5.

Mega

I wake up groggy, my head fuzzy from a night of restless sleep and strange dreams. In the back of my mind, there's a lingering sensation that someone was in my house, in my room. The thought sends a shiver down my spine, but I push it aside. It was just a dream, I tell myself, shaking off the unease.

I get out of bed and head to the bathroom. A quick shower washes away some of the remnants of the night, and the hot water soothes my tense muscles. As I towel off, I catch my reflection in the mirror. My eyes are haunted, shadows lurking beneath them.

Deciding to do something to lift my spirits, I curl my hair into soft waves. I apply a bit of makeup, just enough to brighten my features and give me a sense of normalcy. I even pull out a dress I haven't worn in a while, one that hugs my shape just enough to entice a man.

A man like Lash. A man like the caller…

Swallowing and taking a deep breath, I decide to go over to my neighbor. Maybe seeing him, talking to him in the daylight, will help clear my fears. I gulp, realizing I normally would've stayed away from him but the caller makes me desperate to seek protection…his protection.

Lash's house is simple, blending seamlessly into the surroundings. The exterior is weathered but well-kept, with a small porch and a garden that looks like it's seen a lot of care. The trees that partially hide my view of his home add a touch of mystery.

I'm just about to knock on the door when Lash comes around the corner. My breath catches in my throat. He's bare-chested, his skin tanned and glistening with a light sheen of sweat. It's clear he's been working in the garden, and the sight of him sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

"Well, well look who decided to show up," he says, a slow, sexy smile spreading across his face. His eyes flicker with a mix of openness and mystery. "Guess you don't scare that easily after all."

"Someone definitely needs to take classes on the art of intimidation," I retort, trying to keep my voice steady and he chuckles. "I, um, thought I'd come by and say hello."

He steps closer, his presence commanding and a little overwhelming. "Smart girl for making the right choice. I was just finishing up some work in the garden."

I nod. "Hope I'm not disturbing."

"You?" he asks, glancing at me with a sideways smile. "Never."

He laughs softly, a sound that's both comforting and a little unsettling. "Besides, it's a pleasure to have a pretty girl around." His eyes roam down my body. "Are you going somewhere later or did you put that summer dress on just for me?"

"For you," I admit, flushing and surprising myself with the blatant honesty.

Lash grins. "Then I must've made quite the impression."

I shrug, forcing myself to roll my eyes. "Don't get too cocky or I might just…"

"Take it off?" he says suggestively and my laugh sounds croaky.

"Are you always this shameless?"

"Only when I want something," he replies, his eyes boring into mine and I lick my lips when my throat suddenly goes dry. "I'd love to invite you inside but I don't want you to overheat. How about a walk instead?"

Nodding, I shiver a little when we start walking, the path winding through the trees and undergrowth, the bayou's unique sounds enveloping us. The air is thick with humidity, the scent of earth and water mingling together. Lash's pace is relaxed, but there's an underlying tension in his movements, a kind of coiled energy that's hard to ignore.

Still, I don't pull away when he reaches out and casually takes my hand. My heart starts beating but I tell myself to calm down. We're just holding hands.

We walk in silence for a bit, the sounds of the bayou filling the gaps between us. I sneak glances at him, admiring the way the sunlight filters through the trees and casts patterns on his skin. And he has this easy grin never far from his lips. It"s disarming, the way he seems so protective, yet somehow…not. He's the kind of guy that would pretend to push a girl in front of a train, then yank her right back before any damage is done. Just as a game.

"You"re awfully quiet," he says playfully, his eyes twinkling with evil mischief. "Thinking about me?"

I laugh, feeling a blush creep up my neck. "What else would I be thinking about? My world revolves around you," I retort, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

He leans in, and lowers his voice conspiratorially. "Now you're just saying things I want to hear."

I shake my head, but I can"t suppress my smile. "I'll do anything to please."

"Then you definitely need to smile more," he says, leaning back with a satisfied smirk. "I like seeing you smile. It suits you."

I glance around the garden, trying to distract myself from the intensity of his gaze. There"s a spark between us, a rare chemistry that leaves me feeling both exhilarated and a little scared.

He likes my smile.

But he's not the only one and I throw a look over my shoulder, to make sure we're not being followed. The man who's been watching me is still out there, and I know I'm using Lash as a buffer but when he squeezes my hand I get this strange sense that he won't run if things get…

Dark.