We managed to drag Sasha out to the parking lot, kicking and screaming as if she were a five-year-old drama queen denied of candy. All because she didn’t want to stop shoving her tongue down Felipe’s throat.
She is a slut; didn’t she just meet this guy?
It seemed the girl would latch on like a leech to whatever guy she could get her sucker onto. And when I say sucker, I mean her mouth with invisible fangs that would suck the life force out of you. I still can’t believe she had the nerve to come on to me yesterday.
Okay, maybe I didn’t help the situation by flirting with her at Xandra’s surprise party, or by giving her my number; I regret that; she’s been texting me non-stop. I was just being cordial. I mean; she’s Xandra’s sister after all. And naturally, anyone she cared about, I cared about.
Regardless, of whether she’d invited me or not, I would’ve found Xandra anyway. I had a tracking device planted inside the hood of her car, and it was linked to my cellphone. It drove me bat-shit crazy when she ran off to investigate alone.
I wouldn’t want her to get hurt or worse…
“Sash, you have a flight back to New York in the morning. You can’t be out all-night partying, sucking face,” Xandra said, in a motherly tone.
She would make an amazing mother. Disturbed by my thought, I immediately shook the idea of children away. I don’t want children. Ever. Neither did Xandra.
Thank goodness!
“Who the fuck do you think you are? My mother? Last time I checked, she was dead,” Sasha screamed, in a high-pitched voice.
I want to shoot myself!
Getting irritated as fuck, I rubbed my hand over the length of my face.
Xandra slapped Sasha across the face in outrage. I’d never seen a woman so angry; her face was twisted into a scowl and beet red. She looked like she wanted to choke the life out of Sasha. “How dare you bring mom into this. What the hell has gotten into you?”
Felipe, that’s what, and boy did he do a number on her.
I rolled my eyes.
In the brief time, I’ve known Sasha, I assumed she’d never behaved this way with Xandra. The whole way from the airport, all she could talk about was how much she looked up to Xandra; she practically worshiped her.
People began to spill into the parking lot, circling us. I needed to put an end to this madness before things got way out of hand.
“Sasha, get in the damn car,” I intervened, pulling her by her wrist and stomped in the direction of the car.
Felipe, annoyingly, stood in my way. “She’s not going anywhere.” He was determined to stand his ground.
Big mistake, pal!
“Really? And you’re going to stop me from taking her?” I asked, letting go of her wrist, to ball up my hands into tight fists – ready to bash his face in.
“Yeah, if I have to. She’s a grown woman; she can make her own decisions.”
Sasha tried to get in between us, but Xandra grabbed her by her arm to pull her out of the way. I could hear them continue to catfight in the background; Sasha, once again, screaming at the top of her lungs.
“She’s intoxicated and not capable of making rational decisions right now. I suggest you move the fuck out of my way or suffer the consequences.” I was irate at this point, burning my eyes of fury into him.
Unexpectedly, his posture suddenly softened, and his demeanor quickly changed. “Fuck that hoe, she isn’t worth a damn anyway.” He threw up his hands in defeat and walked away.
For some reason, him backing down disappointed me. He’d left me alone with the anger, and it was wreaking havoc on my insides. My anger seemed magnified; all my emotions seemed to be heightened, after spending time in club Voodoo.
I was looking forward to beating him to a bloody pulp!
Sasha came to stand beside me with her jaw hung open, probably shocked by his lack of respect for her. Looking down at her, I snorted.
What do you expect?
She’d given up the jackpot way too soon; well before he could become invested. If she’d waited maybe just a little longer; the outcome for him would’ve been sweeter, worth sticking around for. I closed my eyes briefly, thinking of the first time Xandra and I had sex. I had waited two years to get into her skirt, and it was the best night of my life. I felt I had hit the lottery. Ultimately, Sasha had sold herself short.
Meeting my gaze of disapproval, she looked embarrassed by her behavior and had noticed the snickering coming from the people still watching us. Hanging her head, she reluctantly got into the car and slammed the passenger door shut. I shook my head laughing to myself.
My attention then zoomed in on Xandra, who came over swaying those delicious hips of hers in the way I loved, to whisper “thank you” in my ear.
