Deadly Obsession

by J. Lea

  “Better your career than your life.” The expression on his face is serious and I see he won’t budge.

  “Fine!” I exclaim. “Bella can’t go with me, I’ll be without my phone… Why don’t you just stick me in some dungeon?” I hiss, throwing my arms in the air, then burying them in my hair. Damn you, Leo, for turning my life upside down!

  “Bella’s going to be safe with Max. You don’t have to worry about her.”

  I have no doubt she’ll be treated like a spoiled princess. Emmy will be jumping with joy when she finds out she’ll be taking care of my cat, but this doesn’t mean I won’t miss my Bella.

  Jude reaches for my suitcase, lying by my feet, but I quickly snap it out of his grasp. “I can carry that myself, thank you very much.” I pierce him with my glare. I don’t understand my feelings at the moment; I know I shouldn’t act like this toward a person who’s just looking out for me, but I’m so angry at everything I can’t help myself.

  Jude holds his hands in the air in defeat. “Okay, then.” He shakes his head. “I was just trying to help.”

  After we drop Bella off at my brother’s house and I say goodbye to everyone, Jude and I drive off to find an inconspicuous motel to lay low for a while. Just the thought of spending a night in the same room with him is making me squirm in my seat. And, to make things worse, I start melting every time he smiles at me, and his smoky voice is anything but annoying. I don’t have time for a silly infatuation. I’m certainly not looking forward to the following days.

  Two hours go by when we finally stop at some old motel by the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, named Indigo Inn. I guess at some point in the past all the letters of the sign were illuminated, but now only two are blinking on and off: N and O. Only one other car besides our own is parked in the parking lot of the motel. The whole place is giving me the creeps. While I’m waiting for Jude to return with the keys of our room, I’m switching radio stations to occupy myself so I won’t think about the events of the past week. What the hell was Leo thinking, putting that camera in my room? A knock on the window on my side of the car makes me jump up in my seat. I look up to see Jude smiling at me apologetically, a set of keys dangling off his finger.

  The first thing I’m welcomed by, when we enter the room, is the musty smell. Grimacing, I put my suitcase down and take a look around. Old-fashioned wallpaper is starting to peel from the walls, off to the side there is a beat-up coffee table next to a very uncomfortable-looking ancient couch, and there’s an older version of a TV on the cabinet by the front door. In the middle of the room, there’s a queen-sized bed with a floral bedspread.

  “Can’t we go somewhere else?”

  “What, it doesn’t meet your standards?” Jude teases me.

  “Oh, shut up. I just don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night with a cockroach running across my face,” I protest.

  “It’s not that bad. At least we have a TV,” Jude grins.

  I suddenly freeze. “Why is there only one bed? You asked for double beds, right?”

  No way in hell am I sharing a bed with him. I could manage sleeping in the same room with him, but in the same bed, next to him, when it’s already so hard to remain unaffected? It’s too much for my hormone-riddled body. I wouldn’t trust myself not to jump his bones. Nope, no. Not gonna happen.

  “They only have queen beds,” Jude shrugs, and drops his bag on the floor next to the bed.

  “Well, we’re not sleeping together.” I stubbornly cross my arms on my chest.

  “You don’t exactly have other options, Princess.”

  “Stop calling me that!” Jerk.

  “Well, stop acting like one. Look, we’re both grown-ups. The bed is big enough for both of us. Besides, we’ve already shared a bed, in a much more intimate way, remember?” he smirks.

  No, I don’t need a reminder. Lately, the only thing on my mind besides Leo has been that damned night. And I don’t know which one is worse.

  Jude plops on the bed, the mattress dipping under his weight.

  “What are you doing?” I raise my brow.

  He’s gotten pretty comfortable on that thing. “We’ve had a long day. I think we should get some rest.”

  “No,” I shake my head. “I told you, we’re not sharing the bed. If you were a gentleman, you’d take the couch and let me sleep on the bed.”

  “Who said I was a gentleman?” He puts his hands under his head, grinning. I let out a frustrated sigh.

  “Fine!” I jerkily grab a pillow and a blanket and throw them on the dusty couch. He can have the bed. I rummage through my suitcase to find my toothbrush and go into the bathroom to get away from Jude for a while to try to calm myself.

