Her CEO Stalker and Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 84

Briar

Carter’s thought process made sense. If what I desired, ending this man’s control over my life, was to be gained, I had to fight for it. I couldn’t let unwarranted guilt nor the fear weigh me down. I wanted to be fiercer, stronger, and to possess more backbone than Adelaide ever had. Briar deserved more, wanted more, and I wanted that life for her. Carter’s omissions this morning had been telling. As much as I loved the fact that he wanted to do the unspeakable for me, I couldn’t let him. He was too good a person for this world to lose. Me, on the other hand? I was expendable. However, the goal was to take him down before I died, so he was right…I had to live…I had to eat…and I would push myself to the max just so I could watch the light of his vile existence die from his eyes…just like he ensured mine would die along with his disgusting display. My heart may still be beating, but who was I kidding? A very large part of me died with Adelaide.

There was a sound outside, and Rosie woofed, tail wagging. So I pleaded with my heart to stop trying to jump out of my chest. An old pale blue VW bug was outside, and Lana was at the door.

I sighed in relief and let her in, willing my jumpiness to relax.

“Figured you wouldn’t want to be alone, being the bestie's girlfriend means I know how it is when they have to work.” was her explanation. To be honest, I was thankful for her intrusion. My thoughts were consuming me in a never-ending loop. I was a nervous wreck all day and Lana had an understanding nobody else could have. Lana disappeared into the kitchen and came back with two bottles of water and a plate of leftovers, and two forks. We had settled into the couch when the phone rang. It was Misty. So, I put the phone to my ear as I answered.

“Your douche bag is about to start his press conference, I figured if you wanted to watch I’d sit with you. I sent you the link to the live. 

I closed my eyes and steadied my breath. Lana eyed me as I pulled my laptop out of my bag and stared at the invite. Did I think I could do it? I closed my eyes and thought about it. If I couldn’t bring myself to face him on a screen, what good would I be when he really came calling? My mind was resolved, but I couldn’t bring myself to click the link.

“I wanna know who this asshole is,” she hissed with menace. I let out a breath. I must have the volume that high on the phone, she overheard. Lana seemed to understand my hesitation and reached over and clicked the link

I glanced at the screen, waiting. I was really doing this; I flipped the phone to speaker mode and set it on the table next to the laptop. I gave Lana a nod of appreciation. I would have never had the guts to do it on my own.

Lana scooted closer, her shoulder against mine in support as her eyes watched the screen transfixed. I settled into her offered support and waited. A few moments later, I saw his stupid, handsome face come across the screen. He looked disheveled, haggard even, and his eyes held a glint of what I had seen in them when he attacked me in the elevator. Something feral. My heart thundered, but I refused to let it shake me.

Misty was quiet as he rambled on about the need for high-end technology to be integrated into the needs of everyday homes. … He stole that from me; it was in my proposal to the Lords and Sons.

The first press woman asked a question out of the crowd.

“Where is your assistant? Or should we say girlfriend,” she questioned, her words bold. Meant to jar him.’

I swear his skin rippled before he closed his eyes to consider his answer.

“The authorities and my personal team are working tirelessly on the disappearance of Miss Anderson. It has been a blow to the company, as well as to me personally, and we are working every angle to find her. Rest assured, we are exhausting every lead.” The words were taken out of some script he was handed by his PR team, I was sure. The end of his answer, however…a personal warning to me. He would find me one way or another. “Addy baby, I know you’re out there, I’m coming for you.” My eyes watched him smirk slightly before turning and walking off without addressing any other questions. Icy fangs of terror sank into me.

That feeling stirred within me instantly, it pushed and rolled under my skin, like a beast threatening to burst free. Chill fear lent way to hot fury. I would never let the likes of him or anyone like him get the better of me again.

I must have done something because when Lana gripped my arm as that invisible presence coiled to life under my skin. She quickly let me go as if touching fire. She said something, but it didn’t register. My thoughts were consumed by Creedon’s words. It was as if he had known I’d be watching through the screen. Fucking egotistical rapist piece of horse shit male. The thoughts and rage boiled loudly in my ears, bold and unnaturally cruel. I guess I’d have to be just as cruel to beat him at this. I needed to tear him to pieces, and there were more ways than one to do that. He had ruined me, and now he was preventing me from healing and living my broken life in peace. He had lost his chance, and knowing the kind of person he was now, I didn’t want him. I couldn’t stand him. The idea of him nauseated me. If it was going to be me or him, it most definitely wasn’t going to be me. No mercy. My thoughts shocked me as that strength unbiden ran through me.

Misty was cursing a long string of profanities in Spanish.

“Briar,” Lana’s voice stirred me from my dark and twisted thoughts. She was now standing a few feet away, her phone in her hand, watching me as she spoke.

“Snap out of it, Briar, I’m not the one supposed to be here for this. I can’t handle you.” Her phone was on a video call. I was aware, and yet my body didn’t feel like my own; I couldn’t react.

“What's going on?” Misty asked.

Carter's face filled the small screen on the other side of the room where Lana stood, unsure, concerned, and I swear I could hear Lana’s heart beating out of her chest. Suddenly, Carter’s face became the most interesting thing in the room.