“Son, where are you?” he greets.

  I become alert, my body tense. “I’m at Charlotte’s library. What’s happened?”

  “You tell me. I’ve just had Nora show me some tak—”

  “Tik Tok,” Nora yells.

  “That. And it’s your gym in the video with the windows put through. And by your fucking silence, I guess you already know. What I want to know is why the fuck didn’t you call me?”

  “Fuck!” I run my fingers through my hair and move further into the library. I come to a stop at seeing a woman standing at the end, her gaze running over a shelf of books. Our gazes lock and she jerks, before going back to her business. “Hold on a second,” I tell Dad, moving away from the woman and down another aisle.

  “What’s happened, son?”

  Happy I’m away from prying ears, I explain. “It’s the same person sending Charlotte that stuff.”

  “The one we think is her ex playing mind games with her?”

  “Yeah. We went to the police station this morning. That woman in the coma woke up and got her sister to hand in the photo. Charlotte confirmed it’s the same guy.”

  “Fuck, is she okay?”

  “What’s going on?” Nora asks.

  I wait for Dad to relay what had happened. “I didn’t find out about the gym windows until I left yours the other day. And it slipped my mind about calling you.”

  “Wait, it didn’t happen today? Why the fuck are we only hearing about it now?”

  “I spent the weekend with Charlotte. Landon dealt with it and it’s all fixed now.”

  “You didn’t answer about Charlotte. She okay?”

  “She seems okay, but it’s Charlotte. She’s always happy. I’m going to keep an eye on her though.”

  “Good. Send her my love,” he tells me. “And next time something happens, fucking call me.”

  “I will, but until we find out who is doing this, it won’t stop. And if they are upping their game by targeting me, they are getting jealous, angry.”

  “I bet. But soon they’ll realise they fucked with the wrong person. I’ve still got my mate looking into it. If they have a picture of him it won’t be long now. It might take time but we’ll find out who this guy is. And if it’s not him doing this shit, then my guess is it’s someone who is connected to him.”

  “My thoughts exactly,” I agree. “Charlotte’s done fuck all to deserve this. She’s innocent. And when I get my hands on the person doing it, I’ll make sure they understand that.”

  There’s a shuffle over the phone before I hear Nora. “Tell Charlotte I’ll come visit her library soon.”

  I chuckle. “I will. But I will warn you, if she introduces you to a Hayden, run.”

  “Why? She a bitch or something because I’ll totally put her in her place.”

  Laughing. “No, but she’s just like you and the two of you together might end up with a trip to the police station.”

  “This family sounds so cool,” she gushes.

  “I’ll speak to you both soon,” I tell them once I spot Faith coming toward me.

  “Talk soon, son.”

  “Love you, brother.”

  “Love you too. Speak later,” I tell them, and then end the call. I face Faith. “Everything okay?”

  “Yes, Charlotte didn’t know what you’d want to eat so I said I’d come look for you. She needs to eat something healthy. When she stresses, she eats junk food.”

  “She’ll get through it,” I assure her, seeing how concerned she seems to be.

  “Please don’t hurt her. I don’t want to be another Carter who threatens you. It’s not my intention to. I want her to be happy and if that’s with you, then I’m team you. But please, from one human being to another, don’t hurt her. She might brush a lot off but one day, that will all come to an end and she’ll explode.”

  “I’m not going to hurt her. I can’t promise you what will happen in the future. But if that time ever comes, I can promise to do it amicably.”

  “That’s all we can ask for,” she murmurs, before her shoulders drop and a sigh escapes. “I guess we should get back.”

  “Actually, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

  She pauses, curiosity marring her expression. “Oh yeah?”

  I run through what I want and why, and her face lights up, a wide smile spreading over her face. “I can do that.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Now, can we eat because I’ll be surprised if there’s anything left.”

  I chuckle. “Let’s go eat.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  CHARLOTTE

  A soft breeze picks up my hair, stirring the strands around my cheeks. I had come outside, needing a little calm with my cup of tea. Last night was spent tossing and turning, images of Scott invading my dreams.