“Of course. I am always happy to help.” The sudden contact of her hands, sliding down my chest made my groin ache. Damn, I wanted her. Bad. Her standing so close, touching me, biting her lip, and playing with my gray tie only made that ache grow more intense. Painful even.
“Would you be interested in helping me out with another problem?”
By the tone of her voice, I knew exactly what problem she was referring to. Stunned by her sexually loaded question, I had to resist the urge to pinch myself; there was absolutely no way a woman as uptight as Xandra was insinuating, she wanted to be fucked.
I must be dreaming…
“I might be able to work something out,” I teased, kissing her neck.
She softly moaned my name. I almost came in my pants. This woman knew exactly what to do to turn me on with little effort at all. Seductively walking away, she glanced back to blow me an air kiss. I caught it and placed the tips of my fingers to my lips.
Damn! I thought while adjusting myself. This is a dream!
This wasn’t typical Xandra behavior; nothing about this situation seemed typical. It was strange. Eerie even. Glaring back at the warehouse, I began to wonder…were those girls lured here somehow? And were their behaviors altered like Sasha and Xandra’s?
***
By the time I arrived at Xandra's house, reality finally sunk in; this was happening. I was bursting at the seams with anticipation as if I were a teenage boy about to play his PlayStation for the first time.
I've been waiting forever!
Four months to be exact. The longest, I've ever gone without having sex since I lost my virginity at fifteen.
I deserve a fucking medal; why did she make me wait?
But when I thought about the way I feel about her. The chemistry we have sparking between us. The force that drove us together. I realized; the wait had been worth it feeling the intensity of our bond being sealed by those four magical words. Those words she sweetly whispered on the dance floor.
Closing my eyes, I thought back to that beautiful, life-changing moment, when she said, ‘Liam, I love you.’ I wanted to take her right then and there. But she was a classy woman with values. Dignity. And I respected her more for it.
Xandra opened the door in a short, red silk robe, black stockings, and red stilettos, and an instant rush to my cock.
So sexy.
However, I contained my excitement, not wanting to seem too eager. She planted a soft kiss on my cheek as I walked in. Of course, Sasha's drunk ass was passed out on the couch.
“So, what problem did you need help with?” I winked, eliciting a blush from her.
“You will have to follow me to the bedroom to find out,” she murmured.
I let her lead the way, admiring the view of her backside as we walked up the stairs.
Yes! I'm about to be all over that ass, I thought folding my lips in.
Her room was lit with candles while slow jams played in the background. I was battling my animalistic urge to throw her on the bed. Ravish her. Fuck her until she was screaming my name. But I had to resist; I’d planned to take things slow tonight. Xandra was the type of woman I cared enough to make love to and not just fuck. I wanted her to feel the full extent of my love. Drive in deep. Slow. Give her every drop of me.
Then when the time is right. When she's begging for me to let her come, I will pound her pussy like I may never get the chance to do it again!
My thought had alarmed me.
Geez, Liam, you're an animal. This is Xandra you’re talking about!
She led me over to the bed. I sat down in front of the standing mirror wanting to see every curve—every angle of her voluptuous body.
Already breathing heavily, she untied her robe, just enough for me to have a glimpse of the present waiting for me underneath. Xandra wore a sheer, black garter belt that accentuated her curves and a crotchless, black thong. My heart was struggling to keep a steady rhythm when she grabbed my hand to control the speed as we both ran our hands over the length of her body.
When my hand brushed over her swollen, wet lips, she let out a sharp breath. “The problem is here...in between my hips, it's craving to be consumed by your love,” she murmured, arching her back as she sunk two of my fingers into her pussy.
“Damn, baby,” I said, sucking in a breath. I was surprised by her forwardness; she left no doubt she wanted me as much as I wanted her. “Let me work that out for you.” I pulled her in close while she lifted one of her smooth legs to the bed, giving me an excellent view of her pleasure. Licking my lips, I slowly stroked my fingers in and out of her.
