Read Online Vengeful Shadows by Bronwyn Green - Free Book Online Page B

shoved everything into a large file folder and opened his desk drawer.
    “Aren’t you going to try to get prints off those or something?”
    “Contrary to what you see on cop shows and movies, it’s nearly impossible to get prints off paper. And fabric? Forget it.”
    Her heart sank. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but this wasn’t it. She thought the police would attempt to find the person responsible.
    “Continue documenting anything else you receive,” he said as he removed the latex gloves. “Remain alert at all times especially near your place of employment and your house. Always be aware of your surroundings.”
    “That’s it? No pepper spray? No ‘get a big dog’?”
    “You can get those things if you think they’ll help, but the most important thing is to be alert and aware.”
    Although she’d known what sort of advice to expect, the lack of concrete assistance still surprised her.
    “We’ll be in touch as soon as we run a check on those names.” He stood and offered his hand, her signal to leave.
    Tessa hadn’t really expected him to take one look at the notes and be able to tell her who had sent them, but disappointment twisted her stomach. “Thank you.”
    “Ms. Maycroft?”
    The tone of his voice held her motionless. “Yes?”
    “Be careful.”

 
    Chapter Five
     
     
    Tessa climbed the stairs to her apartment, glad to be home. Outside, she felt too vulnerable. Too much like a target.
    The moan of creaking wood above her slowed her progress. Either Zander was home or her stalker was waiting for her.
    “Hello?” she called, willing her voice not to shake.
    Zander stepped into the stairwell, and her worry fled.
    “Hey, angel. How was work?”
    “Fine. You know, the usual boring Saturday.” She didn’t think it was wise to mention the extracurricular trip to the police station.
    He waited by her door, seeming on edge, almost anticipatory. Her pace slowed further, and a shadow of unease crept into the back of her mind. He could have easily placed the ribbon in her coat pocket last night.
    She shook her head. Stress was making her paranoid. She knew without a doubt Zander wouldn’t stalk her. He was probably waiting for her to get home in order to talk her into another insane idea. Reaching the top step, she skirted him and slid her key into the deadbolt. He followed her, and she turned to face him, sandwiched between the door and his body.
    There were worse places to be.
    His chestnut hair drooped across his forehead, and she imagined sliding her fingers through the silky strands. She met his gaze, and his focused concentration held her immobile.
    Without warning, he lowered his head and lightly brushed his lips across hers and again with more purpose when she didn’t resist. Warm and firm, his mouth moved over hers, coaxing and caressing,
    Her pulse beat like hummingbird wings against her throat, and she lifted her hands to his chest. Heat rose from his body, along with the subtle scent of soap and something that was entirely Zander. Liquid heat flooded her body as she fought the urge to drag him against her and wrap her legs around his waist. She couldn’t remember ever feeling this empty, and she wanted nothing more than for him to fill her. To ease this ache and chase away all the fear and uncertainty swirling around her. She raised her hands and drove her fingers through his hair angling his head and parting her lips, welcoming him inside her mouth like she wanted to welcome him inside her body.
    Reality came crashing down as he pressed her against the door. Zander. She was kissing Zander. Why was she kissing Zander? She pushed against his chest. Slowly, he raised his head, and Tessa took a great gulp of air.
    Rational thought returned without the distraction of his lips against hers. “What the hell was that?” she demanded.
    He grinned, and she tried not to let her bones melt at the sight of it.
    “Desensitization therapy. The answer to our problem.”
    “What?”