Page 15 of Sinful Mates

“So, do you believe in all that supernatural stuff you read about?” Theo calls from the kitchen.

That’s a bit of a weird question. He’s more interested in the supernatural element than one woman being drilled several different ways by multiple men? “I don’t know. Some, yes. I believe some things, others not so much. I believe there has to be some truth to some of it. People surely couldn’t have imagined it all,” I tell him.

“What about werewolves?” Tobias questions from beside me.

I furrow my brows , confused at his sudden interest in mythical creatures. “Do I believe in people turning into dogs?” I ask, trying not to laugh. “Is this some sort of psyche evaluation? I can assure you I am not off with the pixies, and for the most part I’m sane.”

Tobias goes to say something else but stops. Theo brings coffee over, placing them on the glass coffee table in front of us. We drink our them in silence. After a while, Tobias stands and so does Theo. “Well, we will leave you to it. We will be upstairs if you need us,” Theo says after an awkward silence.

I walk them to the door, and Theo drops the apartment keys into my hand and winks. As they are leaving, I ask, “Where did the man take my car? I need to get something from the trunk.” Tobias freezes before turning to look at me. He crosses his arms across his chest.

“In the underground garage. Just take the elevator down,” Theo says. Tobias eyes me, like he knows what I want from the trunk and is disapproving. I step back, his glare makes fear bubble up and gives me goosebumps. His sudden mood change makes me want to run, anything to escape his piercing blue eyes, which are burning with simmering rage. Theo nudges him questionably. Tobias shakes himself, obviously not realizing the effect he’s having on me, and turns to head out, leaving me staring after them confused at why he’s angry.

Shutting the door, I stroll around the place and start flickering lights off, only leaving the kitchen and living room ones on. Grabbing my keys, I step out of the apartment and make my way to the elevator. Hopping inside, I hit the button for the underground garage.

Chapter Seven

Going down in the elevator, the doors open into a dark underground garage. I walk the aisles of cars, searching for my little beast. I can't escape the weird sensation of someone watching me. You'd think I'd be used to this sensation by now, but it still gives me the creeps.

I pick up my pace, finally finding my car right at the back in a more deserted part of the garage. Reaching my car, I pop the key in the trunk and unlock it. Pushing it open, all the hairs on the back of my neck rise, the feeling of being watched won't leave and sends goosebumps all over my body.

I look several times but find nothing, no one. There’s no way I’m wasting time over this paranoia. Reaching into the trunk, I grab the liquor, careful to hold the bottom of the worn box so the bottles don't fall through to the ground. I don't relish the idea of chasing them everywhere. Closing the trunk with my elbow, I place the box on the back of the vehicle before unlocking the driver’s door. I need to get my hair straightener and dirty laundry out of the bag on the back seat where it has lived for too long.

Wind races past my legs that stick out of the door while I lean. I’m not being paranoid this time. Something is down here with me. I turn slowly, not trying to entice whatever it is into attacking me. But once more, nothing is there.

My heart pumps hard, my adrenaline floods through me preparing me to either fight or to run for my life. I reach into the box of liquor. It isn't much of a weapon, but I can brain anyone who tries anything. Whoever is here, won't find me easy prey. I snatch everything I need, scurry back to the trunk and throw the bag inside the box and seal it again. I grab it and turn to head back up to the apartment.

Before I can even finish my turn, a gust of wind tickles the back of my neck. I yelp, swinging my box around prepared to do battle. Theo watches me, an indecipherable expression on his face. He catches my box in his arms. Okay, maybe that isn't the best weapon I could have thought of in the first place.

Damn it, Theo! “For god’s sake, don’t sneak up on people. You nearly gave me a heart attack,” I scold. I hold a hand to my still wildly fluctuating heart.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, I just saw you and thought I would see if you needed a hand.”

“What are you doing down here?” I ask. Just saw me? He knew I’m going down here. Why is he following me like this?