A sweet and low moan escaped her lips as she arched her body into every stroke, clenching her nails into my shoulder when I hit her G-spot. Again...again...and again. Riding hard until she let out a lustful cry, tightening her muscles around my fingers. During the tantalizing seconds of her release, she made the animal in me erupt by pulling a hand full of my hair. It drove me crazy, and I began plunging my fingers deeper, harder inside her, making her body quiver from my assault.
Xandra forced me backward onto the bed, straddling me. She undid my tie, ripped my buttoned-shirt open with such hunger, and attacked me hard with a wild kiss, steeling my already hard erection. She bit down on my lip when I slapped her on the ass, as hard of I could. My hand burned from the sting. I’d been waiting a long time to do that.
“Liam, baby, slap my ass again,” she begged, breathing heavily, in between kissing all over my neck and chest.
I didn’t hesitate to give her what she wanted. My wild woman was back, and I was getting drunk off her floral perfume mixed with her natural scent. I craved to devour her whole.
“I knew my naughty girl was still in there somewhere.”
Xandra smirked, sitting up. And flung her head back, sending her long, beautiful hair afloat. Then rotated her hips in a slow, seductive, and circular motion; her pussy, grinding against my erection. Feeling the torturing pressure against my cock, forced a growl out of me. It was becoming more difficult to keep the hunger I had for her under control.
My eyes widened as the red robe she was wearing glided off her shoulders, releasing her supple breasts. Nipples hard and pointed, they were begging for my attention. So, I rubbed them in an outward motion, stroking her solid nipples against my palms. This made her grind against me harder, and at that point, I couldn't take it anymore.
“Xandra, you drive me wild.” I flipped her onto her back and made a greedy trail of kisses from her lips over her nipples and down to her garter belt. I viciously tugged at it with my teeth.
She gasped, “Oh, Liam.”
Looking up to meet her hooded gaze, I brushed my mouth lightly over her swollen lips to tease her, enjoying the sweet smell; it was intoxicating.
“Liam, please. I want to feel your tongue on me.”
I smirked, “Happy to oblige.” I dove in ready to devour her bareness with undeniable hunger, craving the delicious taste of her on my tongue. Expertly, sucking, kissing, and licking her clit while kneading her nipple in between my thumb and forefinger, making her body tremble violently. Shoving a finger back inside her, I continued my sweet torture with my tongue and finger until she was screaming my name. Begging for me. Coming for me. I didn't want to stop; I loved having complete control over her pleasure.
After I’d had my fill, I undressed completely, never taking my eyes off hers. Kneeling on the bed, I scooted up in between her legs to hover over her quivering body. Taking my length in my hand, I slowly stroked myself up and down to drive her crazier. She blew out a breath. I could tell she was getting more impatient by the second. I kept teasing her. Denying her what she wanted. Needed. She reached for me, and I moved away.
“Do you want me, baby?”
She nodded and reached for my cock again.
Not so fast, sweetheart.
“No, I need you to tell me,” I demanded. I liked making the control freak beg for me. It was an award, all in itself.
“Yes, Liam…" she started, biting her lip. “…I want you, only you...with no barrier between us.”
I growled, shoving half my fist into my mouth from the burst of excitement flooding my veins. I certainly didn’t expect that last part. “Fuck baby, you’re full of surprises tonight.”
She giggled, amused by how turned on I was.
Coming down from my excitement, I gazed deeply into her eyes and bent down to slowly bury myself inside her. Feeling the bare tightness of her walls stretching to accommodate me, almost made me lose control.
Damn, I want to come already!
“I missed being here...inside you,” I moaned, forcing my release back. Moving at a steady rhythm inside her made everything around us non-existent. I felt free. Empowered. The sensation was almost too sweet to bear.
“Me too,” she said, pulling me into a tongue-entangled kiss. I picked up the rhythm, stroking faster and faster. Her sounds of pleasure matched the movement of her body, as she arched against me with each stroke. Smelling her scent mixed with the sweat from our lovemaking, drove me closer to the edge of ecstasy. Moving back onto my knees, I lifted her by her hips to slam my cock in deeper...harder. Pounding her like I told myself I would. I claimed her. Every succulent inch of her.
“Oh, Liam,” she screamed, digging her polished nails into the sheets behind her. “Make me come.”
