Chase and Anabelle talk animatedly as I sit back and enjoy them. They’re quite a pair. I have to admit, I’m surprised by how calm and at ease Chase is with her. He’s a natural. Even when she’s jabbering non-stop he’s patient and pays attention to everything she says. During the times that Anabelle is with us, Chase seems carefree, laughs more, smiles a lot and seems beyond happy. Is this what our life will be like when we have a child? I can’t help but dream of our own little mini-Davis’s. Hopefully, our first will be a boy with dark espresso-colored hair just like his Dad with those endlessly blue ocean eyes.
“Earth to Gillian?” Chase cups my neck running a hand through my hair. “A million for your thoughts,” he says with a grin.
Smacking his chest, I leave those thoughts and enter the present. “You always go overboard. I told you. My thoughts are free for you my love,” I kiss his lips.
“Ewww, you know that’s super icky Aunt Gigi. You will get boy cooties, and get sick and die!” she says her expression grave and unyielding. It takes everything Chase and I have to look at her without busting into laughter. “Daddy told me to never kiss boys, except for him, because daddies have a special medicine that makes them not have cooties.”
Without missing a beat, Chase turns around and faces our little angel. “I take the medicine, too. Your daddy gave me some, but it only works for Aunt Gillian. She’s the only girl I can kiss ever again. That’s why we have to get married,” he says clearly. Even I almost believe his bullshit. Anabelle, on the other hand, is convinced. No argument necessary.
Anabelle sucks in a huge breath and puts a chubby hand to her forehead. “Whew. I thought you guys were goners.”
That’s all it took to hit the breaking point. Chase and I howled in laughter, him picking her up and swinging her onto his shoulders. “You wanna go see the top of the world?” he asks.
Anabelle’s eyes widen and she nods her head. “Yes, that would be so super cool awesome!”
“Chase, I’m going to call Bree, let her know we have Anabelle this weekend and check on Phil.” Chase nods as he hits the spiral staircase. He brings her off his shoulders and leads her carefully up the stairs. “Meet you in a bit!” I holler up.
“I’ve got this, babe!” He yells back down. And you know what? He does. He’s been incredible with her, my friends, hell, with my entire life. He’s taken everything in stride and without complaint. He could have an issue with watching my guy friend’s child on our weekend, but instead, he makes it an adventure, fully commits to the cause, and seems to like it. Just proves that underneath all his gruff, over-bearing, controlling nature is a kind, sweet, and caring man. My man, and soon, he will be my husband.
My husband.
Those words have come to mean so much. I know Chase is disheartened by not getting married yet. We’d be getting married next weekend if things weren’t so screwed up and this psycho had been caught. It’s hard to believe that whoever it is has been able to avoid the police and Chase’s men up to this point. Besides Justin, I can’t think of anyone who would want to hurt me or the people around me by extension. It just doesn’t add up. It has to be simple, something or someone I’m completely disregarding.
Rubbing my temples, I soothe out the tension headache that always starts when I spiral down the rabbit hole of trying to figure out who the stalker is. What’s worse is it’s probably right in front of my eyes and I’m just not seeing it.
Sighing I grab my phone and punch in Bree’s work number. “I Am Yoga, Charity speaking,” a voice I don’t recognize answers.
“Um yeah, is Bree there?”
“She’s about to teach a class. May I ask who’s calling?” she chirps happily.
“Tell her it’s Gigi. She’ll speak to me,” I say.
I hear the phone get put down before there’s a rustling and then the voice that I know can heal a broken heart answers. “Hey you,” Bree says sounding a little strained. It’s my fault. I’ve avoided talking to the girls all week. It was necessary for me to have that time to put things into perspective, see my shrink, and connect with Chase.
“Sorry I’ve been incognito,” I offer.
“No, it’s okay. After what I said…Christ Gigi, I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself,” she sniffs and I can hear the tears clogging her voice.
“None of that. Words were exchanged during a really stressful time. We’re moving on from this and not letting that bastard get in the way of our friendship. Okay? I won’t have it.” I say with as much conviction as I can through the phone.