  My mind wouldn’t block it out, wouldn’t let me rest, and it’s making me scattered minded. Yesterday, after everyone left the library, I couldn’t find my keys. I had hoped they were here at home but after searching all this morning, I’m giving up hope that I’ll find them.

  Two arms wrap around me from behind and I smile, breathing in Drew’s intoxicating scent. “Morning.”

  “Have you been up long?”

  I glance at the watch on my wrist, grimacing. “I’ve been up a while.”

  “Why didn’t you wake me?” he asks, pressing his lips to the corner of my mouth.

  Sighing, I lean into the gentle touch. I didn’t want to leave him in bed this morning but I also didn’t want my fears keeping him up.

  You didn’t want to scare him away.

  I clench my eyes shut at the wave of pain shooting through my chest. My inner conscious is right. I don’t want to scare him away. I know it’s my insecurities talking, but I can’t help it. Sometimes, I fear he’ll take one look at me and wonder what he’s doing with me. My personality isn’t for everyone but add in the issues I’m having and I’m a disaster.

  Will he stick through it with me or leave?

  “I’m sorry. I wanted to get an early start and try to find my keys. Mum’s spare set don’t have the keys to the safe and back room,” I explain.

  He snatches the mug off me, taking a sip before passing it back. “If you can’t find them by the end of the day I’ll have a friend of the family come and change the locks for you.”

  I relax back into him. “I’m so lucky to have you.”

  He slowly turns me in his arms. With his head bent, he meets my gaze. “Charlotte, if anyone in this scenario is lucky, it’s me.”

  Leaning up on my toes, I press a kiss to his lips, humming in my throat when I taste the peppermint on his tongue.

  His phone rings, pulling me out of my thoughts. Taking his phone out of his pocket, his expression becomes wary. He answers, lifting it up to his ear. “Hello? How come? Can’t you book somewhere else?” He pauses, listening to whoever is on the other end. “I’m sorry, Alison.”

  “Is everything okay?” I whisper, unable to stop myself from interrupting.

  “The girls hen party plans for this weekend have fallen through and Joseph now has to go away for work. He can’t get it off or change plans with the wedding so close.”

  An idea comes to mind. “Can I speak to her?”

  Surprised, Drew nods. “I’m handing you to Charlotte.”

  I take the phone and give Drew my back, already feeling my cheeks heat. “Hey, Alison.”

  “Hey, Charlotte. You okay?”

  “I’m good, thank you,” I reply before taking a breath. “I know this probably isn’t your scene but there’s a strip club called Tease.”

  “I know the place,” she replies.

  “Well, I’ve been out there a few times,” I announce, leaving out the part that I went there every Friday. “It’s a really good night out and you don’t need to book. I could even tell my friends you are going and they’ll make sure you have a good night.”

  “You are friends with strippers?”

  I beam, standing straighter. “I am and they are awesome. You’ll love them. Just don’t go near Trixie. She only wants the tips and then cheats you with the time of a lap dance.”

  Drew coughs, and rushes into the kitchen.

  I guess the cough is back.

  “Um, I, well, that’s something to think about.”

  “Think about it. And you never know, you are hot and Dave might not shout at you if you want to try out a pole.”

  She bursts out laughing. “I’m not one to strip.”

  “I didn’t strip either,” I tell her, pouting. I had courage, but it never stretched that far.

  “You know what, I think I might. Can you let them know I’ll be in this weekend and it will be for a table of twelve?”

  I squeal. “I’ll tell them. You’ll love it, I promise.”

  “You should join us.”

  “I’d love to but I have some work to catch up on,” I lie. I don’t want to go back there in fear of Scott turning up. Which right now, doesn’t sound like a bad thing. I want him caught. He has hurt too many people and needs to face the consequence of his actions.

  “Oh no. Maybe another time.”

  I perk up. “Definitely.”