Together, we let out a loud moan. I released my love into her as she tightened around me, accepting my love with gratuitous satisfaction. Although it had been four months, we still had the divine ability to come at the same time, as if our bodies were synchronized together.
Gasping for air, I collapsed on top of her, still deep inside, surrounded by her warmth. Her love flowed down around me. It felt incredible. The only place I ever wanted to be was inside Xandra's arms, and she enveloped her limbs around my body tighter like she had no intention of letting me go. I never wanted her to. I had missed this. Us. We didn't speak, recovering from the ecstasy our bodies just experienced. Our breathing slowing. Our eyes met in deep concentration, and instantly I was hard again, ready to take her on another ride.
The alarm sounded, waking us from our blissful’ slumber. Surprisingly, I felt energized after only three hours of sleep, after bending her body in every position imaginable. Let’s just say, I was making up for lost time. Despite this, my ravenous appetite was still there; I couldn’t get enough of her. I wanted her again but decided not to push my luck.
Opening her eyes, they instantly met mine, glittering from the sunlight beaming down on us. She continued to stare at me with a smirk on her face.
“What?” I whispered, caressing her arm.
“I didn’t think it was possible,” her smirk, turned into a million-watt smile.
“What was possible?”
“To be so in love. I never felt this way about anyone, and I believe that’s why I pushed you away in the beginning. My feelings for you frightened me. But I know now, I have no reason to be afraid...you’re always there for me.”
I thought I would never hear words like that from Xandra. She was so emotionally guarded all the time. If I weren’t so in tune with her every movement, I wouldn’t have the slightest clue what she was thinking inside her beautiful brain of mystery.
“Xandra, you’re the first woman I have ever loved aside from my mother. Other women were just trophies to me, and nothing more. There’s nothing in this fucked up world that would prevent me from being here for you,” I answered, caressing her face and pulling her into a sweet kiss.
We were interrupted by the echoing sounds of Sasha vomiting. Xandra threw on some clothes and darted downstairs to the rescue. Moments later, she returned with a disturbed look on her face.
“Is she alright?”
“Sasha is vomiting up blood. We need to take her to the emergency room now!”
“Oh no, I’ll go and start the car.” I put on my clothes from last night. Xandra changed into a thin red sweater, skin-tight blue jeans, and brown, knee-high boots. I loved those jeans.
For heaven’s sake focus, Liam.
***
Sasha continued to vomit blood into a trashcan the entire way to the hospital. Her breathing was raspy. Looking severely dehydrated: her light-brown skin was so pale; you could see every vein in her body. Her green eyes; faded into a light shade of gray.
What did that asshole do to her?
“I want a search warrant for that club,” Xandra said, in a stern voice.
“I’m on it, baby.”
I pulled up to the entrance of Groverton Memorial Hospital and carried Sasha in, yelling for assistance as she went limp inside my embrace. She was slipping away from us as the minutes passed. Nurses ran over with a gurney. Xandra gave me a quick hug before she and Sasha disappeared around the corridor.
I sped, like hell on wheels, to the station and typed up an affidavit for the search warrant. Unfortunately, it was Sunday, and the local courthouse was closed. However, the magistrate and I went way back. He would review the document, and hopefully approve the search warrant by this afternoon.
My phone buzzed inside my pants pocket.
“Liam, Sasha is being hospitalized for severe dehydration, until they get the blood results back. Umm...I forgot to mention yesterday...I ran into the lady we rescued on Friday. She wanted us to stop by her house at noon.”
“Oh, wow. Nice work babe...I mean, baby. I’m just about finished with the affidavit. I will swing by Magistrate Garrison’s house first, then pick you up afterward,” I breathed into the phone. I hated being away from her at a time like this.
“Sounds like a plan...Liam?”
“Yes, baby?”
“I love you so much.” She began to cry uncontrollably. My heart sank to the pit of my stomach.
“I love you too. Words can’t express how much. I will be there as soon as I can, but I need you to stay strong.”
“Okay,” she replied, in between sobs.