Another sniff and what sounds like the clearing of her throat. “Yeah, okay. As long as you know that I wasn’t in my right mind. I had just found out about the baby,” she whispers the last part. “And I just miss him so much, Gigi. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.” And the tears are back.
When is this situation going to get any better? “Honey, its fine. We’re fine. Phil’s going to be fine. This baby is going to be perfect.”
“Yeah, perfect,” is her sarcastic reply followed closely by a hiccup which I know for a fact is holding back a full-blown crying session. Not good.
“Bree, are you…” I can hardly form the words. “Are you considering termination?”
Silence on the other end.
“Bree…”
“I’m here. Um, look I really need to get to class. Why did you call?”
God no. Phillip would never forgive her if she terminated the baby. He’s the biggest pro-lifer known to his sex. It’s not a religious thing or a political preference. He’s just a big believer in keeping a child against all odds. We’ve had several conversations about it over the years.
“Bree...” I try again, this time putting as much fear into my own response as possible.
“Not now,” she says stiffly ending all hope of digging further into her psyche on this issue. “Why did you call?”
“We have Anabelle this weekend. Just wanted to give you a heads up in case, you know, Phil—” I start to finish but she cuts me off.
“Yeah, okay. We’ll talk later. Love you. Besos,” she says and then hangs up before I can return the gesture.
“Well that went straight to hell,” I say into the open room then flop backward onto the bed.
Time for a meeting of the minds. “Operation soul sister invasion to commence in three, two, one—” I press down on speed dial.
“Hola?” Maria answers.
“Hey Ria. We’ve got a problem. We’re going to need to get Kat and get all up in Bree’s business. Yoga Monday morning?”
“What’s up with my hermana?” she cuts right to the quick.
Sighing, I check the paint on my nails. I need a mani and pedi. Maybe I’ll take Anabelle tomorrow. “She’s not taking this baby news as a positive thing. I’m worried about her, what she might do if Phil doesn’t come out of it soon.”
“You think she’s going to hurt herself or the niño?”
I shake my head even though Ria can’t see it. “I don’t know what she’s going to do. It’s just, the way she sounded over the phone a little bit ago. She needs us. Maybe we could help her work through some of her negative feelings over being pregnant. It’s obviously not planned. I mean, have you ever heard her even talk about having children?”
Ria clucks on the other end. “No but she’s great with Belle,” she offers.
“That’s true. I’m sure it just has to do with everything that’s going on. So you’ll talk to Kat and we’ll all go Monday to yoga class first thing?”
“Si, Cara Bonita. Say hola to Chase for me. Besos mi amiga!
Feeling better already, I toss the phone onto the bed and make my way up to the top of the world where my man and an angel await.
Chapter 12
X
Look at the pretty blonde, setting up her gear. The room is still dark, but I can see her clearly from my hiding spot behind the shoji screen. She has no idea what’s in store for her on this fine Monday morning in San Francisco. That golden blonde hair o
f hers is pulled back tight into a low pony tail. With a flick of her wrist she spreads out a teal yoga mat on the wooden, lifted stage. It looks like an altar, track lighting shining perfectly down on it creating a halo effect. As her back is turned I walk barefoot, to stand behind the monstrosity the rich fucker and my Princess bought as her birthday present. Buddha. I can’t believe people believe that Oriental bullshit. What was it someone once said to me? Ah yes, Buddhism is introspection on one’s life. So basically, if you think about your life for any length of time you’re a Buddhist? Whatever.
Yoga Barbie turns on some music. It sounds like Enya. Christ I hate that squawky bitch. Slinking around the statue, I see her lighting candles, and turning on some burner with smelly liquid in it. When she completes her set up, she starts her meditation practice. This is exactly the moment I’ve been waiting for.
Waiting several minutes until she’s nice and deep into her relaxation, and I can tell her breathing has become shallow and regular, I pad along the side of the wall. Even if she opens her eyes she won’t instantly see me. The element of surprise is key. I slowly walk along the area of carpeting as quiet as a mouse. The closer I get, the harder I get. Knowing I’m going to be taking out one of the people who have kept me from my woman, is too fucking sweet. My mouth waters enticingly just thinking about the blood I’m going to spill. My dick turns hard as stone as I creep closer to her. The blonde bombshell, the tiny little thing with a perfect body and a sassy mouth. Well, that mouth will lose all its sass soon enough.
