Page 68 of Stalked by His Ex
“Kitten,” Jaxton whispers in my ear, as he leans down from above me. “You look a million miles away. Do you need anything?” His deep voice instinctively tilts my body in his direction until his lips are brushing against the sensitive spot below my ear.
My eyes close, erasing the thoughts flittering through, causing unnecessary worry. “No. Just tired.” As if on cue, a giant yawn stretches my lips wide.
“That’s our signal.” Roman stands, rubbing Marco’s shoulder. “Miss Preggers is ready to call it a night.” He leans down and hugs me the best he can. “Don’t be a stranger. We’ll get together again soon.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Another yawn discombobulates my words, signaling that my night is quickly ending.
The gathering disburses, the food’s put away, and the area’s cleaned of all garbage. Kam and Cash opt to stay with dad, while Liam and Lennox come with us to swap cars, so they can return for a night of poker.
The guys offer to give Jaxton and me the night, and even though I’ll probably pass out before we get to the good stuff, I’m ecstatic to have him alone.
By the time we were back at the hotel and through security into the suite, Cash had texted Lennox half a dozen times, reminding him to grab this or that. The twins talk shit about their brothers and being errand boys, but are laughing in jest as they gather their items on the list.
“Sir, there’s a housekeeper finishing up in the kitchen. She should be done in ten.” Vic nods, confirming his own statement when he looks at his watch.
“Housekeeper? This late?” I question. It’s way past their normal hours.
Jaxton caresses my belly and kisses my cheek. “Thanks, Vic.” He dismisses him, turning his attention to me. “Kam put one of the hotel staff on our payroll, so they clean around our schedule while we’re out. We promised you’d be safe.” His lips softly touch mine while shooing me away. “Now, go get comfy. Put those sexy penguin shorts on and be ready to prance around for me. I’m going to get rid of the housekeeper.”
He swats my ass and as the slap snaps out, a startled squeal slips free, summoning the twins. “Jax!”
When they round the corner, their eyes are wide with worry but then sparkle with laughter as they take in the scene and surround us. “Can’t blame him, A. You being pregnant is hot as fu—” Jax slaps the back of Liam’s head, glaring.
“What the fuck, Liam. That’s your sister.” He scolds like the father he’s about to become in a few short weeks.
A mischievous smirk tilts his lips as mirth dances in his eyes when he murmurs, “Not by blood.”
“Out!” Jax shouts.
The twins whoop in the air, before cackling like old ladies, and running toward the door. “Sorry, bro. You’re going to have to loosen up. The others are getting comfortable too, and you know what that means. You’ll have to up your game.” Lennox wiggles his eyebrows, playing off his brother’s words, when Liam speaks directly to me. “You tell us if this guy doesn’t treat you right. Not only will you have cuddles and reading buddies, but we’ll also spoil the shit out of you. Much better than this dick.”
Laughter trails after them as Jaxton growls, sending the devilish duo out the door and slamming it behind them. When Jaxton turns around, the laughter I’ve held this entire time bursts free, noticing his flustered expression.
A wickedness spreads across his entire body, eyes darkening, body tightening, as he stalks towards me like prey. Goosebumps skitter across my flesh, shivering in anticipation, longing for the burn of his skin against mine. “Something funny, Kitten?” His fingers glide into the back of my hair, tightening his grip, and securing me against his chest. His nose trails my neck before whispering, “You like my brothers fawning all over you.” A peck of his lips behind my ear elicits a whimper of agreement. “Good. They love you too, but remember, I don’t share.” His hand cups my belly. “Either of you.” Another growl has my legs scissoring. “That’s right, baby.” He kisses the corner of my mouth and softly slaps my ass again, teasingly. “Now go get them sexy shorts on.”
A sex-infused haze clouds my thinking, as I stumble away like a fawn on new legs, glancing cheekily over my shoulder.
When my eyes lock onto his, dancing with promises I’msoonboard with, a figure behind him catches my attention. The dark smock and embroidered shirt match those of the housekeepers I’ve seen randomly in the building. But that’s not what captures my attention.
The clothes, the hair, even her eye color are different, but she’ll never be able to change the manic glint that reflects from the pits of hell—the windows of her soul.
My eyes widen in horror and my lips part in warning, but it’s too late. Before Jaxton could react, she leaps onto his back, and slapping a cloth over his nose and mouth, effectively muffling any sound.
When his feral gaze meets mine with dread, my heart breaks. He stumbles from the drugs affect—one I remember well—as panic flashes in his eyes, understanding he’s not going to stay conscious. His brothers are gone for the night. He’s seconds away from passing out and knows that I’ll be defenseless with a pregnant belly against our attacker.
As much as he fights, trying to rip her from his back, slamming her against a wall, she hangs on like a crazy koala. His movements slow as their bodies slide down the wall, her manic laughter ringing through the air with victory. With the last of his strength, his fluttering eyes plead with me to run, save myself, before going completely limp.
She uses Jaxton to balance herself before looking up at me and blowing her bangs out of her eyes with a possessed smile. “Hey, Avery. How’s my baby doing?”
Her question has my hand protectively covering my stomach as my mind races to come up with a plan. My phone is in the other room. Jaxton’s is still in his pocket, but there should still be security standing guard outside. I overheard Vic expecting the housekeeper to finish in ten minutes. Surely, he’ll come to see what’s taking her so long. If not, dashing toward the door is the best bet I have.
My wandering glances give me away when I lean toward freedom. “Where do you think you’re going?” She steps over Jaxton’s listless body, blocking the route to the exit. “So, I hear congratulations are in order. You’re engaged. Yay.” Sarcasm thickly coating her words.
Quickly thinking, I say, “Thank you.” Knowing that it’ll piss her off. The only time she’s ever made mistakes in the past was when I pushed her buttons. Instantly, her face reddens, and her breathing huffs, but she doesn’t speak, so I continue to prod while searching for a weapon. As we counter each other’s steps, she strikes as quick as a whip, clipping my mouth enough to taste iron. The blow snaps my head sideways, but doesn’t do much damage, as I lick the trickle of blood from sight. “How did you get away, Sarah? I thought I’d taken care of you the first time around.” I place a challenge—even when pregnant, I’ll fight for our lives.
She plays along, smart enough to understand I’m baiting her, but insane enough to continue. “I almost didn’t. You got me pretty good.” She rubs her head, smiling. “Knocked me out. The sirens woke me, and I thought for sure they’d catch me before I could run out the back door. The dizziness alone wreaked havoc.” Her nomadic eyes snap back to mine. “I will say, bravo to you.” She claps her hands dramatically. “You got out. Jax welcomed you back with open arms. It’s clear by the conversation I overheard earlier that his brothers already adore you.” Her lips curl at the statement, obviously not having the same connection. “You still have the baby—but not for long.”
The comment fueled adrenaline through my veins, preparing to incapacitate her long enough to reach the door. I’m an entire room away, but there’s a possibility security will hear me if I scream.