  Eight

  Jude

  Lying in bed with one hand under my head and holding a remote control in the other, I flick through the TV channels. Nothing interesting catches my eye, but I find something to keep me distracted while I wait for April to finish in the bathroom. While she’s been in there, I called my brother Cole to ask him to stop by April’s house with Jessie to search it for bugs. When did Leo set up the camera? Has he been spying on April as far back as when they were still together, or has he done it afterwards, to still have some sort of control over her? Or did someone else do it? It’s buggin’ the hell out of me.

  April stormed into the bathroom, pissed as hell. I don’t know why she’s so stubborn. The bed is big enough to fit both of us, but, no, she refuses to sleep next to me. For heaven’s sake, we’re adults. But if she wants it that way, she can have it.

  I’m suddenly catapulted out of the bed by screeching sounds coming from the bathroom. April sounds like she’s been torn to pieces. I’m in the bathroom the next instant.

  “What’s wrong?” I exclaim as I feverishly look around for potential danger. She is standing across the shower, holding a hair brush in front of her as a shield, and she looks like she’s about to charge into battle. She points the brush to the shower and I carefully pull open the curtains, ready for anything. When my eyes take in the empty stall, I turn to April. “I don’t see anything.”

  “Take a better look. In the corner up there,” she grimaces, shivering.

  I squint my eyes and inspect the stall more carefully, and finally, I see a small, tiny spider, climbing up the wall. “You’re kidding me, right? You’re panicking because of this little fella?”

  She pierces me with a nasty glare. “Little fella? It’s huge! Look at his legs. It was looking at me like it wanted to eat me, when all I wanted was to clean the stall and the rest of this so- called bathroom! It’s filthy!” She shudders. “Can you remove it? Ugh, I hate spiders.”

  “He’s not gonna hurt you. I bet he’s more scared of you than you are of him.”

  “I couldn’t care less. Take it out! I don’t care what you do with it. Just take him out of my sight. Yuck!”

  “As you wish, Princess,” I say with a little bow, and remove the poor insect from the shower.

  “Stop calling me that!”

  I chuckle at her outburst and walk out of the bathroom. When I set the spider free from April, I make some more calls. A quarter of an hour later I hear the bathroom door opening and April’s head finally pokes out.

  “Um, Jude…” she says hesitantly. “Could you get me my pajamas from the suitcase?”

  I sit up on the bed. “Sure.”

  “It’s blue with minions on it.”

  I kneel in front of her suitcase rummaging through the contents, but I can’t find it. “It’s not here,” I call out. “Are you sure you packed it?”

  “Yes! Check again.” I hear impatience in her voice. “Please, hurry. I’m freezing.”

  “It’s not here,” I repeat. “Wait a second…” What do we have here? I smile wide. I didn’t expect that in there.

  “Did you find it?” she asks. “Finally. Just throw it here.”

  “Not the pajamas, but I found something way more interesting.” I pull a giant pink vibrator out and wav
e it at April. I see her eyes widen in shock, her cheeks turning red as a beet. Wrapped only in a tiny towel, she runs to me and pulls it out of my hand. “Give it to me!”

  I’m still grinning like a fool. “Seriously? You forgot to pack your PJs, but you brought Mr. Trembler here?”

  “Oh, shut up!” she exclaims and punches my arm, bright red and clearly embarrassed. She doesn’t look at me when she asks, “Can I borrow one of your T-shirts to sleep in, please?”

  “Sure. And you have nothing to be embarrassed about. You’re a young woman with healthy needs. We all have needs,” I smile widely. And I remember clearly how greedy she was in bed, how insatiable.

  “I’m not embarrassed.” She turns around to face me. “If guys knew how to use their tools, I wouldn’t have to bring him with me everywhere I go.”

  I walk over until I’m standing right in front of her, a T-shirt clutched in my hand. “I didn’t hear you complaining when you were with me, Princess,” I whisper. “If I recall correctly, you told me I was the best you ever had. You even called me a god.” I hear her sharp intake of breath. Did she think I forgot that? I remember everything, vividly – what sounds she made when I was nestled between her thighs, what she tasted like, how badly she wanted me. Our gazes meet and April flinches ever so slightly before she straightens up.