  “Tell Drew I’ll speak to him in the week and that I’m okay with him not staying overnight after the rehearsal dinner.”

  “I will.”

  We say our goodbyes and I step back inside, finding Drew holding Katnip, who is purring against his hair. He spots me and puts her down on the floor. His lips twitch as he takes my phone. “Is she going to the strip club?”

  “Yes.”

  His brows pinch together. “You okay?”

  I hand him his phone. “She said to tell you she’s okay with you not staying overnight after the rehearsal dinner,” I relay to him. “How come you changed plans? If this is because of me, and the fight at the charity event, please, don’t. I don’t want to cause drama between you and your family. I can stay at home; it’s not a problem.”

  He pulls me against his chest. My hands go flat over his hard pecs and I bend my neck right back to look up at him.

  “This isn’t about that. Mum is on a rampage over Eloise. I’m not sure what’s gotten into her but she’s taken her side and I’m done with it. She might not ruin the rehearsal dinner or the actual wedding by causing a scene but I know my mother. Nothing will stop her after the events are over, and I’m done listening to it.”

  My chest tightens. “I’m so sorry, Drew. Have you explained your side of the story?”

  He shrugs. “I don’t need to. Apparently, they already filled her in on my part and they picked it apart, saying I’m lying and in denial.”

  “Oh no,” I whisper, hurt on his behalf.

  “So yeah, that’s why I don’t want to stay over. Although it wouldn’t ruin the actual event, it would ruin Alison’s day and I don’t want that. We still have three weeks left until then so hopefully things change.”

  Noticing for the first time that he’s dressed, I ask, “Are you going into work?”

  “I am. What about you?”

  “Me too. I have tons of stuff to catch up on and I have a birthday party coming in later.”

  “A birthday party at a library?”

  I chuckle, having seen this reaction before. “Yes. I have the space. It’s cheap. And the kids love having Disney characters dressed up coming to see them.”

  “You dress up, don’t you?” he guesses.

  I grin. “All the time, but not today. Today I’m short staffed and have hired other people to come in. The kids love it.”

  “Have you had breakfast?”

  I nod. “I had some marshmallows earlier.”

  He swivels his head to the side at the empty bag of chocolate covered marshmallows. “You ate the whole bag, didn’t you?”

  I pout. “I really did.”

  A smile teases his lips. “And you have no regrets.”

  “None whatsoever,” I reply truthfully, grinning. “Are we still doing self-defence this week?”

  “Of course,” he answers. “Grab your stuff and I’ll walk you to work before I leave.”

  “Ah, ever the gentlemen.”

  He slaps my arse, causing me to giggle. “You bet your arse. Now get moving before Landon tears me a new arsehole for making him open on his own again.”

  “Let me grab my bag and shoes,” I tell him, moving down the hallway to grab them. I pull open my shoe rack, grabbing my pumps. Katnip takes the opportunity to jump out from her hidey spot on the shelf above and I squeal. I only have a second to react before she can latch onto my face. I grab her, clutching her to my chest, and relax when her claws dig into my chest. It’s always better than my face.

  Drew comes racing out of the kitchen, takes one look at Katnip, and sighs.

  “What? It’s a work in progress.”

  He chuckles, taking her from me. He holds her up until their gazes meet. “You, cat, need to be nicer to your mother,” he scolds.

  I finish sliding on my shoes before grabbing my bag. “You ready?”

  He reaches for his keys off the side and nods. “Let’s go.”

  We head out and I lock up behind us. I fiddle with the strap of my bag. “So um, are you, um, coming over later?”

  He wraps his arm around me and pulls me against his chest. “I’ll come over after I’ve finished work and take you out for dinner.”

  The tightness in my chest eases. “I’d love that.”

  I unlock the door to the library and stop, turning to him. “Thank you for staying with me last night.”

  His eyes heat. “Oh, it was my pleasure.”

  He wraps his arms around my waist, and lifts my feet off the ground. I smile, leaning up to press my lips against his. He kisses me back, his lips soft, moving slow and gentle, and after one last flick of his tongue, he reluctantly pulls away, sliding me down his body until my feet meet the ground.