***
I arrived at Magistrate Garrison's, three-story, blue-panel house. He was a retired judge, who still approved search warrants for the local police department. He was in his late sixties, about five feet, eight inches tall, husky build, brown eyes, brown hair, and of native Indian descent.
“Hello, Detective Hendrik. Long time no see.”
“Magistrate Garrison, thanks for allowing me to drop by on such short notice. I hope I'm not interrupting.”
“Nah, the wife and I, were just killing some brain cells in front of the television,” he laughed, motioning me into the living room.
Their house was cozy; the décor, resembled their Indian heritage throughout. I sat down on their cream-colored sofa. His wife entered with a silver tray occupied by an assortment of tea. Two blue mugs, spoons, and honey. She was also in her sixties and had a petite build with brown eyes, and long grayish-black hair.
“Oh, nice to see you again, handsome,” she winked as she placed the tray down on their wooden coffee table.
“It's always a pleasure seeing you, Mrs. Garrison. Thank you for the tea,” I said, taking a cautious sip.
“Anything for you, dear.” Her remark made the mood in the atmosphere shift. Magistrate Garrison also picked up on the elephant in the room. I had hoped his wife's insinuation, wouldn't hinder my efforts to obtain a search warrant. I began to grow nervous, as she continued to undress me with her beady eyes.
“Alright, Hun, cool your knickers. The man is here on business. He doesn’t got time for your lusting eyes,” he said dismissing her from the living room. She groaned as she walked back into the kitchen.
Thank goodness...
“What can I do for you, son?” He tried to appear unaffected by the fact that his wife was lusting for another man in his presence.
“Well, Sir. I have been suspicious that this club called Voodoo, may be linked to some murders. And require a search warrant, to canvass the premise for evidence. The last victim’s vehicle was found near this underground club. Also, we were invited there last night, and I witnessed several codes being violated. For example, the place was packed beyond capacity—”
“No need to say more. I'll review the document, and have the search warrant ready by this afternoon,” he interjected, as he briefly glanced over the affidavit.
“I appreciate your time, Sir.”
“Of course, you’re one of our best detectives. By the way, tell Detective Kallan ‘hello’ for me,” he smiled, as he escorted me to the front door
“Will do, Sir.” I smiled back and thanked him for his help.
Xandra KallanAfter arguing with the airlines to reschedule her flight, I was thrown off kilter when I discovered Sasha had arrived in town, two days earlier than she’d told me.Why did she lie to me?And what was she doing here for two whole days before my surprise birthday party?Sash, you have a lot of explaining to do.Putting my anger aside, I paced back and forth nervously, waiting for Sasha’s blood results. Looking across the room at her, she had fallen into an incoherent sleep. I couldn’t believe my twenty-three-year-old sister was unrecognizable, withering away before my very eyes. The thought of our last memory being one of us fighting was destroying me on the inside. The last thing I wanted was for our last words to each other to be ones of anger.Sasha, please come back to me!A knock on the door ended my mental torture and pacing.“Hello, Miss Kallan, I’m Dr. Sanders. I’ll be taking over Sasha’s case.” He put out his hand.“Nice to meet you, Dr. Sanders,” I said, shaking
Liam HendrikIn the end, I was able to persuade Xandra to take the rest of the day off from the chaos that was our professional lives. I was aware of her resolve to find the truth in order to protect her sister. She really just needed to be there for Sasha, though. She appeared reluctant to exit the car after I had parked it close to the hospital entrance. I fixed her with my full attention as we sat in the car for a while, as though that was all she needed to summon the courage to make the first move."You still don't believe me after everything we saw today, do you?" She glared at me as she said this.I struggled because a part of me didn't want to believe that spirits existed. “I don’t know what I believe.”She groaned in frustration before slamming the door of my car. My phone buzzed inside the pocket of my pants before I could respond to her sudden departure."Detective Hendrik speaking." I looked back at her retreating figure in confusion, not sure of what had just happened."He
