Page 26 of Always Right Here

Korie wrapped her arms around me, spooning me close to her and pressing sweet, soft kisses on my shoulder and up to my ear.

“I’ve been thinking of doing that for such a long time,” she whispered against my neck. “You’re so perfect. And finally mine.”

My stomach twisted with something sour. I stiffened against her. Those should’ve been the exact words I wanted to hear…but something felt off.

Was the guilt of fucking my brother’s best friend finally settling in?

I shimmied out of her arms, realizing again how dry my throat was. I leaned down, pressing a kiss to Korie’s lips before climbing out of bed and pulling my baggy t-shirt over my body.

“I’m going to go get us some water.”

Before she could respond, I slipped from the room, pushing the door almost closed behind me. I scurried over to my purse hanging by the front door. I dug out my phone and the note I found on my bed at the housewarming party. I silently prayed that I was wrong…but something in me knew I wasn’t.

I pulled up the text and the note, checking behind my shoulder before laying them out on the kitchen counter. My stomach twisted as I read the words.

You look beautiful tonight, Riah.

You are so perfect.

Are you ready to be mine?

Finally mine.

I’ll see you soon.

You think your little girlfriend is going to stop me? I've waited too long to give you up. You're mine, Riah. Finally mine.

Fuck…fuck…FUCK! It couldn’t be.

The entire last week ran through my mind. Every time the stalker made a move. Korie getting to my house almost too quickly after the brick was thrown through my window. Rightbefore I found the note in my room and the lights went out, Korie did a sweep of the house.Sheinstalled the security system that miraculously didn’t catch anything during the housewarming party.

Everything fell into place too terrifyingly perfectly. I didn’t want to believe it, but I had no choice. It was right under my fucking nose the entire time and I was too busy lusting over her to realise.

A faint creak sounded behind me. The moan of old, wooden planks shooting a surge of fear through my bones.

“You really shouldn’t turn that on, it would compromise our location.”

I pushed the phone and paper together, scooted them behind my back and slowlyturned around.

Korie stood at the bedroom door in her sports bra and boxers. Her sculpted muscles on full display. A sight that would usually make my mouth water but now…filled me with a chilling dread.

“Oh…” I cleared my throat, trying to shake the nerves from my voice. “Yeah, sorry, I just…wanted to see if there were any updates or messages from my family.”

“Were there?” She stepped forward.

“Mm mm.” I shook my head, pressing the items closer behind my back.

Korie stepped closer. I should have run, but my limbs were frozen. She closed the space between us, taking my face in her hands.

“What’s wrong, baby? You seem shaken up.”

I swallowed thickly, unable to stop the tremble under my skin.

“Nothing. Just worried still.”

“Aw, princess.” She released my face, caging me against the kitchen counter as she moved closer, her lips ghosting against mine. “I’m here. Always right here.”

The crinkle of her fist closing around the stalker’s note rustled behind me and I knew I was fucked.