Page 17 of Drew
“Fate.” He flashed her a smile that she assumed was meant to be seductive but just came off predatory.
She doubted humor, fate, or any number of things explained why he showed up days or weeks after her. Stalker? Definitely. Was she worried? No.
She had defenses he couldn’t fathom, and part of her wanted him to try something so that she could remove him from her life permanently. But she’d never killed a human before, and while she’d feast on rabbit, bird, and the occasional deer, she didn’t know that she could stomach the thought of human blood in her digestive tract. Plus, what to do with the body? No way could she eat it. Yuck. Even if she did, there would still be a carcass to dispose of.
She suppressed a shudder.
When she didn’t react to his flirtatious attempt at conversation, he said, “This piece didn’t sell last night? It’s beautiful. Your best work by far.”
“Uh, thanks.” I think. “There was serious interest and one offer, but I turned it down.”
“Really? So it’s available?”
No, no, no, no, she thought. Mitch was the last person she wanted to have the Blood Moon. Secretly, she felt like it belonged to Drew, but realistically, she couldn’t keep it. “Yes. It’s available.”
“I’ll have to speak with the gallery owner, then.”
“I’ll leave you to that.” She turned to leave, but he jogged across the room and grabbed her hand.
“I won a big pot last night. I thought maybe I could take you somewhere nice for dinner tonight. Maybe we could go shopping first. I’ve got a few ideas of things I’d love to see you in.”
Cue gagging. “You know we aren’t a couple, right? And even if we were, you can’t dress me like a doll.”
His gaze slipped down her body, stopping so long on her breasts that she pulled her arm away from him.
Before he could comment with some vulgar remark about undressing or comparing her to a sex doll, Alyssa said rather sharply, “I have to go. I’d appreciate it if you’d stop approaching me.”
“Just one date,” he whined.
Alyssa didn’t have a chance to reply. Zelda waltzed in and, clearly having overheard part of the conversation, jumped to her rescue. “Dear, you’ll be late if you don’t get going. I’ll speak with, what was your name again?”
His gaze darted from one woman to the other. “Mitch.”
“Mitch.” She smiled widely. “I’ll speak with Mitch about any purchases he might make.”
“No need.” Mitch pulled his jacket on. “I’ll be back to discuss my interest when Alyssa feels less rushed and more herself.”
Not bothering to hide her displeasure, Alyssa’s narrow stare followed him out of the room. Neither she nor Zelda spoke until they heard the front door chime. Alyssa released a breath that she didn’t realize she was holding.
“He’s rather unpleasant.”
“Very much so, though I may have just aggravated the situation.”
Zelda swatted at her. “Nonsense. No means no, and to think you’ve made it worse by telling him no, well, that’s exactly what’s wrong with this world. He needs to lick his wounds privately and leave you alone.” Zelda looked over the painting. “I won’t be selling him this piece. I can find another buyer if you don’t want him to have it. I wouldn’t have even let him in the building if I knew he was here to harass you.”
Alyssa thought harass might be too strong of a word. He’d done nothing more than follow her and flirt. But his continued presence worried her. And if he got violent with her, he’d definitely regret it.
“I want to purchase the waterfall painting. I just love how it makes me feel.”
Putting Mitch from her mind, Alyssa smiled. “Consider it a gift.”
“No, my dear, I couldn’t.”
“I insist.” Alyssa looked at the woman who had offered her nothing but kindness. “You took me in and did all this for me.” She thrust her arms wide and spun in a circle. “It’s more than I ever dared to dream.”
“Maybe, once things settle down, you can come back. I might be overstepping, but you seemed happy here. You were so edgy when you first arrived, but you’ve relaxed.”
Alyssa’s smile faded. “I don’t think that’s in the cards for me.”