“That’s not why you need the gloves. The motherfucker jacked off on the letter.” Jayden had smelled the stench of semen the second he reached for it. But he said nothing, not wanting to freak Haley out any more than she already was. She didn’t say anything, but he couldn’t help but wonder if she smelled it too.
“Sick fuck.” Barrett’s tapping stopped.
“On the bright side you have your DNA.”
“I would have preferred to get a DNA sample another way,” Barrett said dryly.
“No shit.” Jayden blew out a breath. “Any word on the ex-boyfriend?”
“He has made no phone calls anywhere in Arkansas and he’s not received any from Arkansas. He seems to be busy dating his new girlfriend from LSU, whom he started dating a week after Haley was rescued. Total douche bag.”
If Jayden ever laid eyes on that asshole, he was going to beat the shit out of that prick.
“Have you notice anyone showing Haley attention when she’s out and about on campus?”
“You’re kidding, right? Half the male population can’t keep their fucking eyes in their head when she walks by. I saw one dude get slapped by his girlfriend when she caught him staring at Haley’s ass.” Jayden scowled. If the girlfriend hadn’t slapped him, Jayden would have punched him the fuck out.
Barrett snorted.
“What?”
“You’re sounding a little green there, Jayden.”
“Are you trying to insinuate something?” Jayden gritted his teeth.
“No. I’m saying flat out you sound like a jealous mate.”
“I’m just here doing my job. That’s all.” Jayden shook his head. What did Barrett know about it, anyway?
“Famous last words. Damon said the same damn thing about Ava.”
“This situation is different. I’m different.” Jayden clenched his jaw, irritated that Barrett would even try to compare him with Damon. After all the bullshit that Damon had gone through the male desired someone like Ava.
Haley deserved someone better than him.
“I’ll call you if he gets a match on the DNA. Until, then, keep Haley safe.” Barrett disconnected.
#
Frustrated, Haley bolted up in bed and glared at the neon numbers on the clock.
1:00 a.m. What the hell? She hadn’t even slept one damn hour. She was going to be exhausted in the morning.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw that semen-coated note, taunting her with whatever hidden evil message was stuck inside its white walls. The fact that Jayden wouldn’t let her read what was on it made it even worse. Since they’d gotten home that’s all she could think about.
“Screw this.” She climbed out of the bed and padded over to the wall to turn the light on. Snatching her pillow and a blanket off the bed, she headed for the living room. She and flung herself on the couch and reached for the remote.
“Maybe some mindless entertainment will lull me to sleep.”
“What are you doing up?” Jayden stood in the doorway, bare chest with his jeans hanging low on his lean hips. He rubbed his hand across his muscled chest as he leaned against the doorframe waiting for her answer.
Haley’s mouth dropped open as her gaze wandered down his finely chiseled chest. He didn’t have six pack abs; he had a twelve pack.
“I can’t sleep.” She forced her eyes to meet his. Hopefully it was dark enough that he didn’t catch her gawking at his half-nude body. “Did I wake you?”
“I was finishing up some research on the Internet. I was just getting ready to go to bed.” He crossed his arms over his massive chest. His muscles rippled under the motion in a sexy yet dangerous way.
“Okay. Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.” She aimed the remote at the TV and clicked.
“You really need to try to sleep. You’ve got class tomorrow.” His deep voice drifted over her.
“I know. It’s just…” She cringed, ashamed that she felt so helpless. “Every time I close my eyes I see that envelope. And I feel like he’s here, watching me.”
His bare feet on the hardwood floor made no sound as he walked towards her. The chill she felt earlier was now gone, and she shifted on the couch.
Jayden sat on the coffee table blocking her view of the infomercial casting lights against the walls in the dark.
“He doesn’t know that you are here. The house is secure. You’re safe, Haley.”
“I know that. My head knows that. But my imagination didn’t get the memo.” She let out a frustrated laugh.
He stood and held out his hand. “Come on.”
“I told you I can’t sleep.”
Jayden took her hand and pulled her up with him. Her heart sped up at his touch. She couldn’t make herself to pull away. His touch soothed her, made her feel safe and protected. Made her feel wanted.
“You’re not sleeping in your bed.” He tugged her down the hall and stopped at his bedroom door. “You’re sleeping in mine.”
Warmth spread from her chest down between her thighs as she stared at the bed where he’d been sleeping. She looked from the bed back to him.
“What?” Surely she had misunderstood him. He had pulled away from her only a few hours ago and now he was offering an invitation to sleep in his bed.
“You’re sleeping in my bed.”