Due to violence, language and some sexual content.
Previously on Black Nightingale- Read Chapter 5 HERE
Chapter 6- The Nightmares Are Back
That night I gave myself time to sleep and recharge. I know the fight is coming and I’ll really need my strength and I knew Greg was on the night shift so I trusted him to keep the killer at bay, just for the night. Another hidden truth. I couldn’t quite bring myself down from our kiss. My first kiss with Greg. Something, that up until the moment it happened I didn’t think it ever would. Let alone it being something I even wanted to happen in the first place. My romantic drama was getting in the way of my protecting the women who walk the streets of a once very vibrant city. And suddenly it dawned on me. What if I can’t focus on my true purpose once I let myself fall for Greg? I mean like really fall. Because just one look into his eyes after that kiss was enough for me to know that I could stare into those eyes forever. And that became a knawing feeling in the pit of my stomach. All night. All morning.
Nevina Luna does not need anyone. She doesn’t gawk at men over petty romantic advances. She doesn’t place her value on whether or not a man finds her attractive or worthy. She’s worthy because she simply says so. And yet, Gregory Gavin is not just any man. He’s damn near the perfect man. A man who knows my insecurities, my pain, my tenderness, and all of my secrets. And that quite frankly scares the living hell out of me. I can’t put up a front with Greg. I won’t be able to. He knows me too well.
All morning it was like a vicious cycle in my mind. Playing over, and over, and over again. Like a lab rat spinning on its wheel. Like a Merry go round. A Ferris wheel. The repetitiveness of it all was driving me crazy! Until I gave in and finally just texted Greg to meet me at our bench in the park just around 11 am.
Nevina smiles nervously at Greg.
“Hey, What’s the matter?” he asks innocently, kicking her foot with his as they share a park bench, just a few blocks away from the café.
“Nothing,” she says, trying not to get lost in his eyes.
“Luna, come on, you know you can’t lie to me.” he says, his eyes kind and knowing.
“That’s the problem,” Nevina says, her eyes not able to meet his.
“What do you mean?” he asks.
“I feel like after what happened between us…I feel like I can’t talk to you the way that I used to. My once no filter banter suddenly feels very filtered.”
“Well, I thought we had agreed to just act like that never happened.” he says, his eyes burning into hers.
“I know that’s what we said. What I said. But how can I possibly do that, when all I can think about is kissing you?”
“Filtered you say?” he says laughing.
“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to make this weird. But I-“
“I can’t stop thinking about it either Nevina.”
“SO what does that mean then? Where do we go from here?” “Where do you want it to go?” he asks.
“I know that you’re my best friend and I never wanna lose that. And I’m worried that if we veer off into this whole new… thing. I worry that things could get-“
“Complicated?” he asks.
“Well I was going to say messy, but sure let’s use your word. It’s much more graceful.”
He chuckles. And it’s a genuine sound, one that comes right from the gut. Greg looks over at Nevina, his eyes blinking back a sweet twinkle.
And suddenly she realizes the sound had made her stomach tighten and fill with flutter.
“Greg, I don’t know how to navigate this. Or these feelings. I mean tell me, how have you managed to keep this in for so long?”
“I’ve had a lot of practice,” he says smiling with a slight cock of his head.
“I’m serious.” she says.
“So am I. I told you Nev. I’ve been in love with you for a long time. I guess the longer it goes on, the easier it gets to hide.”
“What if I don’t wanna hide it though…” she says flirtatiously. Her mind left to ponder a variety of possibilities.
“Look if you’re serious then we can talk about it. I mean Luna, you’re all I’ve ever wanted. So if you’re into giving this a chance with us. I am ALL in.” He says his eyes laser focused on Nevina’s.
“Really?”
“Yea. Hell yea.” he says smirking and nodding.
“But what if we ruin it?”
“Won’t know unless we try.” he says shrugging.
“I mean all last night and this morning I was just running through all the things that could go so wrong. What if I’m a terrible girlfriend?
“That’s highly unlikely. But relax girl, no one said anything about you being my girlfriend.”
“Oh so then you’d be totally fine with this being a casual thing, then. My occasional guy.” she says smirking, as her hand slides down his chest, knowing full well that will get to him.
“AH haha, yea no, if we do this, I’m going to take up all of your time, you won’t have any left for any other guys.” he says, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him.
“Hmmm, interesting.”
“What?” he whispers.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that you might kinda sorta wanna kiss me.”
“Considering, I’m crazy about you, yea I’d say that’s a pretty safe assumption.” he says smirking as their lips dance around each other playfully.
Until Nevina’s had enough, she laughs, rolls her eyes and pulls him by the shirt and into a kiss.
Greg smirks against her lips as he kisses her back, deepening their kiss.
Nevina lets it go on for a while, as her brain loses all control of her lips. Her heart skipping beats, her stomach fluttering.
Greg’s grip on her hips becomes a bit more snug, not aggressive, but definitely wanting. Which was sexy as hell. How long have I gone not realizing how just the mere touch of his hand can set me on fire. Send my soul into a tailspin.
Kissing him was like an out of body experience for me. I can just imagine what it would be like to have sex with him.
Sex! With Greg. Gregory Gavin. The boy next door. Your best friend since like the 3rd grade. Nevina Luna shame on you.
And suddenly a flash of The Black Hawk bolts through my mind. Vanquishing all that is good. I instinctively find myself pushing Greg away. The look on his face one of pure confusion and worry.
“Hey, we don’t have to rush this. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-“
“No… no you didn’t. I wanted to kiss you. I really want to kiss you. I mean I wish we could just do that all night long.”
Greg smirks sheepishly as he gives me a flirty look, his eyebrows raising.
“Well then…” he says lacing his fingers through mine, his lips finding their way to my neck.
My eyes begin to close as I tighten my grip around his hands. He chuckles as he smirks down at me, placing a teasing kiss on my lips.
I see his face. In that dark alley. Night smoke rolling in. Deep dark eyes staring into mine. Wanting to claim me. Gut me like a fish. Like one of the first girls to die in a horror slasher. The Black Hawk. I can feel him. Smell him. He consumes my tender moment with Greg turning it into a near nightmare. I gasp, my eyes opening wildly, as I step back away from Greg’s embrace.
“Hey…Nev…you ok?” he says reaching for me.
I swallow hard. My mind a hazy mess. Stuck between my hormonal surge toward Greg and my deep sole purpose of avenging my sister’s death and ridding this world of the Black Hawk.
I shake my head, creating more distance between us.
“I can’t do this.” I say, the words flying out of my mouth before I even get the chance to object.
“Nev? Don’t.” he says as the heartbreak begins to flood his beautiful face.
“You’re a distraction. A really sexy distraction. But a distraction. I can’t be distracted right now.” I say shaking my head as I step backward, my eyes not wanting to leave his.
“We can work on this together Nev. You know I will help you any way that I can.”
“It’s not about that Greg. I need to focus. And being around you, I won’t be able to do that.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way. But I’m just so confused.” He says.
“I’m sorry. I just don’t feel like I can fully be present and enjoy you with all this insanity with the Black Hawk going on. I’m not trying to play with your heart here. I promise. I’m just…stressed. Please don’t hate me.” I beg clasping my hands together in front of my chest in a prayer like gesture.
“It’s not possible for me to hate you. Ever.” He says shaking his head.
