Chapter 7
Bridie pushed open the heavy oak door of her apartment. She kicked off her high heels, letting them hit the floor with a clatter.
The apartment was pitch black. The only light came from the neon city glow bleeding through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
She let out a loud hiccup. She reached for the smart light switch on the wall, but her hand slapped empty drywall.
Suddenly, the hair on the back of her neck stood up.
She squinted into the darkness. A massive silhouette sat perfectly still on her living room sofa.
A heavy, aggressive scent hit her nose. It was cedarwood mixed with sharp mint.
The alcohol in Bridie's brain instantly evaporated. Her heart slammed against her ribs.
A stalker.
She held her breath. She reached over to the entryway table and wrapped her fingers around the cold metal handle of a heavy umbrella.
She slipped her jacket off and dropped it to muffle her footsteps. She crept toward the sofa like a predator.
The figure didn't move. The faint blue light from a phone screen illuminated a razor-sharp jawline.
"Die, you freak!" Bridie screamed.
She swung the heavy umbrella down with all her strength, aiming right for the intruder's shoulder.
The man moved with terrifying speed. He shifted his torso, dodging the metal rod completely.
The umbrella smashed into the leather sofa with a loud, dull thud.
The man stood up instantly. A large, burning hot hand shot out in the dark. His fingers clamped around Bridie's wrist like an iron vice.
Bridie thrashed wildly. She brought her knee up, aiming for his groin.
The man cursed under his breath. His free hand shot out and wrapped around her waist.
Using his massive size advantage, he lifted her off her feet and slammed her back against the freezing glass of the window.
Bridie gasped. The cold glass bit into her bare back. Both of her hands were pinned above her head.
The man leaned in. His hot breath brushed against her ear.
"Murdering your husband, Bridie?" a low, raspy voice chuckled in the dark.
Bridie's entire body went rigid. Her pupils dilated in pure shock.
The man let go of one of her wrists. He reached over and slapped the wall switch.
The crystal chandelier blazed to life. The sudden light blinded her.
Bridie blinked rapidly. The face of Evander Byers hovered inches from hers.
He wore a black silk pajama shirt, the top three buttons undone. He stared down at her, his eyes dark and amused.
Bridie's whole body shook with rage. "How did you get a key to my apartment? !" she screamed.
Evander slowly released her wrist. He reached into his silk pocket and pulled out a gold keycard.
"I have legal residency here," Evander said, his voice maddeningly calm. "I am your fiancé."
Bridie let out a hysterical laugh. She pointed a shaking finger at the door. "Get out!"
Evander ignored her. He walked over to the kitchen island and poured a glass of water. "The prenup states we must cultivate our relationship. I am fulfilling my legal obligation."
Bridie charged at him. She reached for the glass to throw the water in his face.
But the alcohol finally caught up to her. Her knee buckled.
She pitched forward. Evander dropped the glass and caught her instantly. His strong arms wrapped securely around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest.
A dark, satisfied smirk touched the corner of his mouth.
The rich cedar scent on his body rushed into Bridie's nose. She ground her teeth together, but her muscles were completely useless. She couldn't break free from his suffocating grip.
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