Tagged & Ashed(35)

“No,” she whispers to herself as the woman turns to me.

“Anything to drink, sir?” she asks with an oblivious tone.

“Not just yet. Give us a minute, please.”

Ash stands up and walks briskly toward the restrooms without saying a word. Obviously, this asshole has stalked her every move, and now I definitely can’t let her out of my sight.

I pick up a napkin and use it to lift the card from the roses without tainting the evidence.

Pretty girl with a pretty boy. Too bad that pretty face will be gone before long. Then I bet the pretty boy will leave the not so pretty girl all alone. You deserve to suffer, bitch.

This is sick. Whoever this is, they’re obsessed, and not the way I’m obsessed.

I slip the card in my pocket as I pull out my phone and head toward the waitress.

Handing her a fifty-dollar bill, I murmur, “This should cover Ms. Branderwood’s drink. We’ll be leaving now. Keep the change.”

She smiles, batting her lashes in a flirty manner, but I don’t give a damn about any woman but mine.

I head back and scoop up all her belongings before motioning to the bodyguard at the front entrance. I brought him along to follow Ash home. I'm glad I did.

“Take all this to my car. We’re about to get out of here.”

“Do you need me to get the roses?” he asks.

“Yeah, but don’t leave your prints on them. The police will need to see them. Take them and this by there while I drive Ash home.”

I hand him the napkin-wrapped card, and he accepts it with worry in his eyes.

“Yes, sir.”

I head toward the restrooms, uncertain what to say or do. She’s not going to go through this alone.



***

Ashiara



Right now I’m doing good not to throw up. My arms wobble as I lean over the sink in the bathroom. My whole body is burning up and freezing at the same time. Now Tag will feel sorry for me, and I don’t need his pity.

I need him to leave me alone. He has no idea how crazy about him I am, and he needs someone who can be more casual than I.

I can’t even read the card that sick bastard sent with the roses. I'm sick of all the taunting terror he sends my way. I’m tired of reading about the twisted things he threatens to do.

The door opens, and I rise up to dab away the black tears my mascara has forced me to cry.

“Hey,” Tag’s voice murmurs in a soothing tone, startling me.

Shit.

“I’m fine. I’ll be back out in a minute. I’m sure the roses were from Mr. Kent. We just made a business deal, and he knew I would still be here.”

Please buy my lie.

He rounds the corner, and then he props up with his hands in his pockets as he stares at me.

“Ash, don’t lie. I read the card. I had Gary - your new bodyguard - carry the stuff to the police. Come on. I’m taking you home.”

I shake my head, more tears falling free, and then his eyes soften with that pity I was dreading.

“I’m fine, Tag. Really,” I choke out. “I drove.”

“Gary can come get your car with your other bodyguard - Leo - later. I’m not leaving you alone. It’s nonnegotiable. Come on.”

He takes a step toward me, and more of my foolish tears fall free as the reality of the terrifying situation overwhelms me suddenly. Before I know it, his lips are on mine as he pulls me against his glorious body.

“Damn,” he breathes into my mouth as he jerks me up and throws me on the counter. “I forgot how good you fucking taste.”

Until this moment, I've felt so completely alone these past six weeks - looking over my shoulder. Until this moment, I've been scared to frigging death. Right now, in his arms, I finally feel safe, and it feels so good.

My needy hands tangle in his hair as my whole body throbs for his touch. I need him right now, and I pray he doesn’t stop until I scream.



***

Tag



I can't stand seeing her cry, and I don't know any other way to make her stop. I've never been good with this sort of thing. I really wasn't expecting to be kissing her in the women's bathroom today.

Her breath is an aphrodisiac. Her wet panties prove she wants me as badly as I want her. My hard cock promises to burst too soon, and that can't happen.

I’d go down on her, but I’m worried that would make me blow my climax, too. I haven’t ever gone this long without sex, and since my cock only works for her, then I’m going to fuck her right here and now.

I don’t have a condom, but I don’t care. She’s the one girl I don’t mind risking things with. She's Ash.

The moans she keeps releasing into my mouth make me want her all the more as my finger finally slips inside her tight, wet haven.

Damn she feels even better than I remember.