I bring my hand to my lips and placing a kiss on it, I blow it over to him.
“Thank you. Soon. Ok? When all this is over. You and me. Soon. I promise.” I say slowly walking away as he nods. The pain on his face pretty evident.
Nevina walks to her door, as Greg reaches his door next store. He looks over.
“Hey Luna, don’t disappear on me though ok? We’re still friends. And if you ever need anything, you know I’m always here. We don’t have to make out anymore, until you’re ready.” He says with a small but silly smile. But I know he’s just putting on a brave face.
I smile at him, my heart breaking. My legs, with a mind of their own walk over to him. My eyes glued to his, my hands cup his face. His beard stubble prickly beneath my hands. My lips cover his instinctively. It was a good bye kiss that felt like it lasted forever.
Greg stunned at first, reacted rather quickly as his arms wrap tightly around my waist. My stomach flipping and fluttering. Am I going to be able to stay away from this delicious man? How has it taken me so long to realize these huge feelings for him have been bottled up inside me all these years?
“Nev…your killing me.” He whispers against my lips. His eyes closed.
“Sorry. Just wanted one for the road.” I say pulling away as I look at him sheepishly.
He licks his lips as he shakes his head at me. His eyes falling on mine.
“Luna turn around and get in that apartment of yours, before I kiss you again.”
“Don’t tell me what to do,” I say giving him my usual sass.
He chuckles.
“Soon right?” he asks
“Soon.” I reply with a small smile, as my hand reaches my door knob.
“Alright well, I’m gonna hold you to that.” He says winking at me as he walks into his apartment.
“Damn, Luna. You’re in trouble.” I whisper to myself as I enter my apartment.
****
TO BE CONTINUED…
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
*Previously on Crazy Stalker Love – Read Chapter 20 HERE
FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE!
One Year Later…
A clear Summer day. The sun shining. A beautiful, sweet, cozy house with a backyard full of chatting and laughter and some familiar faces.
Hunter stands at the grill. As Henley sits at the picnic table chatting with Alexis, Camila, Brooke and Piper.
“Hey babe,” Parker says walking in with a baby boy in his arms, “Someone decided to finally join the party,” he says with a smile, as Piper beams, “He’s all changed, but I think he’s ready for a bottle,” Parker says as Piper stands, “Oh hello handsome, you woke up from your nap, you must be so hungry,” she says in her best baby voice. She takes her son into her arms, sitting next to Henley as she gets a bottle ready.
“There’s my nephew, hi bug,” Henley says placing a kiss on his forehead.
“He’s so adorable, he’s getting so big already,” Alexis says smiling.
“I know, it’s only been a few weeks and he’s already changed so much, I can’t take it,” Piper says.
The doorbell rings, Henley goes to get up, “I’ve got it,” Parker says as Henley smiles her thanks.
Parker walks back in with Leo.
“Leo, hey man, glad you made it!” Hunter says as he sets a plate of burgers on the red and white checkered table cloth draped over the picnic table.
“Hey, yea work was kind of difficult to get away from, but I’m finally glad I did. Hey everyone,” Leo says smiling with a wave.
**A little while later…
Henley looks at Leo and then glances over at Alexis and suddenly a light bulb idea comes to mind.
“Hey Leo…” Henley says grabbing Alexis’ hand and pulling her over.
“What are you doing, Henley…No…No,” Alexis says dragging behind trying to escape her grasp.
“Shhh…it’s time you get back on the horse…” Henley says.
Leo turns around, “Hey Henley,” he says with a smile.
“Leo…this is Alexis. Alexis this is Leo.”
“Hi,” Leo says with a sweet smile, as he extends his hand.
Alexis smiles, “Hi,” she says shaking his hand as she feels a spark ignite. And this time, it was a real spark.
“And I’ll be going,” Henley says walking away with a bright smile on her face as she walks, over and sits next to Hunter. She takes his hand in hers.
“Oh boy…” he says with a smile following her gaze. “Nicely played,” he say smirking.
“Thank you…I think it’s time for ALL of us to heal. Don’t you?”
“Yea absolutely. That was really nice of you babe,” he says placing a kiss on her cheek.
Henley smiles simply as she looks down at her stomach, she places a hand over it, as you see a wedding band now accompanying her engagement ring.
He notices, “Hey, how are you feeling? You ok?” he says placing his hand over hers. Hunter’s wedding band sitting on his finger as well.
“Yea. I feel really good,” she says smiling.
“Ok well you know what Dr. Ross said about taking it easy…”
“I know, and I am. Remember she said we’re both doing really well. So there’s no reason to suspect that-”
“I know, I just worry,” he says looking down.
“I know. I worry too, but I know that this time, it’s all different. I have you,” she says smiling.
Hunter smiles lovingly at her as he leans in, placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
“Should we tell them?” he whispers.
Henley nods with a smile, “let’s just give those two a minute,” Henley says nodding toward Alexis and Leo.
***
“So I’m sure you’ve heard some terrible things about me,” Alexis says sheepishly looking away.
“Oh please, I’m a cop. I’ve heard worse,” he says laughing. “Besides all that matters is that you’re trying to be a better person now? I mean that’s all we can do as humans, right? Try to be a better person, each day.”
Alexis nods, “I will cheers to that,” she says raising her red plastic cup.
“Cheers to second chances,” Leo says smiling and clinking his cup into hers.
Alexis smiles in awe of the humanity surrounding her.
***
Hunter and Henley both stand, “Um, Hunter and I have a little announcement,” she says as Piper’s eyes lock onto the two of them.
Henley smiles at her husband. “I’m pregnant!” she says excitedly.
Everyone screams.
“AH!!!!! I knew it! I knew it!” Piper says screaming as she jumps up and hugs them.
Henley laughs as everyone says their congratulations and hugs the happy couple.
“Give me this little guy,” Hunter says walking over to Parker who holds his nephew.
“Yes big bro, get all the practice in now,” Piper says smiling happily.
“Hey Pipe, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, with everything that happened in the past, we wanted to wait…”
“No, hey, I totally understand. You do not need to apologize at all. I am so so happy for you, do you know the sex yet?”
“We do,” she smiles nodding. “It’s a girl,” she whispers as Piper is about to squeal, “But we’re planning a gender reveal so shhh,” Henley says putting a finger to her lips.
“Oh of course, my lips are sealed,” Piper says locking her lips with an imaginary key.
“Can I at least just tell Parker though?” Piper asks excitedly.
“Of course, but that’s it!” Henley says pointing at her.
Piper smiles and she pulls her best friend into a hug.
***
Hunter sits in the house rocking his nephew, watching him doze off to sleep.
Piper walks in, and sees him, she smiles, “You’re a natural.”
Hunter laughs, “Thanks.”
“I’m serious Hunt. Seeing you with Patrick, you remind me so much of Dad. You have his ease. No matter what was going on, when dad was around you just knew you were safe. You’re going to be a great dad.”
Hunter looks up at her and smiles.
“That means the world to me, especially coming from you.” he says.
“I think we’ve done pretty well for ourselves, huh? All things considered,” Piper says sitting next to her brother.
“Yea, I think so. But you know that it was your strength that got us here, right?” he says looking at her.
“It was yours too,” she says.
