show.” She grabbed her cocktail. “It looks like you did, too.”

  “Whatever. It was fun. They’re fantastic. We should go to more of their shows.” She grabbed her little purse and placed it over her shoulder. “Restroom time.” She looped her arm into Vikki’s and they walked to the bathroom.

  The place was so loud you couldn’t hear yourself think. The girls had been in the restroom for only about five minutes and were heading back to their table when the unthinkable happened. One moment, Vikki was laughing and holding onto Preslie’s arm. The next, her friend just let go. Preslie turned back to see where she was and went ridged. David was standing over Vikki with a knife. She didn’t know what to do and at that moment nobody was around. The opening band had started to play, she realized they were all alone. Fuck.

  “You didn’t think I would approach you when people were around did you? Come on Preslie, you’re smarter than that.” Holding the knife near Vikki’s jugular. “Come on sweetie, come closer. Unless you want to see your friend bleed out?”

  Preslie knew she had no choice. She also knew he wanted to kill her and could feel it in his words. Why though? “David, why are you doing this? I don’t understand?” She walked around Vikki, feeling every part of her body shake.

  The moment she was mere inches from him, he grabbed her wrist and spun her toward him. Her back was against his chest and he moved the knife over her face. “You think you can just leave me like that? I wasn't done with you yet.” He shoved his groin into her backside. “Oh baby, what you do to me. I miss fucking you.”

  Preslie felt sick. She tried to squirm away from his hold. The moment she tried to move away the knife slid down the side of her face. With her harsh movement, he made a long cut from just below her temple all the way past her jaw line. Preslie screamed as the pain shot through her body.

  “Fucking stand still then, this is your fault.” He made a noise in the back of his throat. “You look good in red though. I bet you would be delicious covered in red.” Then he ground into her again, feeling the start of an orgasm. God this was like the perfect high and he wanted more. “Oh my God, how I wish I could be inside you right now.”

  Preslie heard a gasp and David turned to face the person standing behind them. She wanted to scream thank you. Were the Gods on her side today? Miles was standing only a few feet away. She looked right into his eyes, pleading for him to help.

  Miles had about enough of the joking around from the guys. He was heading up front to grab a beer when he stopped dead in his tracks. The look on Preslie’s face scared the shit out of him. He was trained for these moments. Yet seeing someone you were attracted to in a choke hold didn’t make this situation easy. He put his hands up. “Want to talk about this? It looks like she may be bleeding bad. We need to get her some medical attention.”

  “Are you trying to reason with me?" David asked and moved the knife against Preslie's neck. "Fuck that. This bitch deserves to die. She left me.”

  “I’m sorry David.” She was holding onto his arms. “Please. How can I make this right?”

  Just then Vikki came around. She was sitting only a few feet away with her back against the wall. She grabbed her head and glanced over at the commotion. Her eyes caught sight of David and Preslie. “Preslie. Are you okay?” She growled. “You fucker. What’re you doing?”

  “Vikki. Please. Don’t,” Miles said in a low hiss. His eyes went to Preslie. “We need you to stay calm for Preslie, okay?”

  Vikki stood. “It’s okay babe, it’ll be okay.”

  “Will it?” David moved his knife down her body. “I don’t know. You may want to be concerned with bleeding out.” Then out of the blue he stabbed her twice in the abdomen. Dropped the knife and ran.

  Miles was not with his team and he didn’t have a weapon. He crouched down by Preslie. “Stay with us, I'm calling for back up now.” Seth walked out at that moment. “Seth take your shirt off and put pressure on the wounds.” He looked at Vikki. “Take my phone and call 911.” Then he ran out the same way David had just exited.

  Preslie was looking up at Seth. “I don’t understand?” She was feeling light headed and her body felt numb. “Vikki. Where’s Vikki?”

  Vikki leaned down while still on the phone with 911. “I’m here, sweetie. Just stay awake, okay?” She grabbed her hand and squeezed it tight.

  Seth wasn’t for sure what had transpired. “I can hear the ambulance.” He had been wearing two shirts and peeled one off. He was keeping pressure on the wound and ensuring she stayed awake.

  Miles ran back in. “Fuck. He got away.” He bent down. “Preslie, you still with us?”

  She nodded her head. “Here.” She looked up at the ceiling and tried to understand why. Why would David try to kill her? Why didn’t she think about how he might be here tonight? She let the questions roll around in her head. She felt scared, alone, and angry. She turned her head toward Miles and whispered. “I’m sorry.”