Xandra"Liam," I yelled into the phone, startling my sleeping sister. I was completely shaken. What did DeMarco say to Liam?I couldn't shake my nervousness until Sasha's faint voice said, "Hey, you're back." Her lips were pursed in a weak smile."Of course, I've returned." I swept her bangs away from her dull green eyes gently. Then I sat down next to her, took her hand in mine, and squeezed for dear life."I overheard your conversation with the doctor," she forced herself to say.I struggled to keep my tears at bay. "Regardless of the blood tests, you'll always be my real sister," I winked, a tear streaming down my cheek.She broke eye contact to stare out the window, appearing lost in her sea of thoughts.I brought her eyes back to mine with a subtle touch to her cheek. “Sash, say something.”“While you were away at college, I overheard mom and an older woman arguing in the living room.” She had a gleam of fear in her eyes.“Wait, when did this happen? What did you hear?”Was this
XandraMy vision was blurry when I awoke in a state of confusion. I realized I was in a hospital bed when a light beam illuminated the hospital room. I noticed an IV pump after turning my head to the left. Oh, no! I must have been gone for several hours.My thoughts began to spiral as I turned around. My last memory was of falling into a depressive lull next to Liam. Knowing that the devastation would once again overwhelm my body with a crushing wave of grief, I needed to know how he was. My reality was a never-ending nightmare from which I desperately wished to awaken. I finally mustered the courage to look to my right. There was the man, still in a coma, whose love overpowered every ounce of my stubbornness. Tears stung my eyes once more. I couldn't possibly go another day without his unmistakable love-filled smile. His eyes spoke a language that only I understood. His lips rendered my entire body boneless. Everything that bothered me was chased away by his hands. His passion lifted
XandraMy mind was buzzing with so much noise on my way home that I couldn't even hear the music. I returned my attention to the road after turning off the radio. I yanked on the steering wheel at that precise moment. In the middle of the street, a shadowy figure appeared. I didn't have time to think as I slammed on my brakes to avoid hitting a tree. My neck began to burn as a result of the sudden stop.What the hell was that?It took a few moments for me to catch my breath, slow my heart rate, and clear my head. Then I got out of the car. A dog appeared, taller and more muscular than the average Doberman Pinscher. His black and tan coat glistened in the dim light of the street lined with long-leaf trees, ears, and tail uncut. It had fiery eyes that would make even the toughest man flee for the hills. This beautiful dog was a male, and he kept sitting in the middle of the road as if he owned it.Squinting to get a better look at him, I noticed a brown studded collar around his thicken
Liam HendrikMy confusion continued as I woke up; still unable to remember anything about myself. But one thing was certain: I loved the beautiful woman lying by my side. I remember feeling this intense connection to her, but I don't know who she is. I saw some guy choking the life out of her. How did I know that was going on? And what's with this ring?My head was swimming with questions and they were suffocating me. I needed air, so I left the room without disturbing her sleep and found what appeared to be my black shirt and jeans in the bottom drawer of her dresser—alongside a pair of black Jordans on a shoe rack.I snuck out of the bedroom, only to find her dog standing next to me wagging his tail. He took an instant liking to me, following after as I searched for a leash—but I was annoyed that one couldn't be found. "I'm sorry boy,"He barked and ran towards the door, but at my command to be quiet he immediately ceased his barking. “Good boy,” I said. He seemed to respond well to
ProloguePearls of rain trickled down Cassie Harbor’s supple skin as she ran to her car. The rain began to fall out of nowhere and quickly turned into a relentless storm—the heavy drops, flooding the street within seconds. Growing up in Groverton, North Carolina, she had never experienced a rainstorm like this. It almost seemed unnatural.“Is this rain cloud following me?” Once in her car, Cassie glanced up to the gravel-gray clouds, which pulled over the lush, green mountains. A crackle of lighting sounded in the distance, and this made her heart jolt forward and her body shudder from the loud boom. Startled, she placed the key in the ignition and set off toward the interstate. As a storming array of clouds chased behind her like a ravenous beast out for blood, she sped up; the windshield wipers worked furiously to clear the blur of rain.“What is happening?” She struggled to scream as tears began to form in her eyes. The fear, a noose around her neck.Panic mixed with the u