“No Piper, I’m serious, you’re so much like mom. You take everything on. Sure dad was always there but he was always working like a dog. Mom was the one who kept us all afloat. She was the center of our family. And now, you are. Sometimes I feel like the weight of that, it isn’t fair that I put that on you for so many years. You know when we lost mom and dad, I didn’t know how to handle it. I just wanted to numb the pain. And I know that I was selfish, because I know that you were mourning them too. And I only added to your pain.”
“Hey Hunter, stop, ok it was a long time ago. I’ve forgiven you.” She says smiling at him.
“No, I need to say this…thank you Piper, you saved my life and I know it wasn’t easy for you. I only hope that someday I can repay you.”
“Hey, I don’t regret standing by you, not for a single second. We’re family. And that means trying again. Forgiving. And never giving up on each other. There is no need for repayment. Besides we said it was time we all heal and move on right? I mean I have a son, and you and Henley are finally back together, married and a baby girl on the way,” she says smiling.
“Henley told you it’s a girl?” he says shaking his head.
“Yes, I’m sorry. I asked.” She says, “But I promise Parker and I are the only ones who know and we will not say a word.”
“It’s ok, I should know by now that even though you two are both married now, you’re still gonna have your secrets,” he says laughing.
“But of course,” she says smiling as she bumps her shoulder into his.
“Thank you Pipe, for everything. You truly are my rock and I love you, you’re the best sister a guy could ask for.” He says.
“You’re a pretty damn good brother too, I love you too,” she says hugging him, “I think mom and dad would be really proud of how far we’ve come.”
“Does that mean you’re finally going to exhale?” he says smirking at her knowingly.
“What?” she says confused.
“Come on Pipe, I know you. You’re constantly worried, watching out for everyone, especially me.”
“Well you know, it’s just how I show love,” she says rolling her eyes.
“I know that you have that fear that I could have a relapse, you and Henley both. But I promise you I have not slipped once in my whole recovery and I don’t plan to. Ever. I’m good. Like really good. In fact, I was just asked to be someone’s sponsor,” he says smiling.
“What? Oh my god, Hunter, that’s amazing! I’m so proud of you,” she says tearing up.
“Thank you. But see, that means I’m good, now focus on your family and stop worrying about me.”
“I’ll try,” she says laughing.
Hunter smiles as he pulls her into a hug.
***
Later that night Hunter brings Henley a cup of tea as she sits on the couch in her pajamas, the TV humming in the background.
Hunter lifts each of Henley’s legs and places them on the coffee table, placing a pillow under them.
“Hunter, baby, I’m fine,” she says smiling.
“Just humor me,” he says looking over at her.
“Hey did you ever bring in the mail today,” Henley asks.
“Uh, yea I think so,” he says reaching behind him and grabbing a stack of mail from the cabinet behind the couch.
Hunter flips through, “Junk, junk, junk” he says and then smiles at the next piece of mail.
“What?” Henley says looking over at him.
Hunter hands her a postcard, the cover- a picture of Elena and her new European beau, as she holds her hand up showing off an engagement ring!
Turning it over, Henley reads, “Hello from Europe! I guess you’re right. It all happens for a reason. I found my forever. Thank you for not marrying me. Wishing you and Henley all the best! xoxo Elena and Emilio.”
“Wow! That’s really great! They look so happy, and he is very handsome,” she says as Hunter’s eyebrows raise, “Really?” he says.
“Oh well, I mean not as handsome as you, of course,” she says smiling.
Hunter laughs, “I’m really happy for her,”
“Me too, we should write her back,” she says smiling, “Maybe send them a little something.”
Hunter smiles, “I have to say you’re being very cool about this,” he says surprised.
“Oh honey, I’ve got a ring on my finger, and your bun in my oven, I’m not worried. I’ve got you locked in for life,” She says shaking her head with a laugh.
Hunter laughs, “That you do,” he says leaning in and kissing her slowly and softly.
Henley moans against his lips, “Mmm, you know what we haven’t done in a while,” she says looking up at him as she starts to pull at his pajama strings.
“Henley,” he says stopping her.
“What?” she says pouting.
“I just don’t think we should be doing that, you know because of the baby. I don’t want to risk anything bad happening,” he says nervously.
“Hunter, we spoke to Dr. Ross about this ok, she said it was fine. I’m ok, I promise you.” She says cupping his face.
“You swear,” he says worry etched all over his face.
“No, I’m actually not doing the best. Because I haven’t made love to my husband in months. So yea there’s a whole lot of hormonal frustration going on here…but other than that…yea just peachy.” She says that sass showing through.
Hunter rolls his eyes, “you act like it’s something I want to avoid,” he says, “not being with you these last few months has been torture.”
“For me too,” she says climbing onto his lap, straddling him.
“Henley,” he says cautiously, his hands finding her stomach.
“Hunter, come on, I miss you,” she says pulling him into a kiss.
Hunter stops her as she gives him a pout, he looks at her longingly, sighing he pulls her into a passionate kiss, “I miss you too,” he whispers against her lips as he lifts her in his arms carrying her up the stairs and into their bedroom as he lays her gently on the bed.
***
Their bodies tangled up in each other, under crisp, cotton, white sheets, as Hunter moves above her, his lips trailing kisses down her neck as she gasps, her hands wrapping around his neck.
“Are you ok?” he whispers looking into her eyes.
“Perfect,” she says her lips crashing onto his.
“No I’m serious, are you feeling ok?” he says pulling away again.
Henley sighs, “Hunter yes, I am fine. I will let you know if anything. Now I love you, but shut up,” she says pulling him back into a kiss.
Hunter laughs against her lips.
“This pregnancy makes you bossy in bed,” he whispers, his voice raspy.
“Oh you haven’t seen anything yet,” Henley says raising her eyebrow with a sexy smirk.
“Oh,” he says his eyebrows raising as she closes the distance between them. She kisses him passionately, flipping them over, she places kisses on his chest.
Hunter pulls her back into a kiss as they continue to make love into the night.
***
Hunter wakes up to an empty bed and the smell of blueberry pancakes.
He smiles as he pulls his Pajamas on and makes his way downstairs.
Henley is grooving slowly to some soft music as she cooks, her back toward him, as her hips sway from side to side, Hunter’s t-shirt hanging on her, just slightly more snug since her pregnancy bump decided to show within the last few days.
Hunter smirks as he quietly walks over to her, sliding his hands around her waist.
“Good morning sleepy head,” Henley says looking over at him, as he places a kiss on her lips.
“Morning,” he says as she hands him a glass of orange juice. “Here, so you can keep up your strength. Seems I might have worn you out a bit,” she says smiling.
“Maybe a little,” he says with a laugh as he takes a sip of his juice.
“Sorry,” she says scrunching up her nose.
“No no, don’t ever apologize for that,” he says smirking up at her from his stool at the kitchen island. “You can wear me out anytime,” he says.
“Oh, likewise,” Henley says smiling at him as she reaches over and gives him a kiss.
“Hmm, syrup,” he says licking her lips, as she laughs, “Babe! Stop!” she says pulling away as he laughs.
“So I do have something serious to discuss with you though,” he says looking at her.
“Oh, ok,” she says putting on her serious face.
“Well it’s not that serious,” he says laughing.
“Well do tell, so that I can put on the appropriate serious face.” She says.
“I think we should make a list, of everything we still need for the nursery, you know because this baby has a timeline, and she’ll be here before we know it. So…”
Henley smiles, “I think that’s a perfect idea, I’ll get the pen and paper,” She says smiling.