  “Preslie, you have nothing to be sorry for, that man does.” He brushed a tear from the side of her face. “Please don’t cry. We will make sure you are protected from here on out.” He looked over at Vikki. “You up for staying the night in the hospital?”

  Vikki nodded. “All week if she needs me. I’m not letting her out of my sight.” She grabbed Preslie’s hand and brought it to her lips. “I’m sorry, babe.”

  Team yellow walked through the building and Miles stood to greet them. “It was the guy on the flyer that did this. I tried to run after him but he got away. We need to get this guy before he tries to hurt Preslie again or someone else.” He rubbed his hands over his head. “Fuck. You should’ve seen him, he had to be high or something.”

  Cooper put his hand on Miles’ shoulder. “We’ll get the son of a bitch. Give us more details of how the suspect was acting?”

  Miles leaned up against a wall. “He had dilated pupils, short labored breaths, and he was shaking.” He looked over at Preslie being taken care of by the paramedic. “He was not joking. This man plans to kill her if given the chance.”

  “We won’t let that happen,” Finley said.

  “I knew something was off," Cooper said with a heavy sigh. "Now I regret letting him go. We need to make sure he doesn’t hurt another woman.” He looked over at Vikki. “Do you think Preslie’s friend can give more insight into this asshole?”

  “They're good friends." Miles shrugged his shoulders. "She should go to the station for a few questions but she may fight you on that. Can you talk to her at the hospital?”

  "Yeah, I'll follow the ambulance to the hospital." Finley turned to leave.

  “I’m sorry for sounding so direct back there," Miles turned and placed his hand on Seth's shoulder and squeezed. "Thank fuck you walked out when you did.”

  “I’m just glad I needed to take a leak when I did. I didn’t see the guy. Is he someone she knows?”

  “Yeah, long story. Some of it I don’t know yet but I plan to figure it out.”

  Vikki thought about when David entered Preslie's life, he seemed like your average guy. She couldn't figure out what Preslie saw in him. She liked men more mysterious, dangerous, and she had always had a thing for cops. David did not fit that MO. Instead, he was nerdy, shy, and awkward. While Preslie and David were dating, she tried to figure out what Preslie saw in him. What was his appeal?

  “Ma’am, do you want to ride with your friend?” The E.M.T. asked.

  “Ye…Yes, please.” She hopped up into the back of the vehicle and glanced back at the cops. She could see Miles standing off to the side rubbing his hands over his bald head.

  “Finley will need to ask you a few questions later.” Miles walked over and rested his hand on the door. “I plan to be there in the next hour, I need to finish up here.” He noticed Vikki's hand was interlocked with Preslie. The paramedics finished loading ever
ything up and made sure Preslie was secure. He nodded to Vikki, closed the back doors, and tapped his hand on the metal surface as an all clear signal to leave.

  Cooper and Erickson were inside the bar grabbing the video footage. They also wanted to check with some of the guests and see if anyone caught anything unusual before the incident. From what Miles could tell, nobody saw a thing. The opening band had just started when everything went down. Somehow the asshole had timed his attack out perfectly. It seemed odd, this David guy did not look too smart. There was no way he was working alone.

  “Erickson just noticed that the video was tampered with, so it looks like we have more than one person we’re looking for now," Cooper said heading over to Miles.

  “I wondered, it didn’t make sense. I knew this couldn’t have been done alone. Well, let’s get his picture posted everywhere. Make sure everyone knows of the seriousness of this situation. I’m afraid he may try to hurt another woman if he can’t have Preslie.”

  His band mates walked over to Miles. “What the fuck?” Ricky asked and shook his head. Miles knew there was a lot of blood on the floor. The area was sectioned off with caution tape and the crime scene was being processed. “Is your friend okay?”

  “I hope so." Miles said and placed his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. "She’s heading to the hospital now. The guy stabbed her twice and made a good cut down the side of her face.”

  “The guy stabbed her twice?" Julian's eyes went wide. "Jesus. Is this an ex or something?” Miles nodded. “Well, now we know why he was an ex.”

  “Yeah, I'm not sure the whole story on this guy, but I'm guessing there’s a good one. Listen, you good if I head on over to the hospital now?” His band mates pushed him toward his SUV.