Read The Stalker Chronicles Online
Authors: Electa Rome Parks
Tags: #Fiction, #Suspense, #Thrillers, #Crime, #Urban Life, #African American
The Stalker Chronicles (14 page)
Chapter 27
Dre'
After a stressful day at work, I couldn't wait to arrive home so I could relax with a beer and chill out with one of the
CSI
shows I watched religiously.
CSI
shows I watched religiously.
It had been a few days since Milan and I had gone out, or should I say, stayed in. That night, after she prepared a delicious home-cooked meal, the date ended with a bang. I still had flashbacks of what she did to me. Whew!
I unlocked the front door and walked in, tossing the mail I had picked up outside on the marble table that sat in the foyer. My nose was immediately assaulted by various mouthwatering smells, which instantly brought on a stomach growl. I didn't realize how hungry I was until that very moment. I had worked through lunch.
I walked farther into the living room and looked around curiously. Everything was spotless and smelling like cleaning products. I would admit, I was not the tidiest guy around. After all, I was a bachelor and lived by myself. If I liked my clutter and I was comfortable with it, then it was no one else's business.
Magazines, newspapers, glasses, and dirty dinner plates were no longer strewn around the living room coffee table. I ate a lot of takeout and rarely used my kitchen table. Most evenings found me camped out in front of the TV, going over reports from work and watching TV as I ate. Most nights I was too tired or too lazy to carry my clutter into the kitchen, but I made a point of loading the dishwasher at least once a week.
There was no evidence of that now. I looked down at my feet. The carpet looked freshly vacuumed, and the pillows on my sofa were sitting high and were fluffed up. I smelled a faint floral scent, which clung to the air and teased my nose in a pleasing way.
When I walked into the kitchen, to my surprise and amazement, I found a full meal waiting on the stove. A place at the dining table had been set, complete with a place mat, flatware, a dinner plate, and a glass. When I opened the large black pot on the stove and peeked inside, I found meaty stew, and thick, crusty bread sat on the counter, along with a vase of fresh flowers and a handwritten note.
Hi, babe,
I know you work hard, so I decided to do something extra special for you. You deserve this and much more. Enjoy. Oh, by the way, I'll have dessert for you this weekend. It starts with a naked Milan, a few adult toys, and you.
I miss you.
Hugs and kisses
I couldn't believe Milan had gone through that much trouble. I still hadn't figured out how she had gotten into my home. So far she was batting one thousand in my book. One, she could cook. Two, she could clean. Three, she could throw down in the bedroom. And four, she was sweet and intelligent. What more could a man ask for? I couldn't wait for her and Xavier to meet, the two most important people in my life, other than my recovering alcoholic mother. Once Milan found out I was friends with a celebrity, she couldn't stop asking questions about Xavier. Her curiosity had really been piqued, because Xavier's name always seemed to come up in conversation.
After I finished my meal and had second helpings, I finally made it upstairs to my bedroom. Milan had hooked it up with surprises, too. She had a fresh pair of tan drawstring pajamas laid out on the bed, next to a single red rose and another note. It read:
Babe,
I loved how you made me feel the other night. You are super sexy.
Check your e-mail. I sent you a video of me in a rather compromising position.
Hugs and kisses
After reading the note, I rushed to my laptop, and sure enough, there was an e-mail attachment with Milan getting herself off in full view of the camera. Her top was off as she rubbed some sort of oil on her breasts in slow, circular motions, until her nipples were taut and erect. Then she edged her fingers down to her lower body. She had on a sexy black thong, which she slowly inched out of, and proceeded to open herself up wide.
As she played with her womanhood, I found my dick growing hard. Milan was hot and wet, her juices on her fingers. She took her time teasing me. She zoomed in, up close, and I realized she was coming as her body started to shake and tremble with a tremendous force. My only regret was that she never showed her lovely face; however, I would know that sexy body anywhere.
After viewing the steamy video, I was ready for a very cold shower. To my surprise, she had placed new bottles of body gel on the countertop, and her lips were outlined in red lipstick on my vanity mirror. I took a somewhat cold shower as I replayed the video in my mind. It never crossed my mind again that I had never given Milan a key to my home. Later she would explain that she had talked my elderly neighbor, the one who had a spare key, courtesy of me, into letting her in.
Chapter 28
Xavier
I was chilling in the living room at Dre's house, in front of his big-screen TV, with a cold beer in one hand and chips in the other. We were watching the game, and it was now halftime.