***
Henley and Hunter sit on the couch as Henley’s legs lay across Hunter’s. She’s holding a list as she and Hunter chat and mark things down.
“I definitely think we should get a humidifier, Piper said Patrick sleeps so much better with one,” Henley says.
“Yes, definitely, I read an article about which were the best ones, and there was one specific brand that- here I saved it, let me show you,” he says picking up his phone as he flips through it.
Henley stares at him, smiling brightly.
“What?” he says noticing her eyes on him.
“Nothing I was just having a moment,” she says smiling.
“Aw ok,” he says smiling as he drapes his arm around her shoulders, “tell me about it.”
“I was just thinking about how amazing it is to be here with you right now. I mean we’re married, and we have this beautiful big house, and we’re having a baby. I just feel so happy to be here with you. Sometimes I feel like it’s all a dream I’m going to wake up from. Like it’s too good to be true.”
“I know the feeling,” he says smirking. “But we’re here babe. We made it. And I always knew we would,” he says starring at her lovingly.
“Thank you for never giving up on us. I know it wasn’t always easy. And I wasn’t always on board because I so scared. But I always hoped we’d get here. I may not have always been sure. But you were. And I’m grateful for that every day. I’m so grateful for you, every day,” she whispers as she cups his face and he places a kiss on her lips.
“I love you so much, I’m grateful for you and for you,” he says placing a hand on her stomach.
“I’m grateful for you too little girl,” Henley says looking down at her stomach, as they both feel a kick, their eyes jolting up at each other.
“Did you just feel that,” Henley says.
“Was that a kick?” Hunter asks excitedly.
“A big one, I’ve felt a few fluttery ones but never like that,” Henley says smiling.
“Oh my god,” Hunter says pulling her into a kiss.
“We can’t wait to meet you little one,” Henley says as they feel another kick.
“She hears you,” Hunter says smiling.
“That’s our baby in there,” Henley says smiling up at him, tears in her eyes.
“Our baby,” he says smiling happily as he leans into another kiss.
***
“So what do you wanna watch,” Henley says turning the TV on and looking over at Hunter.
“How about we watch our wedding video?” he says.
“Aw that’s a great idea,” Henley says smiling as Hunter gets up to put in the DVD.
The gold doors open as Henley walks down the center aisle. Her dress simple and elegant, her bouquet-red roses. The wedding march playing as her father holds her arm gently. Piper and the girls smiling from up front, as her eyes lock onto Hunter’s.
“I remember feeling so nervous waiting for you to come down,” Hunter says laughing.
“You looked nervous,” Henley says smiling, “But I just thought it was so cute,” she says.
“You weren’t nervous?” Hunter asks surprised.
“About the wedding, yes. The party planner in me was worried about the details. But marrying you. No. I knew it was finally our time, and when I saw you it was like everything just made sense.” She says shrugging.
“Yea, I remember feeling this instant calm once your hand was in mine,” Hunter says smiling over at her.
“It was a beautiful day,” Henley says smiling.
“It was, and you looked beautiful, but if it’s even possible I think you look even more beautiful now than you did that day. And I think I love you even more too.” He says looking into her eyes.
Henley smiles as she pulls him into a kiss, “I feel the exact same way, sometimes so much, that I feel like my heart is going to burst.” She says smiling.
Hunter smiles happily as he kisses her again, as the priest says “You may now kiss the bride,” Hunter and Henley kiss on screen.
“I love you Mrs. Stone,” he says.
“I love you Mr. Stone,” she says.
They kiss, snuggling together as they watch the rest of their wedding video. Their love story growing more and more with each passing moment.
Character Slideshow below… 🙂
-The End-
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
*Previously on Crazy Stalker Love– Read Chapter 19 HERE
FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE!
Hunter walks into the church to find Elena there still in her wedding dress.
He inwardly sighs, not wanting to hurt her.
“Hey you,” he says with a small smile.
“Hey, oh my god, I was so worried. Are you okay?” She says kissing him.
“I’m ok. I’m so sorry about today.”
“No no it’s ok. Is Henley safe, is she ok?”
“Yes, we found her. Her stalker is no longer an issue.”
“Oh thank God, I’m so glad to hear that everything is okay,” she says breathing a sigh of relief.
“Listen Elena…” Hunter says looking into her eyes.
“We’re not getting married are we?” she says simply looking into his eyes just the same.
“I’m so sorry, I never meant to hurt you,” Hunter says looking down.
“I know that. In fact, to be honest, I’m surprised we made it to the church at all,” she says with a sad little smile.
“What?” Hunter says confused.
“The way you talk about her, the way your eyes always seem to find her when she’s in the room. I can tell how much you still love her. She’s always been your one that got away. I’ve always had my suspicions, but tonight I think it was just really confirmed by the way you raced out of here, when you found out Henley was in trouble. I just had a feeling we’d be having this conversation.”
“I’m so sorry. I tried so hard to move on from her. I want you to know that you weren’t a game to me. I do care for you. I do love you. I just wish I could have been a little more honest with myself about still loving her. I’m sorry to do this, I hate hurting you, because you truly are amazing.”
“Oh I know. And it’s ok. Everyone has their person, I’m just not yours. I’m happy for you.”
“Who are you? You should hate me.”
“I can’t hate you for finding the love of your life. I just can’t. I only wish that I’m that lucky one day too.”
“Oh you will be, I just know it.” He says pulling her into a hug, as he kisses her forehead.
“I believe this belongs to you,” Elena says with a sweet smile as she hands him her engagement ring.
“No, that was a gift,” he says shaking his head.
“It’s ok, take it. I wouldn’t feel right about keeping it,” she says placing it in his hand.
“Thank you for being so amazing. I don’t deserve it at all.”
“Maybe not,” she says laughing, “but I know you have a good heart. Good bye Hunter,” she says placing a kiss on his cheek and walking out of the church.
***Later that night***
Hunter takes Henley home.
Henley walks up to her apartment door, as she notices the yellow police tape covering her door.
“Oh let me get that,” Hunter says pulling it all down and crumpling it up.
Henley smiles her thanks as she pushes her door open.
“I am exhausted,” Henley says rolling her neck as she tries to work out a kink.
“I imagine so, you’ve had a hard day,” he says placing his hands on her shoulders as he massages them slightly.
“Ugh thank you,” she says letting his hands work.
Henley turns in his arms, she places her forehead against his, breathing in deeply.
“You saved my life, I don’t know what would have happened had you not been there.”
“You don’t ever have to find out,” he says cupping her face, starring into her eyes.
“You know when I saw Leo first, I almost thought you really didn’t come after me. Part of me was mad. And the other part of me was scolding myself for thinking so insensitively. It was your wedding day, after all.”
“There was nothing in this world that was going to keep me from getting to you. Your safety is always my number one priority. No matter what.”
Henley smiles as a tear streams down her cheek, Hunter places a kiss on her lips.
Henley moans into his lips as he grips her hips, pulling her toward him, he deepens the kiss, needing her closer to him.
“I need a shower…” she says pulling back and looking up at him through heavy eyelids. “Care to join me?” she says her voice a sexy winded whisper.
“Absolutely,” Hunter says smirking as he grabs her hand and pulls her toward the bathroom.
The water falls upon their bodies, beading up and rolling down, as Hunter places kisses all over her face, neck, and chest, Henley’s hands sliding down his toned, muscular back.