  “Did I?” She smirks. “I have no idea, I must have forgotten. I guess it wasn’t as good as you claim it was. That’s why I stick to my Vinnie. At least he knows what he’s doing. Besides, I don’t need to pretend I come when he’s getting me off.”

  “Vinnie?” I burst out laughing. “You gave it a name?” She shrugs and I’m wheezing with laughter.

  “I think it’s a cute name.”

  “You know what, Princess,” I take another step closer so our bodies touch from shoulder to toes; I want her to hear me clearly. “I’d like nothing more than to joggle your memory, but unfortunately for you, I don’t get involved with my clients or take seconds.”

  We’re standing so close to each other I feel her shocked exhale of breath on my throat. She finally realizes how close we’re actually standing and takes a step back.

  “And, unfortunately for you, I don’t hook up with assholes like you.” She’s trying to stare me down. “Well, not anymore.”

  I can’t focus on the words she’s sputtering when she’s standing there wrapped in a tiny towel that’s doing a really poor job containing her full breasts. I feel like I’ve been hard ever since I saw her standing in the middle of Max’s kitchen, but finding her vibrator has only made things worse; I can’t help but picture her spread out on a bed, holding the pink vibrator to the sweet spot between her legs. I lick my lips.

  “But I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to take Vinnie for a joyride in front of me,” I wink.

  April has just put the T-shirt on, and when she has the soft material over her thighs, she reaches under, pulls the towel off and throws it into my face. Her mouth falls open. “Dream on!”

  “Oh, I’ll definitely dream about it,” I wink. Looking her straight in the eyes, I bring the towel to my face and inhale her scent. She rolls her eyes and turns away.

  April

  I’m such a fool! How could I have forgotten I brought Vinnie with me? I didn’t know how long I’d be away from home, and because I have needs like every healthy woman does, I threw it in my suitcase. I never thought Jude would find it. Dear God, and that hungry look on his face when he had it in his hand, no doubt imagining me using the vibrator on myself. No way in hell is he ever going to watch me use it, but if he wants to fantasize about it he can feel free to do so.

  Jude’s in the bathroom, taking a shower. As I’m sitting on the bed listening to the shower running, I imagine what it looks like when water’s cascading down his naked, muscled body and I want to lick every single water drop on his skin when he steps out of the shower. I’m so hot and bothered I could really use some quality time with my battery-operated friend. If only we had separate rooms…The sight of Jude in the bathroom doorway interrupts my naughty thoughts and, as if I wasn’t aroused enough, he’s wearing nothing but boxer briefs, hugging his form like second skin. He’s busy drying his hair with a towel, so I take the chance to feast my eyes. A few droplets of water slide down his neck, down his chest to the elastic band of his boxers, disappearing under them. I swallow, hard. His body is a work of art: all muscles and hard ridges. I desperately want to run my hands down his sculpted stomach. And lower. Way lower. My eyes follow the movement of his arms, biceps expanding and contracting. It’s quite a sight for my hungry eyes.

  “Close your mouth. The bed’s gonna be dripping wet… with saliva,” I’m awoken from a trans by Jude’s deep, throaty voice. His gaze is penetrating me and he’s grinning from ear to ear.

  “I wasn’t … I mean … Oh, don’t flatter yourself so much.” When have I turned into an open book? I try to act as unaffected and indifferent as possible while switching channels. “I’ve seen better,” I shrug. Eat that, egocentric bastard. Jude’s grin doesn’t falter and he reaches for his T-shirt to pull it over his sin-worthy chest. The temperature in the room instantly drops a few degrees, and finally I can take a breath. Damn you, hormones, for betraying me.

  “Liar,” he smiles.

  “Whatever. I can’t wait to be able to go back home, hopefully without you glued to my side.” Changing the topic, I grip the remote control firmly so I won’t start touching his skin.

  “You say that like you’re having such a horrible time with me. I’m not that bad.” He feigns hurt feelings, but his eyes are lit with laughter.

  I snort. “Says you.”

  “Really? So, what is it with me that bothers you so much?” he raises an eyebrow in challenge.

  “You need to ask? You’re like an annoying little mosquito.”