“I'm telling you, man, that something isn't right. I just can't put my finger on it,” I said in between crunchy bites.
“You said yourself that your imagination has been playing tricks on you lately. I guess that's one of the hazards of being a writer.”
I finished dipping my tostada chip in the spicy salsa that sat on the coffee table, in a nearly empty ceramic bowl. “Man, I'm pretty sure I didn't leave my toothbrush lying on the countertop. I never do that ... ever. People are creatures of habit, and I know myself.”
Dre' looked curiously at me. “But you aren't a hundred percent certain?”
“No, not one hundred percent.”
He gave me a look that said, “Well, that explains it.” I delved further to plead my case. I was desperate for someone to believe me and confirm I wasn't going crazy. “Remember what I told you my assistant, Khai, confided about being afraid to be alone in the house?”
“You've spooked her with your crazy talk. That's all.”
“How do you explain the perfume smell I sniffed the moment I opened the front door?” I asked, throwing up my hands. “Damn, I don't wear perfume, and if I ever start, check me in for the mandatory forty-eight hours of observation at the nearest loony bin.”
“Hell, I don't know how to explain it. I'm not a psychologist.”
“It's like that. Are you suggesting that I need help?”
“No, no, I'm not saying that. I just think it wouldn't hurt for you to talk to someone. To talk through all you've been through lately. Everybody handles stress in different ways. It doesn't mean you are weak, man.”
I didn't respond. Just took a big salsa-covered chip and tossed it whole in my mouth.
“You know what I'm saying?”
“You are serious, aren't you?” I replied.
He didn't respond, and that confirmed his answer.
“Of all the ladies' perfume fragrances, I smelled the one Pilar wore religiously.”
“Seriously, Xavier, our minds can play tricks on us. Wasn't your home locked up and secure?” Dre' asked matter-of-factly.
I hesitated, knowing what he was implying. “Yes.”
“Do you really think someone broke in and then locked back up?”
“That's the problem. I don't know what to think anymore.”
“Everything you have told me has a reasonable explanation. The indentation on the bedspread was a case of you sitting on the edge of the bed, and not remembering, or not making the bed up properly.”
“Dre', it was an ass print, and it wasn't mine,” I stated, raising my voice an octave higher as I spoke.
I saw him check me out from the corner of his eye.
I lowered my voice. I was very aware that I was coming across as paranoid. “Plus, I told you I've had a few voice mails that I never received. They mysteriously disappeared.”
“How do you know you missed them, then?” Dre' questioned, still playing devil's advocate as he took a swig of beer.
“Because the person, sometimes my agent, would ask me about it later. Like âWhy didn't you call me back?' or âDidn't you get my message?' It couldn't be any plainer than that.”
“Maybe the person didn't leave the message the proper way.”
“Damn, man, it's not rocket science.”
“I don't know what to tell you. What do you feel is going on?”
I looked at the TV commercial currently playing and didn't respond right away. I knew my theory would sound absolutely ludicrous. I hesitated.
“Well?”
“Man, I don't know. Some weird shit has been crossing my mind. What if it's Pilar?”
Dre' had just taken a swig of his beer and almost choked in laughter. “I know you are kidding. Please tell me you are kidding. Pilar?”
“What's so unbelievable about that?” I asked, feeling a bit upset that he thought my explanation was so far-fetched.
“Xavier, that psycho is long gone. She finally figured out you didn't want her loony ass, and besides, she would be a fool to come back after the scrutiny the media placed on your lives the last time. She may have been crazy, but she wasn't stupid.”
“Gone where, though?”
“I couldn't tell you. She went back to where crazy people reside, somewhere in Crazyland, USA.”
“What if she is back, somewhere right here in Houston?”
“Have you seen her?”
“No.”
“Have you talked to her?”
“No.”
“Have you received any mysterious phone hang-ups, had your tires slashed, or received any dead roses?”
“No, I haven't, but that doesn't mean anything.”
“Yes, it does. That was her MO. Listen to yourself and how paranoid you sound.”
“I don't think so.”
“Just don't find yourself alone with Pilar in a hotel room again and you'll be fine.”
“Man, that's not funny,” I said.
“Xavier, it really is. I'm sorry, but it was. You didn't see yourself wrapped up in that sheet, looking like black Jesus, after Pilar literally whipped your ass with that leather whip. She did everything but carve her name in your chest.”
“And I'll go to my grave with you reminding me.”