***
Hunter lies on top of Henley, their bodies wrapped in silver satin sheets.
“I missed you,” she says moaning. “Oh,” she smiles with a small laugh, “I see you’ve missed me too.” she says as Hunter lowers himself onto her. He cups her face with one hand as he plants a kiss on her lips, moaning into them, “You have no idea,” he whispers. His voice raspy as they move in rhythm as one. Henley’s legs wrapping tightly around his waist, the sheets slip exposing her skin. Hunter’s other hand gripping at her upper thigh, his nails scraping down her skin. Henley’s hands sliding down his back and under the sheet. She presses him closer into her. Their kisses deepening each time. Their urgency and need for each other evident.
“You know Hunter, about what Blake or George or whatever his name is…about what he said…”
“None of that matters Henley. He lied to you, manipulated you…”
“I know but, I can’t imagine how you must have felt when he was saying all that disgusting stuff and then the video he had I just want you to know that…”
“I didn’t watch any of the video,” Hunter says looking at her with love in his eyes.
“Oh thank god, Thank you,” she says kissing him.
“Look he played on the fact that you have a trusting heart. I don’t blame you for any of this.”
“You have no idea how happy that makes me, I love you so much,” she says pulling him into a kiss.
Hunter smiles against her lips, as he whispers, “I love you too.”
“And just so you know, Blake…he had nothing, and I mean nothing on you,” Henley says staring up at Hunter.
“Yea?” Hunter says staring into her eyes as he pulls her in close, his body leaning into hers.
“You are the only man that can make my toes curl. You’re the only man I want, forever,” she says kissing him.
Hunter moans into her mouth, as his hands slide along her now sweaty body.
***
That night Henley wakes up out of a deep sleep, Hunter’s arm draped across her waist.
Henley jolts up, moving his arm, she rushes into the bathroom as she throws up. Her body sluggish.
She slinks on to floor, exhausted as she holds her stomach.
She gets up slowly as she splashes water on her face and rinses her mouth with a small cup of evergreen mouth wash. Spitting it out after a bit, she dries her mouth with a small hand towel.
As she opens the door, she finds Hunter sitting up in bed, looking her way.
“Hey, baby…did you just get sick, are you ok?” he says rubbing his eyes, trying to wake himself up.
“Yea, must have been just all the craziness, it was a long day.” she says smiling slightly.
“Yea you could say that,” he says chuckling, “Come back to bed,” he says reaching for her.
“Yea, I will, I just um, I’m going to get some ginger ale to settle my stomach first.”
“I’ll get that for you, here lay down,” he says getting out of bed.
“No, Hunter… really it’s ok, I can do it,” she says.
“Would you just let me take care of you, for once,” he says cupping her cheek, and placing a swift kiss on her lips.
Henley chuckles, “Thank you, babe,” she says climbing back into bed.
***
***The next afternoon, while Hunter runs to grab some groceries.***
Henley walks into her bathroom. She looks at the pregnancy test in her hand. Positive.
“How did I get here?” she whispers as tears flow down her cheeks. Her cell phone rings several times. Hunter’s name flashing across the screen. She ignores it not knowing how to face him.
Hunter knocks on the door loudly with urgency, “Henley? Hen,” he yells as he let’s himself in with his key.
“Henley,” Hunter says rushing in and seeing her sitting on the floor in the bathroom.
“God, Henley…you scared me to death, why didn’t you pick up your phone,” he says walking into the bathroom. But upon seeing her tear ridden face, he softens, slinking beside her, “Henley, what’s wrong?”
“Hunter, I’m pregnant,” she says holding out the test.
Hunter freezes as he looks at her, he smiles brightly as he reaches for her.
“Look before you get too excited, you should know there’s a big possibility that it could be…Blake’s.” Henley says searching his face for some sign of emotion.
“Wow, I hadn’t thought of that” Hunter says casting his eyes down to the floor.
“Hunter, I’m so sorry. I know this is the worst thing…”
“No, no it’s not. Don’t say that,” he says shaking his head as he cups her face in his hands, his thumbs wiping away her tears as they fall freely.
“Hunter, I pray that it’s yours,” she says through sobs.
“Hey, baby. Henley it is mine,” he says simply as he shrugs his shoulders.
Henley looks up at him, puzzled, “We can’t be sure, not without a paternity test. I mean as much as I hate admitting it, Blake and I had sex, and then there was that overlap, where you and I were together. So I don’t know.”
“Henley, if I’ve learned anything by being a cop, it’s that families are created in all different forms. A biological claim on a child does not make a man a dad. It’s the love and the support that a man gives to a child that makes him their dad. And no matter what a piece of paper says, I will love this child no matter what. And it will be mine. Mine and yours.”
“I could never ask you to do that,” she says crying.
“Where do you think I’m going?” he asks looking at her as he laughs. “You think I fought through all this just to live life without you? This baby is a part of you, and that’s all I need to know in order to love it.”
“You deserve so much better,” Henley says looking up at him through tear strained eyes.
“Hmm, funny, I could easily say the same thing to you. But how about we just accept the fact that maybe we just deserve to be with each other?” he says wrapping his arms around her.
Henley nods, as she pulls him into a kiss.
“Now before we get too ahead of ourselves, why don’t we just go get you checked out and make sure everything is ok?” he says.
Henley nods as she takes his hand.
***
Henley sits in the doctor’s room, as Hunter stands beside her, he laces his fingers through hers as he looks into her eyes. He can tell she’s internally freaking out.
“Hey, I’m here, ok? Just take a deep breath in, and then out,” he says as he breathes with her.
“Hello, Ms. Hendrix, welcome back.”
“Hi, Doctor Ross,” she says forcing a smile.
“So I heard that you would like us to confirm if you are pregnant?”
Henley nods nervously.
“I am just going to have our nurse here run that blood work she took, to check on everything, and we should know more information soon, okay?” Doctor Ross says kindly.
***
The nurse comes into the room, and hands Dr. Ross the blood work results.
“Thank you,” she says flipping open the folder. Her eyes scanning and she scrunches her eyebrows for a moment.
“What? What’s wrong?” Henley says nervously.
“Hey, hey Henley. Baby, you really need to calm down. The stress is no good for the baby, or for you.” He says cupping her face.
“Um, nothing is wrong, I just think there might have been an error in your pregnancy test. Your blood shows no sign of you being pregnant.”
Henley’s head shoots up, “Wait could that mean that I already miscarried so early? You know my history Doctor.” Both she and Hunter look at Dr. Ross nervously.
“No, I highly doubt that. It was probably just a false positive. But let’s do a sonogram to be sure.”
The nurse wheels over the machine as the Doctor takes the wand, and the gel. Henley lifts her shirt as Doctor Ross rubs the wand along her stomach. “False positives aren’t the norm. But they can happen. And that seems to have been the case here. Everything looks normal,” Dr. Ross says as she looks over the monitor.
“Oh my god, I don’t know whether to feel sad or relieved,” Henley says confused.
“I’m going to give you two a minute,” Dr. Ross says leaving the room.
“Wow, I have to say, I’m a little thrown. I was convinced you were pregnant,” Hunter says shocked.
“Me too.”
“Even with the weight of the paternity looming over our heads, I was still excited.”
“Me too.” Henley says with a faint smile, “But only because I knew I would have you.”