Liam HendrikThe detective division and the first-arriving officers convened in the white-walled conference room to examine the particulars of the infamous "seven" case. This extensive congregation was not usual, but with the already burdensome number of cases we had, we required everyone on the team.Xandra took the chair beside me, without glancing my way. Just perfect. I thought I had breached the barricade she had put up around her heart, only for Riley to crash in and ruin everything. We were back to where we began. Fantastic, she was going to overlook me for the duration of this gathering.Much obliged to you, you prick! I glared at him. He returned the look. Then Somers joined in; the testosterone levels were through the roof, and everyone in this room was cognizant of it. Why had these two dunces decided to sit opposite us at the meeting table, when they generally sat farther away?To torment me.Somers hated me. Quite frankly, I didn't give a shit anymore. Yeah, I fucked his
Liam HendrikMy confusion continued as I woke up; still unable to remember anything about myself. But one thing was certain: I loved the beautiful woman lying by my side. I remember feeling this intense connection to her, but I don't know who she is. I saw some guy choking the life out of her. How did I know that was going on? And what's with this ring?My head was swimming with questions and they were suffocating me. I needed air, so I left the room without disturbing her sleep and found what appeared to be my black shirt and jeans in the bottom drawer of her dresser—alongside a pair of black Jordans on a shoe rack.I snuck out of the bedroom, only to find her dog standing next to me wagging his tail. He took an instant liking to me, following after as I searched for a leash—but I was annoyed that one couldn't be found. "I'm sorry boy,"He barked and ran towards the door, but at my command to be quiet he immediately ceased his barking. “Good boy,” I said. He seemed to respond well to
XandraMy mind was buzzing with so much noise on my way home that I couldn't even hear the music. I returned my attention to the road after turning off the radio. I yanked on the steering wheel at that precise moment. In the middle of the street, a shadowy figure appeared. I didn't have time to think as I slammed on my brakes to avoid hitting a tree. My neck began to burn as a result of the sudden stop.What the hell was that?It took a few moments for me to catch my breath, slow my heart rate, and clear my head. Then I got out of the car. A dog appeared, taller and more muscular than the average Doberman Pinscher. His black and tan coat glistened in the dim light of the street lined with long-leaf trees, ears, and tail uncut. It had fiery eyes that would make even the toughest man flee for the hills. This beautiful dog was a male, and he kept sitting in the middle of the road as if he owned it.Squinting to get a better look at him, I noticed a brown studded collar around his thicken
XandraMy vision was blurry when I awoke in a state of confusion. I realized I was in a hospital bed when a light beam illuminated the hospital room. I noticed an IV pump after turning my head to the left. Oh, no! I must have been gone for several hours.My thoughts began to spiral as I turned around. My last memory was of falling into a depressive lull next to Liam. Knowing that the devastation would once again overwhelm my body with a crushing wave of grief, I needed to know how he was. My reality was a never-ending nightmare from which I desperately wished to awaken. I finally mustered the courage to look to my right. There was the man, still in a coma, whose love overpowered every ounce of my stubbornness. Tears stung my eyes once more. I couldn't possibly go another day without his unmistakable love-filled smile. His eyes spoke a language that only I understood. His lips rendered my entire body boneless. Everything that bothered me was chased away by his hands. His passion lifted
Xandra"Liam," I yelled into the phone, startling my sleeping sister. I was completely shaken. What did DeMarco say to Liam?I couldn't shake my nervousness until Sasha's faint voice said, "Hey, you're back." Her lips were pursed in a weak smile."Of course, I've returned." I swept her bangs away from her dull green eyes gently. Then I sat down next to her, took her hand in mine, and squeezed for dear life."I overheard your conversation with the doctor," she forced herself to say.I struggled to keep my tears at bay. "Regardless of the blood tests, you'll always be my real sister," I winked, a tear streaming down my cheek.She broke eye contact to stare out the window, appearing lost in her sea of thoughts.I brought her eyes back to mine with a subtle touch to her cheek. “Sash, say something.”“While you were away at college, I overheard mom and an older woman arguing in the living room.” She had a gleam of fear in her eyes.“Wait, when did this happen? What did you hear?”Was this
