Free Her Dangerous Promise - Part 2: (Romantic Suspense Serial) by Ashley Stryker Page A

set your speed dial numbers?”
    Mary opened a can of soda for herself and leaned across the island counter toward Thom. “I’m not really electronically inclined.”
    “I’m programming my cell number into your phone. Just hit the first preset button.” Thom handed her the phone. “Try it.”
    Mary pressed the button and Thom’s pocket rang obligingly.
    He pulled out the cell phone and examined the caller ID screen. “Good.”
    “I’m sure that’s not necessary.”
    “Better safe than sorry.”
    Mary replaced the phone on its cradle and then sipped at her drink. “Thank you. Hopefully, though, we can just put this whole situation behind us.”
    “Can we?” Thom watched Mary closely.
    She felt her cheeks flame under his scrutiny. Why was she blushing? His strictly professional interest in her shouldn’t send her pulse skyrocketing.
    Thom rose and circled the counter to join her in the kitchen. He reached to cover her hand with his but she drew back. Undeterred, Thom drew closer. Mary backed into the refrigerator. He penned her into the corner between the refrigerator and the kitchen counter, placing one hand on the refrigerator and the other on the counter. “Do you feel safe, Mary?”
    “I’m… not afraid of you, if that’s what you mean.” She raised her chin to glare up at him defiantly. The breathlessness in her response might have given away her nerves but that had nothing to do with fear and everything to do with Thom’s closeness. The rest of the room vanished behind the width of Thom’s shoulders so her vision found nothing but his well-muscled torso or his too handsome face to alight upon. He planted his feet wide of her stance, well and truly trapping her.
    Thom leaned even closer, only inches away from her. His sultry gaze swept over her and lingered on her parted lips. “But you are afraid. You’d be a fool not to be.”
    “Wait a minute—”
    “You think it is over?” he murmured, locking those intense green eyes on her that made her feel so exposed and vulnerable that they should be illegal. “You think this maniac won’t come back? Won’t try again?”
    “Thom—” Mary didn’t know what to say. He invaded her space, claiming it as his own. The heady mingle of his cologne and masculine scent rippled tectonic surges pulsing in her bones. Consciously, Mary forced herself not to touch him, not knowing if she’d push him away or pull him to her. His body pressed close, too close, meaning to intimidate, which it did, but it also excited her until she couldn’t think straight.
    He didn’t wait for a reply. “You escaped from him once. You won’t next time. I guarantee it.”
    “But he won’t come back.”
    “He won’t? Why not?”
    Mary considered that. Why wouldn’t he come back? Because of her cat? Because of her promise? What if he changed his mind?

Chapter Two

    Thom watched the play of emotion on Mary’s face. She hadn’t considered that he’d come for her again. Mary crossed her arms protectively and gripped the insides of her elbows so tightly her fingertips turned white. Her wide, dark eyes darted around as if an attack might come at any moment from any direction. She was scared now and he needed her scared. He confronted her before she slipped back into her tight-lipped reserve. “Did he tell you he wouldn’t?”
    “Thom, please.” Mary pressed her palms to his chest, trying to gain room to maneuver but he wouldn’t allow it. Zinging heat radiated from her palms down his stomach and to places lower.
    He pressed closer still, so only a breath of air separated their bodies. Dropping his voice to a dangerous whisper, he said, “He’ll come back, Mary.”
    She gasped.
    “He’ll watch you.” He bent closer, his lips nearing her ear. Purposefully, he exhaled his hot breath on her neck, sending shivers through her. “He’ll stalk you. He’ll wait until you are alone.”
    The moan she let out stirred him to the core. His mouth watered. The plan, to scare