“You still do,” he says kissing her. “You know while we’re here, we could get some information. Get to know our options and everything. You know for when we do have our kids.”
“Absolutely, I think that’s a great idea.” Henley says smiling as she lets out the breath she’s been holding in since they got there.
***
“You know I’ve been thinking a lot lately.” She says sitting down next to him on the couch.
“Hmm?” he says tucking her hair behind her ear.
“I was so terrified that I could have been pregnant with that psycho’s baby, but so incredibly happy that I could have been pregnant with your baby. And even though I’m not pregnant, I never wanna be in the position to have to question whether or not it’s yours. The fact that you stuck by me through all this, the fact that you were willing to be my baby’s father no matter what, it just reminded me how amazing of a man you really are. And I realized how much I love you. So if your offer still stands, I’d really love to be your wife,” Henley says looking deep into his eyes.
“Oh I don’t know. I mean I just have so much going on. I mean like tomorrow, I was going to get a haircut and-“
Henley gives him a glare, as her eyebrow raises.
Hunter laughs, “Get over here,” he says smiling as she leans into him, he kisses her wrapping her in his arms. “You know for me, it’s always been you Hen. You know that. You’re the love of my life. And if we’re gonna do this, we’re gonna do it right,” he says reaching into his sweat pants pocket as he takes out a ring.
“Do you just carry that around with you?” She says laughing, as her eyes begin to fill.
“Yea,” he says smiling, “Now I want you to know that this is your ring, the ring I’ve had waiting for you forever, it’s not the same ring that Elena wore…”
“I know baby, I know,” Henley says softly as she cups his face.
Kneeling on one knee, Hunter takes Henley’s hand, “Henley you are the love of my life. And when I think about who I want next to me through it all, I see your face. Will you finally… finally, be my wife, will you marry me?”
“Yea sure, why not?” she says shrugging as she smiles brightly.
Hunter rolls his eyes as he slides the ring on her finger, he stands to meet her in a kiss.
“I love you so much,” she says giggling as she kisses him, happily.
“I love you, so much,” he says kissing her, “so much,” as he kisses her again wrapping her tightly in his arms.
Henley pulls him on top of her as they fall back onto the couch.
“Hey, you wanna try and make a baby?” He says looking at her.
“Really? Now?” Henley says smiling.
“Yea? I mean unless you wanted to get married first, because then that’s fine too, I just thought-”
“No, let’s do it,” she says pulling him into a kiss. Hunter laughs kissing her back as they both start to undress the other.
***
Hunter lies in bed, an arm around a sleeping Henley. He smiles down at her, as he lets out a peaceful sigh, placing a sweet kiss on her forehead.
Henley starts to stir, as she starts moaning, and yelling in her sleep, “No, No, stop!” she yells as she starts to kick and punch.
Hunter jolts as he gently grabs her arms. “Hey, hey Hen, baby,” he says staring at her with worry as he shakes her shoulders trying to wake her from her nightmare.
Henley’s eyes open as she looks around nervously.
“Henley, baby, hey it’s just me, you’re safe,” he says cupping her face.
“Hunter?” she says disoriented.
“Yea, I’m here, I’m here,” he says pulling her into him, hugging her closer to him.
Henley calms down once she feels Hunter’s arms around her.
She buries her face in his chest as she breathes in his scent.
“Are you ok?” Hunter whispers resting his chin on her, as he places a kiss on top of her head.
“Yes. Oh gosh, I’m sorry. I guess I just had a nightmare,” Henley says covering her face.
“Hey you don’t have to apologize. Do you wanna talk about it?” he asks hugging her tighter.
“No,” Henley says smiling simply.
“Do you need anything?” he says looking at her with love and concern in his eyes.
“Just stay here holding me,” she says tightening her arms around him.
“Of course,” he says, smiling simply. Henley leans up and places a kiss on his lips.
“Thank you,” she whispers snuggling into Hunter.
“Anytime,” he whispers.
***
Henley sits on the couch in yet another one of Hunter’s t-shirts as he walks over handing her a cup of tea.
“Thank you babe,” she says taking it, as Hunter sits across from her on the coffee table.
“Are you feeling any better,” he asks.
“Yea. Much. Thanks to my sexy fiancé,” she says smiling as she sips her tea and admires her engagement ring.
Hunter smirks, “Hen-I’m worried about you,” he says his voice soft.
“Hey,” she says placing her tea down and scooting to the edge of her seat as she takes his hands in her, “I’m ok, really. It was just a nightmare,” she says shrugging.
“Henley, do you not trust me, to talk to me about it?” he says looking up at her.
“What? Baby, of course I trust you,” she says her heart breaking as she gets up, sitting in his lap, she cups his face. “I love you so much, and I meant what I said when I said yes to your proposal. You’re my forever.”
A tear falls down Hunter’s cheek, as she wipes it.
“I love you,” he says cupping her face and kissing her passionately.
“Hey, I don’t want you questioning us anymore. I’m in this for the long haul, ok? Marriage, House, Babies, all of it,” she says looking at him.
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to bring it up…” he says shaking his head.
“Don’t be, if something is bothering you, I want to know,” she says cupping his face in her hands and staring into his eyes.
“You know that goes both ways,” he says softly, looking up at her.
Henley sighs as she gets up and sits back on the couch.
“Henley I’m not trying to push you,” he says sitting next to her, “I just want you to know that I’m here. I mean everything that you went through, it’s no wonder you’re having nightmares. And I feel like we haven’t taken a beat, we just hoped right into a serious relationship and talking about the future. And I feel like that’s my fault. I don’t want you to think you can’t have time to feel and process all this. We can slow things down. I’m not going anywhere. So please don’t shut me out.”
“I’m not. I just- It has been such a heavy past few days, and you are my one light. I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me to have you staying with me. I just don’t want to keep bringing this negative energy into this. You know, we deserve to celebrate us and to just be happy.”
“I agree. And I am all for celebrating us. But I do think that what you went through, it doesn’t just disappear no matter how much you want it to. Henley you were kidnapped and held hostage by a crazy person. A person you thought you could trust at one point. And then everything with the almost pregnancy and all that stress and fear. I just want you to let me help you face that. It’s the only way you’re going to truly be able to move on.”
Henley looks at him, as she starts to cry, Hunter places his hands on her thighs, as he stroked them in a calming manner.
“I was so scared. It was like this switch turned on in him, and he became this totally unpredictable person. And I really thought he was going to kill me.”
“I can only imagine how scared you were,” Hunter says looking at Henley as he cups her face. “Henley I have to ask you…did he…did he do anything else… to hurt you…” Hunter says his expression pained as he struggles to get out the words.
“No, he didn’t get the chance to, thanks to you and Leo,” she says pulling him to her as she places a kiss on his lips, their tears mixing together.
“After everything he put you through, I’m just glad he can’t hurt you anymore,” Hunter says.
“I’m safe because of you. And I don’t want him to be the cause of any more lost time between us.”
“You’re right, I don’t want that either. I love you.” He whispers, leaning into a kiss as Henley pulls him toward her.
“I love you,” she says hugging him tightly.
“I want you to know though, if at any point that fear sets in and you start feeling like those memories come rushing back, please just come talk to me. I don’t want you to ever feel like you have to deal with it alone. I know some great therapists who deal with trauma, there’s no shame in needing a little extra help.”
