Chapter 15

As I sat up, I slowly opened my eyes, taking in the dimly lit room around me. The scent of the worn-out couch filled my nostrils, reminding me of how I had fallen asleep again. Swiveling my head, I caught a glimpse of the clock, its faint ticking barely audible in the stillness of the early morning. It was three in the morning, and a slight groan escaped my lips as I realized that sleep was now elusive.

Determined to shake off the drowsiness, I stood up and made my way into the kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee began to fill the air as I turned on the pot, awakening my senses. With the energizing scent filling the room, I embarked on a search for my tape recorder, retracing my steps from the night before. I found it lying on the floor.

Carrying a steaming cup of coffee, I settled into a chair, the cool surface providing a comforting contrast to the warmth in my hands. With a press of a button, the cassette player came to life, filling the silence with the sound of my own voice. For the next couple of hours, I listened intently, scribbling notes as the information unfolded. The names of the victims began to emerge, their stories intertwining with the crackling of the tape.

By five-thirty, my mind was buzzing from caffeine, and the constant sips had sent me on multiple trips to relieve my bladder. Restlessness took over, prompting me to slip into my running shoes, the snug fit grounding me for the upcoming jog. Stepping out of the trailer, the damp morning air embraced me, awakening my senses. I set off down the driveway and onto the dirt road, the soft crunch of gravel beneath my feet accompanying each stride.

As I reached a point of exhaustion, I paused, taking a moment to catch my breath and appreciate the world awakening around me. The sun began its ascent, casting a breathtaking display of colors across the sky. Hues of pink, purple, and reddish-orange painted the horizon, a visual symphony that captivated my gaze. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was time to head back, the urgency of the day pulling me back towards reality.

Reversing my steps, I retraced my path, the rhythmic pounding of my footsteps melding with the early morning stillness. Forty-five minutes later, I pushed through the double glass doors of my workplace, the familiar sounds of bustling activity enveloping me. Making my way into the bustling bullpen, I caught Ethan's gaze, his piercing eyes silently acknowledging my presence before returning to his conversation with another agent.

Gazing across the vast expanse that separated us, I took in the pallor of his features and wondered if he wasn't feeling well. Yesterday, I had noticed his swollen lip but had chosen to remain silent. If he wanted to open up about what was troubling him, that was his decision.

Observing him for a few moments, I shrugged and made my way to my desk.

After I pulled out files and settled into my chair, the day seemed to pass by swiftly. I kept myself occupied with paperwork and fieldwork, butnow as the day neared its end, I left the office area, contemplating a visit to Ethan's house to check on him.

Despite sitting across from me at his desk for most of the morning, he had said very little. However, I could sense his gaze on me whenever he glanced in my direction. Each look caused my stomach to churn and my fingers to grow clumsy. Eventually, he abruptly stood up, threw down his pen, and muttered, "I'm out," before leaving for the rest of the day.

Pondering his peculiar behavior, I climbed into my pickup and started the engine. Turning on the air-conditioner to its highest setting, I shifted the truck into gear and exited the parking area. As I drove away from the office building, I reached for the radio and began searching for music that could lift my somber mood.

Finally finding the perfect tune, I sang along in a warm, husky tone and tapped my fingers on the steering wheel in sync with the beat. However, even as I immersed myself in the music, I couldn't shake off my concern for Ethan's appearance and his sudden departure. His pale complexion and silence troubled me deeply

Spontaneously, I swiftly pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store. As I stepped inside, the air became saturated with the invigorating aroma of freshly picked produce and the warm, comforting scent of freshly baked goods.

In a rush, I hastily gathered the necessary ingredients for a meal, just in case he hadn't eaten. If he had already had or was feeling unwell, I resolved to leave it for him and Ember to prepare later.

As I pulled up to his house, I noticed that the typically vibrant exterior was shrouded in darkness. Seated in my pickup, a heavy silence enveloped me, leaving me uncertain of my next move. Should I stay or should I leave? His truck was parked in the driveway, indicating his presence at home. Yet, I found myself entangled in a whirlwind of indecision.

As I gazed at the house, contemplating my next step, he swung open the door and stood in the threshold. The soft glow from candlelight inside cast a gentle halo around him. I watched with rapt attention as he lifted a cigarette to his lips, the rich aroma of tobacco wafting through the air. The sight sent my heart racing and my breath quickening. Damn, this man was undeniably and unquestionably sexy as fuck.

Letting out a low groan, I remained in my pickup for a few more moments, desperately attempting to regain control over my wild desires. Finally, summoning the strength, I climbed out of the vehicle and approached him. My eyes roamed over his bare chest and the long, sinewy legs emerging from his worn-out cut-offs.

Casually, he rested his thumb in the pocket, causing the waistband to dip even lower, revealing the tantalizing V-shaped muscles of his abdomen and a trail of dark hair disappearing beneath his waistband. Internally, I groaned and took a shaky breath at the sight.

For a brief moment, he continued to lean against the doorframe, silently studying me. Then, he stepped aside and gestured for me to enter.

"What are you doing here, Nicole?" he murmured hoarsely, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and desire.

Without answering, I stepped further into the living room, my eyes immediately drawn to the soft flickering glow of the candles that cast a seductive ambiance throughout the room. The scent of vanilla and sandalwood filled the air, creating an intoxicating atmosphere. The melodic notes of a bluesy tune floated from the speakers, wrapping around me like a velvet caress. This was so not good. I

shook my head slightly, trying to regain my focus. "Pull it together, horn bug," I hissed silently to myself.

Clearing my throat, I lowered my gaze and made my way towards the kitchen, desperately searching for a safe topic to discuss. "I noticed you weren't feeling well this morning, and I remembered you mentioning Ember's evening shift. So, I thought I'd stop by to check on you and maybe cook you a meal if you're hungry." As I spoke, I realized the error in my decision to come here, and my words began to tumble out in a hasty stream. The alluring atmosphere of the room ignited my imagination, causing forbidden thoughts to swirl in my mind.

I quickened my pace, attempting to rein in my unruly emotions. But just as I tried to regain control, a small gasp escaped my lips as Ethan's voice, filled with longing, whispered from behind me. "Yeah, I'm hungry, but food won't satisfy what I want."

My whole body tingled with heat as his words reached my ears, causing me to come to a halt before the counter. I turned my head slowly, peering at him over my shoulder, taking in his unsteady stance. The scent of alcohol lingered on his breath, and I realized my earlier assumption was wrong. "Are you drunk?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.

He gazed at me through heavy-lidded eyes, hunger evident in his gaze. "Not fucking enough," he replied, his words slurred. I dropped the bag onto the counter, feeling a mix of apprehension and anticipation as he moved closer. His arms snaked around my waist, pulling me tightly against him. A shudder ran through my body as he lowered his head, his lips grazing the sensitive skin of my neck.

The sound of his breathing filled the air, mingling with the soft brush of his lips against my neck. His words came out on a husky breath, filled with desire. "Do you know your perfume drives me nuts?" he whispered. His face buried in my hair, he continued, "It's soft, sensual."

The sensations overwhelmed me as his lips nibbled at my neck, sending shivers down my spine. Helpless sounds escaped my mouth, a mixture of pleasure and vulnerability.
He pushed aside more of my hair, inhaling deeply, his tongue gently exploring the flesh of my neck. The contact turned my legs to jelly, weakening me further.