Now You’re Mine: A Dark Stalker Romance (Possessing Her Book 2)
Now You’re Mine: Chapter 32

“State vs. Johnson,” the bailiff announces.

I sit with my leg bouncing underneath the table, ready for this case to end. The uncomfortable wooden chair only adds to my agitation. I didn’t want to leave Calista for any reason, but going to jail isn’t on my to do list. I need to play by the rules for once.

Especially after torturing and dismembering Thomas Russell.

Despite my foul mood, a smile tilts my lips. Hearing him scream was music to my ears, before I cut his tongue out. Even so, it’s a song I’ve put on repeat in my head. He suffered just like I said he would. If Calista hadn’t been waiting for me in the hospital, I would’ve peeled all of his skin off, not most of it…

The judge’s voice, high-pitched and nasally, brings me out of my musings. I run my gaze over her and then the jury, taking in their bored expressions while silently commiserating.

My thoughts veer back to Calista within a matter of seconds. I replay our last interaction at the hospital, and my gut twists. The uncertainty and hurt in her gaze as she looked at me from the bed still kills me. I have to make her understand that I’m done with taking the law into my hands. I meant it when I said she was my reason for living.

Revenge and justice don’t compare to love and devotion.

By the time I stride through the hospital doors several hours later, I’m ready to get on my knees before Calista if she’ll promise not to run. I saw the wariness in her eyes, and I haven’t been able to dismiss it. Instinctively, I know that’s the reason I’ve been on edge all day and why I sprint down the hallway to her room instead of walking.

My sweaty palm glides along the handle as I turn it and push open the door. My gaze immediately lands on the empty bed, neatly made as if it’s been vacant for some time. A spasm hits my chest when I spot a cell phone sitting atop a white envelope.

With shaking hands, I pocket Calista’s abandoned cell phone and pick up the envelope with my name written on it. I open it quickly, despite the trepidation gnawing at my insides. The sensation worsens at the string of pearls I replace inside. It’s accompanied by a handwritten note.

Hayden,

I need time to process what’s happened. My past. You. Everything. When I’m ready to talk, I’ll contact you. Take care.

~ Calista

I sink onto the bed with my stomach in knots, clutching the small piece of paper… the only piece of Callie that I have left.

For now.

“I’ll always chase you,” I say to the empty room. “You can trust that.”

If she thinks I stalked her before, she has no idea what’s coming.