“Thank you, I will let you know if I need anything,” Henley says nodding.
“You promise?” Hunter says staring into her eyes lovingly.
“I promise you, I will come to you, always. You are my forever.” Henley says kissing him again.
To be continued…
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
*Previously on Crazy Stalker Love– Read Chapter 18 HERE
FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE!
Hunter walks into the hall of the hospital as Henley paces back and forth.
“Hey how is Leo?” she says nervously.
“He’s gonna be ok, just a little bump on the head and thankfully the bullet went clean through his shoulder so they are just bandaging him up.”
Henley nods, “Oh Thank god!”
“Hey, are you ok? That was all a lot to handle,” he says looking her over.
“Yea, I’m ok, all things considered.”
“I want the doctor to check you out too.” Hunter says stroking her arms in an attempt to comfort her.
“Yea that’s probably a good idea.” Henley says smiling slightly.
Leo comes walking out of the exam room, a bandage on his head and on his shoulder.
“Oh my god Leo, I’m so sorry!” Henley says rushing over.
“Hey…none of this is your fault,” Leo says shaking his head.
“Are you ok?” she asks.
“Yea, I’ll be fine. I’ve recovered from worse,” he chuckles.
“Leo, I can’t thank you enough. You and Hunter both saved my life,” she says looking from Leo to Hunter.
“Hey you held your own too, you should feel proud.” Leo says with a grin.
“I don’t know if proud is the right word. I just can’t stop thinking about the fact that because of me, someone is dead.” she says her eyes glazing over as she drifts off into a daze.
“Hey…you were acting in self defense. You did NOTHING wrong. You hear me,” Hunter says cupping her face as he wills her to look into his eyes.
“I’m going to go see if the Doctor is ready for you Henley.” Leo says giving the two a moment.
“Hey, look at me. I know that is hard to handle. It’s not in our DNA to kill. Or want to kill. But you have to know, that it was either going to be him or me.”
“Oh god, Hunter I can’t even think about that,” she says cupping his face.
“Well, it’s true. I didn’t have a weapon to defend myself. You saved me too. But I know it’s heavy. You have a good heart. And it will probably weigh on you at times. So when it becomes too much, I need you to come talk to me.”
Henley nods.
“Hey, the doctor is ready for you,” Leo says with a small smile.
***
“I’m so glad your ok,” Hunter says hugging Henley.
“Yea me too,” Leo says smiling.
“I’m going to just radio the station to get an update. You guys need a ride?”
“Yea man that’d be great.” Hunter says smiling his thanks.
“And Leo, thank you…for everything.” Hunter says.
Leo nods and smiles as he holds out a fist bump to Hunter.
“Hey…can we talk for a minute?” Henley says turning to Hunter as Leo heads outside to make a call.
“Of course,” he says tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
“It’s about what Blake said…”
“You have to know I didn’t believe a word that psycho said,” he says grabbing her by the shoulders gently to calm her.
“I don’t know how he knew, but…” she says her eyes watering as she looks up at Hunter.
“What are you talking about?” Hunter says confusion setting in.
“Can we go somewhere else, please.” she says looking around as people pass by.
“Yea, come in here,” he says taking her hand and leading her into an empty waiting room.
“What are you talking about? What did Blake know?”
Henley’s tears begin to fall as Hunter’s heart beat quickens, his mind a worry haze.
She reaches out, cupping his face, she kisses him.
Hunter looks down at her confused, “What was that for?” he asks his heart beat quickening as his eyes fixate on her lips.
“I just wanted to do that one last time, before you hate me forever.”
“Ok, now you’re really starting to scare me, Hen. I could never hate you. You know that. Please just tell me, what’s going on.”
“Look, before I tell you this, you have to know, I never meant to hurt you. Everything happened at once and you were away and I just I-“
“Ok Henley, you’re not really making any sense here, just talk to me,” he says taking her hands in his.
“About a month after you were checked into rehab, I found out that I was pregnant,” she says looking up at him through tearful eyes.
Hunter stills, as his eyes focus on her.
“What?” he says as if the wind had been knocked out of him.
“I was so scared and still so young and for a fraction of a second I thought about not having it.”
Hunter’s eyes begin to water.
“You weren’t in the right frame of mind to be a father and I was a mess. But I swear to you it was a fraction of a thought, because then I realized that I could never do that. Even though it wasn’t ideal. And we certainly weren’t perfect. I knew I loved you so much and having something good come out of all that we went through could never be a bad thing. Like no matter what, we would always be connected in some profound way. I was fully committed to being a single mother. But…about a month later, I started getting these really bad pains and I started spotting and by the time I got to the hospital, they told me I lost the baby.”
Hunter’s face falls.
“Henley,” he says reaching for her.
“For a really long time I blamed myself. I thought that I did something wrong or maybe that fraction of a thought about not having the baby made it happen. Like it was some kind of punishment.”
“Oh Hen, sweetie it doesn’t work that way.” he says cupping her face as he wipes her fallen tears away with his thumbs.
“Anyway that’s what happened, and I know I should have told you, but the next time I saw you at the rehab center you just, you looked like you were doing so well, and I didn’t want the news to send you into a relapse. I’m so sorry. I never meant to keep it from you for this long or for Blake of all people to be the one to tell you. I still don’t know how he even knew.”
“Who cares how he knew, he was a psycho. But I do really wish, you could have trusted me enough to come to me. Does Piper know?” he asks.
“No. I could never tell her. I knew she wouldn’t be able to keep something like that from you and I couldn’t expect her to. No one aside from my parents knew and well my doctors.”
“I still really wish you would have told me. I get why you did what you did. But I can’t deny the fact that I am upset. Knowing that you were dealing with that all by yourself, it just, uh, I hate it. I feel like once again, Hunter fails Henley.”
“Hey,” she says cupping his face as she looks into his eyes. “This is exactly why I didn’t tell you. Do not blame yourself for this. The doctors said my body just wasn’t ready. I was young. It wasn’t our time. Besides, you…are supposed to be marrying Elena,” she says smiling up at him as she wipes his tear away and brushes his lapels.
“You still don’t get it, even after a day like today?”
“What?” she says looking up at him confused.
Hunter pulls her by her waist as she loses her balance from the sudden jolt of his arm, he steadies her, cupping her face he places a long, passionate kiss on her lips.
Henley’s hands wrap around his waist as she deepens their kiss, their hearts both racing. Hunter slides his hands up into her hair, deepening the kiss with every passing second.
Footsteps approaching, jolt them apart.
“Hey…” Leo pokes his head in. “Everything ok?” he says.
“Yea,” Hunter says clearing his throat and wiping his mouth as Henley stands there frazzled.
Leo smirks slightly, obviously confused, “Ok well, we just need Henley to give her formal statement down at the station, so I pulled the car around.”.
“Ok we’ll be there in a second.” Hunter says nodding.
“Sure,” Leo says walking off.
Henley and Hunter’s eyes lock, as her anxiety kicks in yet again she looks down at her hands.
Hunter looks her over, stepping in her path, blocking her escape route.
“We should probably talk about what just happened, Hen.” he says looking up at her.
“Look, it’s been an emotional day and-“
“Yea, and I realized I could have lost you.” he says gripping her waist.
“You’re marrying Elena. You love her. She loves you. And it’s simple.”
“Simple’s overrated.” he says staring at her.