Liam HendrikIn the end, I was able to persuade Xandra to take the rest of the day off from the chaos that was our professional lives. I was aware of her resolve to find the truth in order to protect her sister. She really just needed to be there for Sasha, though. She appeared reluctant to exit the car after I had parked it close to the hospital entrance. I fixed her with my full attention as we sat in the car for a while, as though that was all she needed to summon the courage to make the first move."You still don't believe me after everything we saw today, do you?" She glared at me as she said this.I struggled because a part of me didn't want to believe that spirits existed. “I don’t know what I believe.”She groaned in frustration before slamming the door of my car. My phone buzzed inside the pocket of my pants before I could respond to her sudden departure."Detective Hendrik speaking." I looked back at her retreating figure in confusion, not sure of what had just happened."He
Xandra KallanAfter arguing with the airlines to reschedule her flight, I was thrown off kilter when I discovered Sasha had arrived in town, two days earlier than she’d told me.Why did she lie to me?And what was she doing here for two whole days before my surprise birthday party?Sash, you have a lot of explaining to do.Putting my anger aside, I paced back and forth nervously, waiting for Sasha’s blood results. Looking across the room at her, she had fallen into an incoherent sleep. I couldn’t believe my twenty-three-year-old sister was unrecognizable, withering away before my very eyes. The thought of our last memory being one of us fighting was destroying me on the inside. The last thing I wanted was for our last words to each other to be ones of anger.Sasha, please come back to me!A knock on the door ended my mental torture and pacing.“Hello, Miss Kallan, I’m Dr. Sanders. I’ll be taking over Sasha’s case.” He put out his hand.“Nice to meet you, Dr. Sanders,” I said, shaking
Liam HendrikWe managed to drag Sasha out to the parking lot, kicking and screaming as if she were a five-year-old drama queen denied of candy. All because she didn’t want to stop shoving her tongue down Felipe’s throat.She is a slut; didn’t she just meet this guy?It seemed the girl would latch on like a leech to whatever guy she could get her sucker onto. And when I say sucker, I mean her mouth with invisible fangs that would suck the life force out of you. I still can’t believe she had the nerve to come on to me yesterday.Okay, maybe I didn’t help the situation by flirting with her at Xandra’s surprise party, or by giving her my number; I regret that; she’s been texting me non-stop. I was just being cordial. I mean; she’s Xandra’s sister after all. And naturally, anyone she cared about, I cared about.Regardless, of whether she’d invited me or not, I would’ve found Xandra anyway. I had a tracking device planted inside the hood of her car, and it was linked to my cellphone. It dro
Xandra KallanWhen I opened my eyes this morning, I felt unusually refreshed, considering the day before had been hectic. I hadn't slept that well in ages, and I wasn't sure if it was just exhaustion or the presence of the special man in my bed. But when I rolled over, his side of the mattress was empty. I wondered where he had gone, and as a beam of light shone through my sheer curtains, I sensed it was a beautiful day outside. My phone on the white oak nightstand began to vibrate, which excited me like a teenage girl with a crush. I picked it up and saw I had received a text from Liam. In his sweet message, he said he had to leave but I could call him if I needed anything. I appreciated his thoughtfulness.I took a deep breath and smiled, feeling blessed by life's surprise gifts, allowing gravity to pull me back onto the coziness of my bed made of silk, wishing I was still nuzzled up against his warm, broad chest. Safe. This made me realize, with all that was happening, I needed him
Liam HendrikThe detective division and the first-arriving officers convened in the white-walled conference room to examine the particulars of the infamous "seven" case. This extensive congregation was not usual, but with the already burdensome number of cases we had, we required everyone on the team.Xandra took the chair beside me, without glancing my way. Just perfect. I thought I had breached the barricade she had put up around her heart, only for Riley to crash in and ruin everything. We were back to where we began. Fantastic, she was going to overlook me for the duration of this gathering.Much obliged to you, you prick! I glared at him. He returned the look. Then Somers joined in; the testosterone levels were through the roof, and everyone in this room was cognizant of it. Why had these two dunces decided to sit opposite us at the meeting table, when they generally sat farther away?To torment me.Somers hated me. Quite frankly, I didn't give a shit anymore. Yeah, I fucked his