Page 85 of Controlled

“How often do you swim?” she asked, although given she’d turned on both the outdoor music system and the oversized television just to be bratty, I was required to strain to try to hear what she was asking.

“Not once.” I wanted to laugh after admitting it. Why hadn’t I?

She tilted her head, swirling her wine as she offered the kind of glare that was both amusing and adorable. Styx had been right that letting go of the anger and anguish that had cemented itself in my gut felt damn freeing. The fact she hadn’t fled in shock and terror had allowed what felt like a noose around my neck to loosen. However, my gut told me that this budding relationship I’d forced to transpire would soon face danger.

That kept me on edge since I was never wrong.

“You have me curious. You have a spectacular home, a gorgeous backyard, boats, and fast cars at your disposal. You have the finest entertainment system I’ve ever known, including an amazing collection of movies. You have everything people could ever want yet you don’t enjoy it. Why?”

I allowed myself to remain thoughtful about her question. “Perhaps because I’ve never had anyone to share it with.” As I moved the plastic stem of my glass back and forth from one hand to the other, she studied me more contemplatively than before.

“Well, there’s a first time for everything.” She was wistful in her words, returning her attention to creating a splash of water with one foot then the other. Maybe she was right and I knew I was.

I hadn’t thought about purchasing a swimsuit for her but that didn’t need to deter her from being in the water.

She squealed from the shock of the temperature but spun her leg in a full circle barely seconds later.

“At some point, perfect dancer. Not now. I have business that needs to be handled later.”

“All work and no play. You do know what that makes you, right?”

I had a feeling part of her jovial mood was her mind’s need to adjust to what I’d told her, but I was grateful for it at this point. Hell, I wasn’t certain how to handle the fact I’d opened up to her. Maybe that would come with time.

If we had time to spare.

“I’ll take my chances. You liked the roses from earlier?”

“Yes. They are exquisite. At least these didn’t have thorns.” She laughed and shook her head.

“What do you mean thorns?” I found myself sitting up, planting my feet on either side of the chair. Was a fucking game being played with her or had someone sent a warning and she hadn’t realized it?

“The ones you had delivered to my apartment, I was nicked by a thorn.” She darted her eyes back and forth. “They were a different color.” I could tell she was suddenly concerned.

I wasn’t prone to cold chills, only bouts of rage. But as soon as she’d told me someone had delivered flowers other than me, I had a feeling I knew who that was. “Bella. Look at me. What did the card say?”

She narrowed her eyes. “You don’t remember?”

“Just tell me, Bella.”

“You’re scaring me.”

I tried to smile but it was obvious she wasn’t buying it. “Please tell me.”

“Something about you being proud of me and that it was obvious picking me for the roles had been a good idea. Both statements I thought were a little odd, but when I was certain you were watching my every move, that’s why I asked Jonas to pretend to be my boyfriend. We even kissed in front of my apartment and I could feel eyes on me. It was so weird. But it was like you chose me for the roles. Not possible. Right?”

I was doing nothing more than staring at her. “I have nothing to do with the ballet, Bella.” Shit. What the fuck was going on?

“Oh, God. You didn’t send the flowers. Did you?” She walked across the pool, placing her drink on the edge.

“No, I didn’t.”

“Then who did?”

“That’s what we need to find out. I have a feeling whoever did was responsible for Jonas’ death.”

“You swear you didn’t kill him.” Another anxious moment drifted into her system.

“I admitted I’m the creature nightmares are made of but I assure you that I did not kill Jonas, no matter how jealous I might have been.”