  “I’m going to miss you,” I blurt out, inwardly groaning at my running mouth.

  “I’ll miss you too. If I do get a chance, I’ll bring some lunch for you. Keep you company. I’ll message you.”

  “I’d love that.”

  He presses another kiss to my lips before putting space between us. I like that. That he needs to, to stop himself from touching me.

  “Later,” he drawls.

  “Bye.”

  With a dopey smile on my face, I push through the library door, locking the main one onto the latch to keep it open before pushing through the second doors. These are the ones we couldn’t lock last night due to the keys going missing.

  I hit the alarm code and step inside, flicking on the lights.

  Nothing.

  I do it again, my brows pulling together. Again, the lights don’t even give off as much as a buzz.

  Which is strange since I have them looked at for insurance purposes every year.

  A strong feeling of impending doom hits me square in the chest. I stagger backwards, my heart racing as a sliver of fear races down my spine.

  Scanning the library, I try to find the source of my fear. I can’t pinpoint what is out of place.

  The hairs stand on end on the back of my neck and arms. I’m not sure how I know, but I have this sinking feeling I’m not alone in the library.

  “Hello?” I call out, groaning as I slap my forehead. “Yes, because a mass murderer is going to pop out and say hi.”

  Still, there is no sound, no movement, which feels even worse than if there had been. It’s eerily quiet.

  The library doesn’t feel right. It isn’t because the light isn’t as bright without the main lights on. It isn’t the smell, which for some reason smells earthy and of mould.

  I can’t place it. I take another step back but then, as the clouds clear outside, a stream of light shines through the window, landing on the cause of my anxiety.

  I scream.

  I scream so loud my throat hurts.

  I will my feet to take me outside, but I can’t move. I struggle to catch my breath each time I scream, the sound scratching at my windpipe and leaving it raw.

  Scott.

  Pale, motionless, and eyes still open and blank, he’s propped up against the bookshelf, facing the doorway. Ghostly, with shrunken cheeks. I shriek even louder.

  Dried blood coats the side of his face and hair and even though the wound has long healed, the side of his skull looks crushed in.

  “Fucking hell,” Drew hisses, picking me up and taking me outside. I’m still screaming, clinging to his hoodie, the sound shrill, piercing. Only this time, my eyes have the will to shut.

  But I still see him behind my lids.

  Drew sits us down and begins to rock.

  “Police please. We found a dead body,” Drew announces, his body tense. I don’t hear the rest; I can’t, but I can feel the rumble of his chest.

  It stops and suddenly, the back of his hand cups the back of my head. I flinch, my screams turning to whimpers. “Charlotte,” he whispers.

  I can’t.

  That was Scott.

  He’s dead.

  And that imploding doom I sensed earlier, intensifies. If it wasn’t him sending me those flowers, then who was?

  And are they the reason Scott has been murdered?

  “Charlotte,” Drew whispers, pressing a kiss to the side of my face.

  My body bucks as sobs tear through my chest. “I watch crime shows. I love horrors.”

  Drew tenses. “Um—”

  I lift up, getting his face. “They were my favourite,” I screech, my pulse racing. “But t-that was different. It, i-it wasn’t on the screen. It was real life. And they lied.” My breath hitches. “He… He…” I struggle to catch my breath and my eyes begin to bulge.

  “Charlotte, breathe,” Drew orders, his face paling.

  My eyes roll, and the last thing I remember is the world around me falling away.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  DREW

  Charlotte stays cuddled into my arms as we walk through the house. It has been a long twenty-eight hours since she walked into the library and found her ex’s gruesome corpse.

  After being released late last night from the hospital after she went into shock, we brought her home. None of her family argued when I told them I was staying. Her parents didn’t leave either, camping out downstairs, and her brother took the spare bedroom. Landon would have stayed too if there had been room. At one point it seemed like he was ready to camp outside her bedroom door.