  “If we’re being honest, you’re not exactly a sweetheart yourself. If I didn’t commit to my tasks so thoroughly, I’d have walked away ages ago.”

  “No one’s stopping you.”

  “I always see the case through,” he says seriously.

  “Good for you!” I throw my arms in the air; I don’t feel like arguing with him any further. Why does he seem to bring out the worst in me every time we talk? I never act this way. I just can’t help myself. Every time he’s around I turn into a spoiled, annoying little brat. A brat with a capital B. Perhaps it’s best if he thinks that’s who I really am. It’ll be better for both of us, especially if we want to get out of this mess alive and with feelings intact.

  I bend down to grab a pair of warm socks and yoga pants out of the suitcase when Jude suddenly picks me up and slams me against the wall. Not gently at all. I almost lose my breath. The cold wall against the back of my back is a harsh contrast to Jude’s warmth, plastered against my front. What the hell? I can feel every inch of his body pressed against me. I’m enveloped in his yummy scent again, but I barely register it due to the confusion and irritation I’m feeling.

  “What the hell are you doing?” I hiss. As I raise my arms to push him away, he clasps his big hand over my mouth. “Let me go,” I mumble under his palm.

  “Shhh,” he whispers and points his head to the window. Through the weathered curtains I see a moving shadow, like someone’s trying to peek inside. Jude nods his head for me to hide behind the couch and he moves to his bag to pull out a gun. My eyes widen in surprise.

  “What are you gonna do with it?” I whisper. “Who’s out there?”

  “I don’t know,” he responds quietly. The figure moves to the door. “Wait here, okay?” Jude instructs. My heart is beating like crazy. Has Leo found us? While I’m thinking about all the possible scenarios, Jude jerks the door open, pointing the gun at the person lurking on the hallway. Ignoring Jude’s instructions, I move toward the door myself. No way I’m staying here alone.

  “Who are you? What are you doing here?” Jude is facing a young man who looks frightened. He doesn’t look like he’s older than 20. He’s standing with his ar
ms raised high in the air, shaking visibly. It’s the guy from the reception, I finally remember where I’ve seen him before; I saw him through the window of the reception area as I was waiting for Jude to get us a room.

  “I…I…” he stutters. “I just… I didn’t… Um… Sorry.”

  “Spit it out already.” Jude sounds impatient and his grip on the gun tightens.

  “Please, don’t shoot,” the receptionist begs, turning his head to the side and shutting his eyes closed. “I didn’t mean to snoop. I just…”

  “You just what?” Jude steps a little closer to him.

  “I was bored, and I thought I’d see some action.”

  Eww! “You pervert!” I exclaim, repulsed.

  “Please don’t tell my boss. She’s gonna fire me. I swear, I just wanted to see some action, that’s it. I’m so sorry,” he urges us to believe him.

  Jude lowers his gun, apparently finding the guy’s explanation plausible, but he’s shaking his head. He searches him for a weapon anyway. The receptionist is shaking with fear. “Get out of here!” Jude barks after he’s done. “I don’t want to see you ever again!” The guy nods quickly and runs down the stairs. “Fucking punk,” Jude mutters. Then, his eyes focus on me. “Didn’t I explicitly tell you to stay inside?” Pissed off, he marches into the room past me.

  “What? I just wanted to see what was happening.”

  “I told you to do as I say. Is it that difficult? That could’ve been your stalker out there.”

  “Well, it wasn’t,” I retort.

  “Not this time, but what about next time? And there’s a high chance I might let him take you. You’re making me lose my mind. Christ!”

  “Maybe I’ll go with him voluntarily!” I huff. Seriously, why do I suddenly start acting like a twelve-year old around this guy?

  “Whatever. I’m going to bed. Lock the door!”

  “Fine!” I drop my butt to the couch and try to get comfortable, which is proving more impossible by the second. If I turn on my right side, I almost fall off, and if I turn left, my legs and arms are hanging off. Either way is extremely uncomfortable. Trying to lie on my back is even worse because the edge of the couch is cutting off all the circulation in my thighs. Stuffing the pillow under my butt does nothing to improve the situation. I sigh angrily and continue twisting and turning.