Seduced in the Dark

Chapter 2: Olivia

My mind drifted to the handsome customer on the drive home. His scent fulfilled my memory, images of his hands on my body flashed through my mind. How could I feel this strongly attracted to a man that I haven't even spoken more than a few words to? I couldn't put my finger on it. Lost in my own thoughts made the drive home a blur of cars. When I pulled into my driveway, I hadn't registered the entire drive from the store. Goosebumps crawled up my arms, causing me to shiver back to reality. I was ready for a hot shower and a drink. Dropping my bag onto the counter, I noticed a shiny box on the table that definitely wasn't there when I left this morning.

Fear rushed through my veins. The room started to spin, and I grabbed the counter to steady myself so that I didn't fall over. I listened for any sound that might be out of place. Nothing but silence answered. I grabbed a knife from the block on the counter. I worked my way through each room in the house, making sure there weren't any other surprises waiting for me. All I wanted was a relaxing night, but instead I found myself double-checking locks and closing every shade in my house. I started to regret getting a house that was in the middle of a forest.

" October 15th, 9:30pm. Today was interesting.... If I can call it that. This gorgeous man came into my store and awoke feelings that I forgot I even had. He was tall. His eyes were mesmerizing, and I can still feel the way he looked at me. My high was short-lived because I came home to a silver box that I had never seen before. I don't know who put it there, and I haven't had the nerve to open it. I don't know if I want to. But the biggest issue is that someone broke into my house to put it there. There wasn't any damage, so I must have been so out of it from not sleeping and the flowers that I must have forgotten to lock my door. " I closed my journal and looked at the box.

It was ornate, with engraving around the edge and a clasp on the front. Please don't be a body part, I thought to myself. My hands are shaking when I lift the clasp. I nearly jump when it pops from the release of pressure. Inside is a silver bracelet with the letter P engraved with gold in the middle. A folded piece of paper was at the bottom of the box. " You will be mine soon, Olivia." The note probably should have scared me, but I felt more confused. Whoever was leaving me gifts didn't feel like a threat, but I still felt uneasy at the lengths that he was going to get my attention. I rolled the bracelet in my fingers. It was delicate, simple and understated. Like all of my other jewelry.

I checked the doors and windows one more time before settling in bed with the latest dark romance book and a glass of whiskey on ice. Halfway through the book, I realized some of the same things that were happening to the main female character were happening to me. I laughed at the thought, obviously the whiskey was going to my head a bit. I marked my page and called it a night. My head felt heavy, I was ready for sleep, but my phone buzzed before I could close my eyes. A text popped up. Hailey: Tomorrow. You, me and Afterglow!! No Exceptions! Me: Ok I'm in. I texted back. Sleep finally took over and I didn't fight it.

Friday was my favorite day at the store. It was usually the busiest day, and it was the only day that I didn't dedicate to editing manuscripts. I enjoy watching readers new and old finding books they enjoy. That's why I opened this store. Many days I was stuck in my office, but I started to dedicate one day to helping customers. The feeling of being watched crept up my back while helping a lady find the latest cook book. Instinctively I looked around, I must have looked crazy because she gave me a look of concern before asking if there was something wrong. "No, sorry," I said, quickly grabbing the thick book from the top shelf. I made a mental note to move those to a lower shelf. I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling after she walked away.

The bathroom is in the back of the store and the hallway is dimly lit. Lost in my own thoughts, I didn't see the figure standing against the wall until I collided with what felt like a brick wall. I staggered from the impact. Hands grabbed my hips to steady me. The touch sent electricity down my legs. I was against the wall with hands gripping me tight and a hooded man towering over me. . His mouth was on mine before I could scream. His hands grabbed mine, pulling them above my head. He restrained my wrists with one hand while tracing the curves of my body with the other. I wanted to protest, to push him off. My body betrayed my mind. I arched towards his touch. His low growl filled my mouth when I let out a moan. My panties soaked my arousal. I lifted my leg to try and ease the throbbing between my thighs. He thrust his pelvis in response. My eyes flew open when I felt how hard and big he was against me. I let out a whimper of need in response. He bit the bottom of my lip before backing away, then turned and strode out of the hall. Panting, I leaned against the wall still reeling from the mysterious encounter. I felt weird that a stranger was so bold, but I wasn't mad about it. My heart sank when I went back to the counter to see that my mystery man was gone.