“And you know it.” He laughed at that.
“Forget it.”
“Maybe you do need to start writing another book. You have too much time on your hands in that big-ass house you own.”
“I have already started outlining a story line.”
“I can't believe I'm saying this, but good for you. I would say you need to take some time to relax, but writing flows through your veins like blood. That's your lifeline, and you wouldn't be happy without it. Your two favorite things in the world are writing and pussy.”
“I'm surprised I even received an invite to come over today. You have been hanging so tight with your new woman that you are ghost most of the time.”
That got a genuine smile out of Dre'.
“Yeah, we have been spending a lot of time together. I admit, I like her a lot. I even gave her a key to my place.”
“You what?” I asked, nearly choking on my beer.
“You heard right.”
“What's next? The two of you moving in together?”
“Maybe.”
I looked over at him, and he wasn't joking. “Wow. I have to definitely meet this chick. She must be putting it on you good.”
“No comment, but you will meet her soon.”
“What? No comment about her sexing skills. I know I can't wait to meet her now, and I'm definitely holding you to that.”
“You mentioned you had to tell me something about Kendall,” Dre' said.
“I do, but it can wait. The game is back on, but remind me to tell you later.”
“You just get ready to pay my one hundred dollars, and I want it before you walk out the door. No rain checks,” Dre' stated.
Chapter 29
Pilar
That's what I'm talking about. Now you are acting like my daughter
, my mother's voice echoed in my head.
You showed that bitch
. I shook my head and rubbed my temples to quiet the ugly, disgusting voice. I hated her as much as I hated Kendall. I was happy she was dead and rotting in hell, exactly where she deserved to be.
, my mother's voice echoed in my head.
You showed that bitch
. I shook my head and rubbed my temples to quiet the ugly, disgusting voice. I hated her as much as I hated Kendall. I was happy she was dead and rotting in hell, exactly where she deserved to be.
Suddenly uncontrollable laughter overtook me. I laughed so hard and so long that tears streamed down my cheeks and my stomach ached as my entire body shook. Every time I thought I had it under control, the laughter would start up again.
According to my source, Kendall was scared shitless and wouldn't be going within two inches of Xavier, now or ever again. She wouldn't forget this lesson anytime soon. I also heard during my debriefing from my source that he had checked out the goodies. I didn't tell him to do all that, but it didn't make a difference one way or the other to me. Neither Kendall nor Bailey was going to get in the way of my grand plan. Casualties were simply a tragedy of war.
The best part of all was that Xavier didn't suspect a thing. If he did, he couldn't prove it. I had been extra careful in my comings and goings. I was going to teach Xavier Preston a lesson he wouldn't soon forget. I was going to teach him once and for all that he couldn't fuck with me. What did Kendall and Bailey have that I didn't have? I would make him pay. I'd make them all pay. Xavier thought he had seen the last of me, but I didn't give up that easily.
Sure I had gone away for a year to a lush tropical island. It was during that time that I received my plastic surgery, recovered, and recouped from the media frenzy that took place in the United States. I loved it there, and for a brief period of time, I was at peace.
I was willing to wait. Wait on Xavier. I knew with all my heart he would come to his senses and realize we were meant to be together. Xavier was my soul mate, and no one could tell me any differently. I knew what I felt in my heart. I came back to the States a new and improved person. I was rested and confident again. Leeda, my one true friend, had gotten me back on my meds, and we talked at least once a week. Life was looking good again, not like an ugly, endless, empty sea of murkiness.
To my surprise, I was able to get a job rather quickly, doing something I was good at. Of course, Michael was an added bonus. Initially, he was going to be someone to spend time with until Xavier came to his senses, but soon I developed feelings for him and thought that maybe it was possible to have two very different soul mates. Anything was possible.
Then the betrayal happened, by both Xavier and Michael. Xavier put out that damn movie portraying me as an evil, deranged stalker, and Michael betrayed me by pulling away from the relationship we had established. Both betrayals boiled down to lies, lies, lies, and more lies. I couldn't let them continue to hurt me. If you crossed me, I struck out with a vengeance. Maybe I was my mother's daughter.
