She crept to the front of the building and snuck out the main doors. Hopefully she could shake him and drive off before he realized she was gone. She was sure he knew where she lived, but if she could beat him home, get inside and lock the door, she'd come up with a better plan the next day.
There was no way she could handle the very appealing Chad Redington hanging around her, day in and day out, without eventually ripping his shirt off with her teeth, button by button.
Bree reached her car with no sign of Chad, and quickly jumped in and tore out of the parking lot. She was feeling pretty smug and incredibly proud of herself until she noticed the headlights of a car trailing close behind her. There was no way he could've caught up so quickly. Hopefully it was just another motorist but she had a feeling it was him. When the car followed her down the driveway to her incredibly small rental, she knew she was busted. He most likely would start lecturing the second they emerged from their cars.
She pulled in front of her house and flew from the driver's seat. Her hands were shaking as she jumped up the steps and tried to get the key in the lock. She was planning on slamming the door before he had a chance to follow her.
"Did you really think you could ditch me that easily? I'm trained in hunting people down," Chad said, startling her. She turned from her stubborn doorknob and there he was, leaning against her porch rail as if he didn't have a care in the world. She hadn't even heard his car door slam, nor the normally squeaky steps as he came up behind her. She needed to become a lot more aware if there really was a stalker out there.
"I told you back at the office, no one wants to harm me. No one is out to get me. My father and brothers have always been too over-protective. They're all just mad because I snuck off right underneath their arrogant noses. I have to prove at some point that I'm perfectly able to take care of myself. Go away, you're trespassing," Bree snapped as she finally got her key in the stubborn lock.
"So, those threatening letters meant nothing."
"I've already told you, it comes with the territory. If I went into hiding every time I received a pathetic letter, then I'd never get to leave the house."
"Your father said it's been escalating. If he's concerned enough to hire me, then you have something to worry about." Bree gave up. There was no use arguing.
"Look, I'm not trying to frighten you but your father had surveillance done near the place you work and there's been suspicious activity going on. I don't have all the details but it seems there's been a car parked near your office, with someone taking pictures," he said, hoping to finally get through to her.
"I'm sure it has nothing to do with me," she said, though a chill went down her spine.
"You are ridiculously stubborn. Do you care so little about your own life?" he snapped.
"I'm tired and need a cup of coffee. You can leave now."
"I'm not going anywhere," he replied, folding his arms.
"Well, enjoy your time on my porch then, because you're not invited inside," she snapped as she pushed open the door.
Bree looked up and her heart stopped beating for a moment. Her entire body tensed and she felt dizzy.
Someone had been in her house – and her belongings were strung all over the place. The message on the wall was what had her close to fainting, though.
You're mine.
It was written in what looked like blood.
Chapter Three
Chad saw her tense and he immediately straightened from his relaxed position. He grabbed his gun, lifted her out of his way, and stepped inside her front door. Bree could do nothing but stare as he walked inside. What if the person was still there? She started to follow him.
"Wait here," he commanded. She glared at him, but knew he would hold firm so she crossed her arms and waited as he searched her home – his entire body in stealth mode. She held her breath, sick she couldn't do more than stand there frozen. When her lungs felt like they were about to burst, she finally let the air out and sucked in fresh oxygen.
As Chad stepped through each room, he was on full alert. He was in his element – the hunter, searching for prey. He hated leaving her alone on the front porch, but didn't see an alternative until he cleared the house. He quietly made his way through the small dwelling, checking every square inch. Finally, he relaxed when he was satisfied the house was clear.
As Chad looked around her homey place, he started to think she may not be who he originally thought she was. He knew she had a trust fund in the seven figure range, but her home was quaint. Instead of flashy pieces of art or over-priced furniture, he saw second hand pieces, lovingly restored, and homemade Afghans hanging from the back of the couch. Her father told him she was refusing to touch her trust, but Chad hadn't believed she'd be able to hold out. No way could she go from being a spoiled princess to an everyday working girl. He didn't see it happening … but the evidence was right in front of him.