Page 67 of Sawyer

I could almost hear the low rumble of his voice, the way he groaned when he was close, saying my name like it was the only thing that mattered.

I bit my lip, trying to shake the thoughts, but my fingers were already moving across the phone screen before I could stop myself.

Casey: Grab some wine. And don’t be late.

Benny let out a soft whimper, pulling my attention away from the screen.

I glanced up, expecting to see him still playing with his toy. But my stomach dropped when I saw Garth.

I froze. I hadn’t even heard the door open.

I didn’t even know how long he’d been standing there, watching me.

Benny let out another whimper, scooting closer to my leg.

I forced a smile. “Hey, Garth. What are you doing here?”

My voice came out steadier than I expected, but my palms were already starting to sweat.

Garth didn’t return the greeting. He took a slow step forward, his gaze moving around the shop before it settled on me.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to talk about the rent?” he asked, his eyes flicking to the storefront window, then back to me.

I cleared my throat. “Uh, right. Well, I was actually about to close up soon. Maybe we can talk tomorrow? I’ve had a long day.”

“Tomorrow?” he repeated, like it was some kind of joke. His lips curled into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I think now’s as good a time as any, don’t you?”

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. There was something in his look that sent a cold chill down my spine.

I glanced toward the window, wondering if anyone was passing by, but the street outside was empty.

“I’m actually about to head out myself,” I tried again, standing up and taking a small step back from the desk. “I’m just waiting for Chris to get back, then I’m gonna lock up.”

I hoped the mention of someone else being here would make Garth reconsider whatever it was he had planned. But deep down, I knew he wasn’t buying it.

He took another step forward, closing the distance between us.

“Chris isn’t here?” Garth asked, his voice almost too casual. Like he already knew the answer but wanted to hear me say it.

His eyes darted to the door again and then back to me, the smirk on his face growing.

My stomach twisted. Why did I let Chris go early? Why hadn’t I locked the door behind him?

“Yeah,” I said, regretting the word the second it left my mouth.

Garth’s smile widened. “Good.”

I tensed. “What do you want, Garth?” I tried to keep my voice steady, but the rising panic made it hard to breathe.

My mind raced, searching for a way out, some excuse to get him to leave, but every option felt useless.

His eyes darkened, and I noticed his gaze drop briefly to my shoulder—where Sawyer had marked me.

My skin prickled under his stare. Did he know? But why would that matter to him?

“I just think we should have a little chat,” he said, his voice low. “About Sawyer. About you. About what happens when people don’t know their place.”

My heart hammered against my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm.