Page 134 of Crow
Loftypillarssupported a stained-glass ceiling inthe lobby that filtered moonlight onto whitemarble floors. Eagle stood at the sleek wooden reception desk, speaking with a young man. Not knowing what to do, Angie stood rooted to the spot, taking in the antique-looking furniture decorating the area.
“I’ll walk you to your room,” Eagle said, heading toward a bank of polished brass elevator doors.
They rode up in silence, and once the car stopped on the third floor, Angie followed him down the hall until he stopped in front of a door showing number 316 in decorative numbers. He inserted the keycard into the slot and pushed the door open when the green light blinked.
“Don’t leave your room,” he said, then walked out, closing the door behind him.
Angie immediately turned the deadbolt and slid the security bar across the door; then, she pulled the large curtains closed. On the drive over, she’d kept checking the rearview mirror to make sure no one was following her, but she could still hear his raspy, hoarse voice calling to her.
Deciding a warm shower was just what she needed, Angie shuffled to the bathroom and turned on the water.
After thirty minutes, she wrapped the plush towel around her body and blow-dried her hair. When she turned off the dryer, a slight knock echoed in the room.He found me!Hurrying across the room, she almost tripped on the desk chair.
“Angie, it’s me.”
Elation surged through her at hearing Crow’s voice. She unlocked the door, flung it open, then fell into his strong arms.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she whispered.
Crow closed the door with his boot and guided her further into the room. He held her tightly, peppering her face with kisses.
“I was so damn scared. I don’t know what would’ve happened if your friends hadn’t come when they did.” Her voice caught.
“Oh, baby, it’s all right. I’m here now,” he said in a low voice as he rubbed his hands up and down her back.
They stood like that for a long time: their bodies fused, clinging to each other.
He led her to the bed, pulled back the covers, and gently steered her between them. Then he kicked off his boots and pulled off his socks. Angie watched in pleasure as he yanked the T-shirt over his head and tossed it on the floor, then shucked his jeans, leaving only a pair of skintight boxer briefs. Crow climbed on the bed, scooted next to her, then drew her in close.
Threading his fingers through her hair, he said, “I’m going to find out who this fucker is and teach him a lesson he’ll never forget.”
A shiver wove through her, and there wasn’t any doubt Crow would make good on his promise.
He squeezed her tighter. “I’m not gonna let him hurt you.”
She tilted her head back and met his gaze. “I’m okay now that you’re here. I feel safe in your arms.”
He bent lower, and she surged upward, meeting his mouth in a deep and passionate kiss. “You belong in my arms always, darlin’. Did you see the bastard?”
She burrowed further into the crook of Crow’s neck, loving his skin under her fingertips, the sound of his deep voice, and the touch of his hands on her body.
“I didn’t, but I’m sure I know him or have been in contact with him in some way. His voice sounded vaguely familiar, even while trying to disguise it. He was definitely the man from the stairwell and the one who came to my house the first time, but tonight he talked more than he had the last two times. He must’ve been watching me, too, because he knew you weren’t with me. My brother Dom had come over earlier tonight, then he left. I think this psycho was stalking the house for a long time. Last time he came by, you surprised him, so he wanted to make sure I was alone.”
“The fucker’s history,” he muttered under his breath.
“I wonder who he is. I know we’ve crossed paths, though.”
“That makes sense. Could it be someone from work?”
“I don’t know, and that’s the truth. At this point, I don’t trust anyone”—Angie looked up at Crow—“except for you and your friends, of course.”
“I’m theonlyone you can trust.”
“Not your friends?”
“I’m just saying; we don’t know what goes on in a person’s head, that’s all. He could be someone who works in your building, at Madera, dates one of your friends, or whoever. The key is to listen to your gut, and your gut’s telling you it’s someone you know. I just have to figure out who the fuck he is.”
“Maybe something will come to me tomorrow.” She yawned.
Crow kissed her right temple. “You must be exhausted. Forget about all this shit now.” He ran his hand down her shoulder and tugged open the towel. “You smell sexy and fresh, babe.”
She took his hand and placed it under her chin. “I just want to be held, sweetie, okay?”
“Sure.” He rose enough to pull up the sheets and comforter and tucked them around her. “Sleep, darlin’.”
“Goodnight.”
The weight of her body pressed into him. She fell asleep in Crow’s arms with his heart thrumming beneath her ear.