I relaxed on the sofa and thought about how easy it was to come and go in Xavier's home. He thought he was so smart. Well, I was smarter. I admit, he almost caught me a few days ago. To my surprise, because he was usually such a routine-based person, he arrived home earlier than I had anticipated. Prior to him arriving, I hadn't been doing much. Most times I wandered from room to room, admiring his fabulous home. For a man, Xavier had good taste. Sometimes, I would read portions of the manuscript he was working on, or I would take a nap in his bed and imagine him lying beside me, holding me close. I would hold his pillow close, pretend it was him, and inhale his scent. Usually, I would make a sandwich or drink bottled water, and occasionally, I would even watch a little TV or view a movie from his extensive collection.
The day Xavier came home early, I was lucky I heard the alarm being disarmed. It gave me enough time to quickly walk upstairs without being seen. I secretly watched him as he walked from room to room. I think he even drank a glass of orange juice. As he made his way upstairs, thirty minutes later, I rushed to hide in his gigantic walk-in bedroom closet. He didn't have a clue I was there.
I intensely watched him through a crack in the door as he came into the master bedroom. It took all I had not to reveal myself to him. Xavier was such a handsome man, and the problem was that he knew it with every fiber of his being. The arrogant motherfucker. He was tall and dark and fine. Xavier had the cutest dimples and the sexiest smile. When he smiled, my world simply lit up. And he gave the best dick I had ever had. I knew if he apologized, I'd still take him back, but he hadn't apologized. So for now, I had to do what I had to do.
I waited patiently and felt myself getting wet as he stripped down to nothing as he prepared to take a shower. He had the body of a god, a work of art, and I knew very well that he definitely knew how to use what hung, thick and long, between his legs. I shook off flashbacks of him on top of me, inside me. He would take all he wanted, with my legs spread open, as he whispered naughty words that made me wetter. I shuddered and slightly parted my lips to release a soft moan. He was the best I had ever had. Unfortunately, he used and abused me and then tossed me away like a bag of trash filled with squirming maggots.
I stayed hidden in the closet, cherished every moment of simply being in his presence. It was as close to heaven as I had been in a while. Minutes later, when he turned off the shower and I heard him stepping out of the stall, I made my way over to his massive four-poster mahogany bed and climbed quietly and effortlessly beneath. There was more than enough room for me to recline comfortably, and I had the luxury of taking a nap with Xavier not being aware of me.
Later that night, once he climbed in bed, I reveled in being so close, so near to him. Just the knowledge that he was only inches above where I lay brought me ecstasy. I closed my eyes as an orgasm coursed through my trembling body. It was still fresh in my memory bank how, not too long ago, he was hoisted on two hands above my body as he pumped in and out of my spread legs with a savage fury and whispered naughty words into my ear. Every creak and groan of the mattress as he moved around brought me joy because I was in Xavier's space once again. Once he was lightly snoring, I reached up to touch the outline of his body through the mattress. I shivered as I imagined I was touching the real thing: his back, his chest, his manhood.
When I was pretty sure he was in the deep throes of sleep, I slowly, ever so quietly inched my way from beneath the bed. Xavier lay on his back with his legs spread wide and his covers tangled at his feet. I couldn't help but smile with the knowledge that he still slept the same way, all over the place. I stood to the left of him for a few minutes, simply basking in his presence.
When he was sleeping, I realized why I loved him so. I slowly circled the massive bed like a vulture circling its prey, never taking my eyes off him, and came around to his right side. I saw his eyes flutter, and he turned, so I instantly froze in mid-step, but then he went just as quickly into his familiar rhythm of breathing. I was towering above him. I lowered the back side of my hand and just barely caressed his cheek. I was so close that I could feel the heat radiating from his skin, and I couldn't help but lean down to smell the masculine scent that was him. Xavier was my God. My entire world began, centered, and ended around him.
I didn't rush my steps; I had all night, and the night was still young. I silently, like a creature of the darkness, slinked into a leather wing chair that sat in the far corner of the bedroom, in the shadows. I watched him sleep through the early morning hours, not once removing my eyes from him. Each moan, each turn, each twist of his athletic body, I observed as I breathed in his same air. During the wee hours, right before the sun rose to a new day, I let myself out, but not before tucking the covers back around him and blowing a sweet kiss his way as I walked out the bedroom door and down the stairs.
I realized he would find the items I had intentionally left for him to discover. I wanted to rattle him, play mental games with him. I wanted him to suffer, like he had made me suffer. Oh, we were just beginning. Xavier hadn't seen anything yet. The question was, was he ready? He wouldn't or couldn't believe in a million years what I had in store for poor, pussy-whipped Dre'. This was going to be fun.
Let the games begin.
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