After receiving another suspicious text this morning, I’ve been contemplating telling Everleigh about them. The last thing I want to do is worry her more than she already is. It’s been stressful, but I don’t want to keep hiding it either. I’d rather she know in case she gets them too.
After I’m done cooking us chili and cornbread, we sit on the couch, and I decide to bring it up. “So I’ve been getting some messages from an unknown number, and some of them are weird.” My words immediately grab her attention.
“Like what?”
“One was about Sassy and whoever it is implied they were in the house,” I explain.
“Oh my God, Archer. How could you not tell me this?”
“I didn’t want to freak you out,” I say calmly, resting my palm on her knee. “We have cameras up now, so I assumed whoever did it wouldn’t be stupid enough to try again.”
“I knew someone was in here and gave something to Sassy!” She grinds her teeth together.
“Krystal’s just trying to get under my skin, so I don’t bother responding. I’ve blocked every number.”
“Who’s Krystal?”
“Chad’s sister.”
“Oh. I don’t think you’ve ever said her name before. You really think it’s her?”
“Yeah, she called me once, and I recognized her voice. She talked about how I took away the only important person in her life and mentioned Chad.”
She stops eating. “When did that happen?”
“After our trip to see Annie and Sadie.”
“That was two months ago!” As she stands, my hand drops, and I know she’s furious. “Why did you keep that from me?”
“Baby.” I get to my feet and meet her eyes. “I didn’t want my past to ruin what we had and worry you.”
“You didn’t think that was crucial information for me to know? What if she’s the one who stabbed me?”
“I saw the woman’s face. It wasn’t her.”
“How can you be positive? It’s been years since you’ve seen her. She could’ve changed or had plastic surgery for all you know. Women dye their hair all the time.”
“I don’t think so, but…” I shrug.
“Wait, you said her name was Krystal, right?”
“Yeah.” I follow her to the kitchen, where she grabs a bottle of water. “I had an out-of-town customer come into the boutique like a month before the incident. She said her name was Krystal, but her friends called her Kay.”
My heart races as I think about Krystal being in Lawton Ridge. If she was brave enough to go into Everleigh’s shop, who knows what else she’s capable of.
“What’d she look like?”
“I don’t entirely remember. I wanna say she had short jet-black hair, and she talked with a weird accent. That’s how I knew she wasn’t a local. She asked about you a lot, but I didn’t think much of it because it was an everyday occurrence after your pictures went live. In fact, Lexie and I were talking about it right before she walked in.” Everleigh leans against the counter, and I can tell she’s deep in thought. “A week before that was when I noticed Sassy was acting weird, and things were moved.”
“It could’ve just been a coincidence,” I offer, though I don’t think there’s anything coincidental about our situation.
“I wish you would’ve told me sooner,” she says with a deep sigh.
I step closer, grabbing her hands and placing a kiss on her knuckles. “You’re right. I’m sorry. No more secrets.”
“Between Natasha and Krystal, we have to tell each other everything. Even if you think it’s going to stress me out.”
I cup her cheek and nod. “Promise, I will.”
“So let’s assume it was her. Do you think she was watching us?” Everleigh asks when we return to the couch.
“Most likely watching me, yes. Might’ve followed me home, saw you, followed you to work, and tried to get more details out of you. Then later, broke into the house to snoop around before confronting you.”
“What would she be looking for?” Everleigh asks.
“Honestly, no clue. Best guess is she’s just trying to find something to threaten me with, which is you and Annie. She’s always been mentally unstable, but I have a feeling it got worse after Chad died.”
“Great, another crazy woman who wants me dead.”
“Well, I told my parole officer, and he suggested that I report it to the local police. There’s not much they can do, but at least it’ll be documented if she does something.”
She nods, petting Sassy as she processes everything. I hate that I had to share the great news about Tyler approving of us with this fucked-up news about Krystal.
“Try not to worry, okay? Our home is secure, and when we’re not at work, we’ll stick together or with friends. Got it?”
“Damn, there goes my solo middle-of-the-night strolls,” she deadpans.
“You little smart-ass.” I grab her face and press my lips to hers. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to protect you, got it? If Krystal wants to hurt you, she’ll have to go through me.”
“I hate that I can’t even open my front door anymore without fear,” she murmurs. “And I hate even more that I can’t remember who attacked me.”
Though we’ve speculated it was Natasha, there’s zero proof. The detective had someone draw a sketch based on my description, but they haven’t been able to track her down to question her whereabouts.
“I know, baby.”
Once we’ve finished eating, I take Sassy out, then clean up the kitchen. Everleigh calls for me, and I follow her voice to the bathtub.
“We haven’t soaked together yet. Wanna join me?” She moves slightly so the tops of her breast peek over the soap suds.
“Hell yes.” I waggle my brows, then remove my clothes. Everleigh watches closely, keeping her gaze on the happy trail that leads to my cock.
“Have you ever heard the phrase it’s not nice to stare?” I tease, sliding in behind her and pulling her back to rest against my chest.
“I’m only admiring what’s mine,” she retorts as her head drops to my shoulder.
“Mm…is that so?” I whisper in her ear, slowly sliding my hand down between her thighs.
“I can’t help it. I’m a very lucky woman.”
“You have no idea what that means to me, baby.” I suck on her neck and rub circles over her clit. “I don’t feel worthy of you.”
She turns her head and captures my mouth. “I’ve never told another man I love them, but I knew without a doubt I was in love with you. I hope you realize you’re more than worthy of me.”
A grin spreads across my face. Everleigh has a way of doing that to me. Even when I don’t feel like smiling, she pulls it out of me.
“And I’ll gladly spend the rest of my life proving it to you even if I don’t believe it.” I flash her a wink, then thrust a finger inside her.
“Oh my God,” she yelps in surprise. “Yes, more of that…”