“Nothing, I was getting something from my car.” He replies so calmly to me, like it’s common knowledge. I doubt his explanation. I’ve seen his car on the floor above this level, why would he come all the way down a level, let alone be able to see me at my car? I step forward and grab my box back from him. I pull away not wanting him to see what’s in it, feeling like he won’t approve. Not that I need his approval, I’m well above the legal drinking age. When I don’t pass him back the box, he frowns faintly at me.

“Pass it back, it's too heavy for you,” he says, moving closer. He makes me uncomfortable. I back up toward the elevator, box snugly against my chest. When I reach the elevator, I maneuver the box enough to twist my hand to jab the button. The elevator dings and opens, giving me a chance to escape this ominous pressure. Theo strolls in first, standing in the small space, waiting for me to enter. Squeezing in, I press the button to the first floor. My back is to Theo, the box in my arms forces me closer to him to allow the doors to shut. His breath tickles the back of my neck, only his breath is cold, too cold. I shiver involuntarily.

“So, what’s in the box that you don’t want me to see?” His voice is by my ear. I jump and glance his way, his face is only a few centimeters off mine. His mesmerizing eyes capture me. I try to pull away but I’m frozen. I can't think straight; all I can focus on is his velvet voice. My body relaxes, and I can't tear my eyes away from his. Is this what it feels like to be hypnotized? Will he ask me to do something and I won't be able to resist?

Theo moves closer. His lips are so close. All I have to do is lean forward and they'd meet mine. I have the urge to give in, do just that. I want to kiss him and see where it takes us. I stare at his lips, licking my own.

Theo doesn't give me the chance to make the decision. He moves first, leaning in and softly his lips barely brush mine. A teasing smile creeps its way onto his face and his eyes sparkle at me.

I open my mouth to answer him, to ask why when the elevator doors ding, signaling our arrival back to the first floor. Theo pulls back, a mischievous smile on his face, and I shake my head trying to understand what just happened. Did I imagine it? I could have got lost in his hypnotic eyes for hours and not noticed the time pass by. Shaking my head once more, I step out of the elevator.

“Goodnight, Imogen.” Theo’s words snap me from my daze.

“Night,” I whisper, my brain foggy. Theo's arrival, the offer of help, the kiss, it’s just too much to process. I feel like I'm a cartoon character with smoke pouring from my ears.

I stumble back to the apartment, the box held close to me. The receptionist glares at me as I pass. No more fake welcoming smiles now that I don't have Theo or Tobias around. Juggling the heavy box on my hip, I slip the key into the door and open it. I plop my loot down on a bench and fish the bag of dirty laundry out. I toss it in the washing machine—which even comes with its own detergent—before unpacking my hair straightener and my make up bag in the bathroom. Then, I grab the first bottle I lay my hands on and pop the cap. Pouring a large glass, I amble back over to the couch and get comfortable. I turn the TV on, flipping through the channels till I find the local news station.

I sit there for hours, sipping my drink and gradually chipping away at the bottle until it’s half empty. I reach to pour another glass and notice the heft is off on the bottle of tequila. Oops. I've probably had enough at this point. I get up to put the alcohol away when the room spink around me, making me feel like I stumbled into a teacup ride. I abandon the bottle and grab onto the counter, trying to hold myself steady. I kick the glass coffee table while righting myself and I wince at the dull throbbing pain.

Hobbling my way into the bedroom, I collapse backward onto the king-sized bed. I enjoy the sensation of the bounce I get when my body hits the mattress. I want to throw my hands out and laugh, but I also don't want to risk getting really sick. I yawn hard, staring up at the ceiling. They live up there. I wince at my stench. I really need a shower, but this is just too comfortable. I'll get one in a few minutes.

Sunlight pours into my eyes, and I wince, reaching for my cover to throw over my head. The stupid windshield seems to reflect that crap right at me in the mornings, and my alarm hasn't gone off, so I know it’s early. Wait, something’s off. I blink hard and stretch my non-sore body. I’m not in my car, or the storage unit.