I can taste the revenge on my tongue. After I’m done here, I’m going to treat myself to a session of private time with Gillian’s things. The items I borrowed from her apartment before that bastard emptied the place completely will do just fine until I have the real thing. Yeah, I’m going to pull out my hard cock and go to town, thinking about all the things I’m going to do to Gillian when I get her back. Once she finds out what’s happened to her soul sister Bree and her unborn baby, they’ll all take me more seriously. Maybe, just maybe my Princess will come to her senses and dump the rich piece of shit for a real man. Someone who can take care of her, protect her. Chase Davis can’t even keep her friends safe. It’s only a matter of time before I get my hands on my girl again.
The music changes to something more tribal, thumping. My heart starts to beat in time with the heavy bass, it’s the perfect sound. Eyes on the prize, I step up onto the platform. She’s humming some type of chant low in her throat and letting it wind down her frame where her stomach pushes out. As she inhales it comes back in, concaving more deeply than anything I’ve ever seen. Weird fucking chick. The world will be a better place without another tree-hugging wacko pushing their organic, love the Earth and all God’s creatures propaganda.
Slinking up right behind her, I’m so close I can smell the scent of her hair. Coconut. Reminds me of the beach, just like her blonde hair and tanned skin. She probably hits the tanning beds, soaking up all those poisonous UV rays. Well not on my perfect milky white girl. Her creamy skin glows like a pearl. There’s nothing more beautiful than that.
I put my hand behind my back and pull out my blade. It’s the same knife I use to gut fish. It’s a solid six inch blade with a sturdy wooden handle. Interesting enough, the fucker that sired me made it over forty years ago. It was one of the only things I took before I killed my parents and burned the house down. The knife’s been more useful than those two abusers ever were. The silver glints from the lighting above, almost as if it’s a beacon, telling me to continue ridding the world of stupid people.
Before she can scream, I crouch down low, grip her around the chest, caging in her arms. With quick feet I’ve circled them around her bottom half. One long, firm, slice, and it’s over. Her blood pours like a red waterfall down her tank, painting the pink fabric crimson. Her body jerks several times along with the disgusting sound of air, attempting to be sucked into her throat where blood is pooling. I hold her there until her body stills. I set the knife down grab one of her hands and feel for a pulse through my gloved fingers.
Nothing.
Uncurling my legs from around her body I let her fall back naturally. Her brown eyes are open but there is no light left. At least I took her when she was meditating. Since she believes that shit, I’m sure it was a lovely way to go. As I watch the rest of the blood pool on the shiny wood floor, growing inch by inch like a giant rose blooming open in front of my eyes, something tickles the hairs on the back of my neck. For a couple moments I just look at the body, not knowing why something doesn’t seem quite right. Instead of worrying about it, I strip my clothes completely, then pad completely naked, over to my original hiding spot. Quickly, I throw on the pair of dark grey sweats and a baseball cap slung low over my forehead. Grabbing the garbage bag I tucked into my tennis shoe I throw the soiled clothes in it. Wouldn’t do to leave this evidence, littered with my skin and hair fragments.
Hoisting the bag over my shoulder like Santa Claus with a bag full of goodies, I look down at my handiwork. Perfect. The cut is clean with no jagged edges, just like a surgeon. Thanks dear old Dad for teaching me the art of gutting fish. It came in handy. Apparently, it’s the only thing that has come in handy from that sick fuck. Scanning the room one more time the sense of worry tingles at the edges of my consciousness. Something is off.
Oh yeah, I pull out one of the gloves and put it back on. With one finger I dip into the congealing pool of blood. Several more dips, a few swirling letters and I’ve left my mark. Grinning ear to ear, I imprint this moment into my brain.
Taking one last look around, I make sure there isn’t any potential evidence for that pig, Tomas Redding to use against me. Nothing. Then the sound of voices coming up the stairs startles me out of my reverie. Quick as bullet, I slip through the back door and sneak into the fire stairwell, no one the wiser.
Gillian’s best friends are losing this battle. One can only dream of her forfeiting the game and giving herself up. Right now, I’m up two to zero.
Gillian
“Um hello, BFF here waiting,” I holler out the window of the limo. Kat is sucking face and rubbing her long body all over Carson right in front of her building. He’s no better. His hands are firmly cupping her ass while he kisses the daylights out of her. “Seriously guys! We want to bombard her before class not be late to it!” I screech.
Opening the door to get out, a firm hand locks around my bicep and pulls me back in. “I am happy to retrieve Ms. Bennett on your behalf, ma’am.” Austin says in warning. I scowl, roll my eyes and harrumph loud enough for him to hear it. He smiles and exits the limo and taps on Kat’s shoulder. She pulls away from Carson, her eyes glassy, as if she doesn’t know where she is. “Ms. Callahan requests your presence.” Austin says.
“Hello!” I point out the limo and giggle. Kat has the good grace to look embarrassed.
“Sorry, sorry. I get carried away. That man…mmm,” she licks her lips and waves while Austin gets back into the limo. When Chase isn’t around, he rides in the back with me. They believe it’s safer. I believe it’s suffocating.
I grin at Kat. “Looks like you two are getting along famously!” Kat shrugs and turns her head. That is not a gesture a woman hopelessly in love gives to her best friend. “What’s up?”
Another Kat deflection. I wait with arms crossed and a head tilt. I’ve been working on perfecting her move for a while. It only seems to work on her though. The rest of the girls think it’s hysterical so it works only if my goal is to make them laugh. Kat sighs loudly then leans back in her seat. “I don’t know. Everything’s great, he’s great, the sex is…”
“Great?” I offer.
“No, it’s phenomenal but he hasn’t said it. You know…” she waves her hand back and forth.
I shake my head not having a clue what she’s talking about.
“Uh, Gigi, it’s like you never pick up on my prompts,” she whines.
“It’s not my fault you suck at charades, now just tell me…in English please. W
hat’s wrong?”
She huffs a breath over her swooping bangs. “He hasn’t said he loves me and I’ve said it to him like…a million times!” her plump lips turn into a pout.
“Oh honey, it’s nothing. Have you asked him about it?”
Her eyes turn really bright. “Yeah, that’s the thing. I have. He says when he’s ready he’ll say it. So, even though it’s been months, he still hasn’t said it. Don’t you think that’s odd?”
I know Kat is the type of woman to overthink and analyze a situation to death. It’s very possible that she’s misconstrued what Carson meant, yet something like this is pretty cut and dry. Either he loves her or he doesn’t. I wonder what’s holding him up.
“Yeah, I’ll agree with you that it’s odd but maybe he’s waiting for some special day or something.” I finish just as we pull up to the building where Bree’s studio is. Maria is standing outside waiting, a coy smirk across her lips when she spies the limo.
Austin gets out of the limo first and ushers Kat out, then hovers over me as we walk into the building. He leads us up the stairs to her third floor location.
“Austin, we’ve got it from here, thanks,” I say and go to open the door.
“Sorry ma’am, you know I have to check the place out. Then I’ll sit in the back and wait for the class to finish. Mr. Davis was very specific with his instructions. Security has been heightened since Ms. Simmons received the last note at the hospital.”
I groan and he looks nonplussed. Maria pulls on the door handle and we hear the “thunk” from the bolt lock. I peer through the frosted glass trying to see something. Once I get close to the glass, I can hear the music. She’s there somewhere. Perhaps she forgot to unlock the door and she went to the bathroom.
Maria bangs on the door and hollers. “Bree, open up!”
While we wait, I turn to Kat and speak low. “It’s really going to be okay. I’m sure there’s a reason for him not saying those three little words. It could be anything. Maybe he’s gun-shy, maybe someone’s cheated on him, maybe he’s never said it before, maybe he doesn’t know what love even is yet?”
Mind (Trinity Trilogy Book 2) Page 16