“Don’t be that guy.”
“What guy?”
“The guy that cheats.”
“Sadly it may be a little late for that.”
“Those kisses were just in the moment. Ok? It doesn’t have to mean anything. Let’s just call it our goodbye,” she says trying to move past him.
Hunter stops her again.
“Henley.” He says staring at her. “I’ve been lying to myself, thinking I could move on from you. You’re the love of my life. And yes I care about Elena and no I do not want to hurt her. When I proposed to her, I meant it, but hearing that you were in trouble it just put everything into laser focus. You are it. And you always have been. And you always will be. And I really need you to get that. Please Henley, because I am so tired of fighting you, and this and us. We’re inevitable and I know that you know it. I know you weren’t happy about me getting married. I know you were going to show up and be supportive, but deep down a part of me was always hoping you’d finally come and tell me how you feel. I know you’re scared. And I know now why that fear is so much more real to you. I know losing our child has probably made a huge impact on why you’ve always kept me at arm’s length. I never understood it. But it makes a lot of sense now. But Henley, we have a chance to really give this thing a shot. One real, last shot. I’m talking all in, no half ass attempts. No walls. No fear. Just give it one more shot. And if it really doesn’t work then I will walk away with no regrets. And you can too,” he says laying it all out on the line.
Henley looks up at him, “And if it does…work?” she asks a small smirk lying on her lips. “I already know it will,” he says smirking as he hugs her lifting her up.
To be continued…
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
*Previously on Crazy Stalker Love – Read Chapter 17 HERE
FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE!
His picture pops up on the screen as both Piper and Hunter’s heads spring up to watch. “Oh my god!” Piper says. “Henley!” Hunter rushes toward the door as Leo rushes in. “I just got a call…” he says “We saw. Let’s go!” Hunter says rushing toward the doors of the church. As Elena walks out of the bridal sweet. “What’s going on, is everything ok?” she asks worry making its way onto her once perfectly smiling face. “Baby…I’m sorry I have to go, I’ll explain later ok…You look beautiful by the way,” he says kissing her and then rushing off with Leo. “Ok…what the hell just happened?” she says nervously yet angered. “Um…they have a work situation.” Piper says uncomfortably. “And there was no other police officers on duty that could handle that…it’s our wedding day?” “We think it has something to do with Henley. The guy that was stalking her…he escaped. It’s all over the news. And no one has heard from Henley today. At all,” Piper says battling her own nerves. “Oh my God. Oh…my God. I’m so sorry. I had no idea,” Elena says her eyes wide with confusion and concern. “It’s ok, it’s not your fault. None of this is.” Piper says smiling small as she walks away. Parker followers close behind. “Hey…hey hey hey, you ok?” he asks grabbing her by the waist and pulling her toward him. “What if he hurts her?” “Don’t go there okay? You don’t even know what’s happening yet. Besides your brother and Leo are on their way. They’ll find her and they’ll bring her home.” “I’m so scared.” She says as her eyes begin to water. “I know you are, I am too. But we just gotta have faith, okay? Come here, I’ve got you,” he says pulling her into a hug as he places a kiss on her forehead. “Ugh god, I think I’m gonna be sick,” Piper says rushing to the bathroom, as Parker rushes after her.
Hunter whips a quick turn as their car blasts through another red light, siren blaring. “Hunter, slow down man, we can’t save her if we’re dead.” “I knew something was wrong. I felt it in my gut. I just didn’t wanna admit it. My sister’s right I’ve been avoiding this thing with Henley. If I hadn’t been such an asshole, Henley would be safe right now.” “Don’t go there. It’s not gonna help you or Henley. This isn’t your fault. Just focus on finding her.” A voice comes over the radio. “This is Halstead, we’re at Henley’s apartment, everything looks vaguely normal but there’s no sign of her. And it looks like she was getting ready to leave, clothes laid out on her bed, purse by the door. Wherever she is, I’m sure she didn’t plan on leaving these things. Her phone is here as well.” “What about her car?” Hunter asks not taking his eyes off the road as he speeds through an intersection. “It’s parked in front. We’re gonna ask around and see if the neighbors saw anything out of the ordinary.” “Where would this son of a bitch take her?” “Profiling a stalker…I’d say some place secluded.” Leo says Cops are combing Henley’s apartment. Hunter rushes in. He looks around for something anything. Leo walks over, “Detective Stone…this is Henley’s neighbor Mrs. Greenwood.” “Mrs. Greenwood, hi.” “I know you. Your Henley’s boyfriend.” Leo glances over at a pained Hunter who just nods with a small smile. “You two always looked so happy. Such a beautiful couple. Oh she loves you so much,” says the gray haired woman with a sweet spoken voice and smile. “Mrs. Greenwood, Can you please tell Detective Stone, what you told me?” Leo says trying to break the emotional tension brewing in Hunter. “Yes of course. Henley as you know is an incredibly sweet soul. A fire cracker too, but so sweet.” She says with a sweet little laugh. “She always stops by every morning to bring me my mail and a little sweet gift. And this morning she never came. I thought it was just an oversight but I heard scuffling next door about 4 hours ago. And then the door opened and it sounded like someone had left. I tried to make it to the peep hole in time to see, I’m a nosy old woman. You know it passes the time. But all I saw was the back of a man. He was wearing dark clothes, maybe a baseball cap. And I haven’t heard Henley at all today. She usually always has music playing as she gets ready. I didn’t think much of it, because I didn’t hear any alarming sounds, but now that you’re here, I wonder…well I just fear something terrible might have happened. Henley is such a sweet girl. I just pray that she’s alright.” “We all do, Mrs. Greenwood, thank you.” Leo says as she nods and walks slowly away escorted by a female police officer. Hunter stands, hands on his hips, his glare distant. “Hey…we’re gonna find her.” Leo says looking at his partner, concerned. Hunter looks around the room. His eyes land on the photo of he, Piper, and Henley from college graduation.
He walks over and picks up the photo and feeling behind it, he notices there is a small speaker taped behind it.
Hunter pulls it off and holds it up for Leo to see.
“Son of a bitch,” Hunter says.
Leo picks up his radio, “Halstead, check all files on Finley’s computer in evidence we found a speaker in Henley’s apartment. We know he was listening in on her for a while, so maybe there’s a clue as to where he was planning to take her.”
“You got it Dixon,” Halstead says over the radio.
Hunter looks around Henley’s apartment trying to find some kind of clue as to where Blake could have taken her. Any clue.
Hunter looks back at the picture.
“Gregory Miller,” Hunter says thinking, “What’s this guy’s angle?” he says as he thinks back to the moment the three of them took the photo.
Henley and Piper are taking photo after photo together. As Hunter smiles from the sidelines.
“Babe, get in,” Henley says waving him over.
“No, its okay,” he says shaking his head.
“What! Get in here, it’s your graduation day too,” Henley says smiling as she pulls him over.
“Yea bro, you should be very proud of yourself. You worked your ass off to catch up,” Piper says smiling at him.
“Ok big smiles,” Henley’s dad says as he snaps the picture.
“Say, we did it!” Henley’s mom says smiling joyfully.
“We Did It!” they all say in unison with big cheesy smiles as they all pose in their caps and gowns.
Hunter removes the back of the frame, taking out the photo, he looks at it. He unfolds an end that had been folded back in order to fit the frame. In the blurry background lies a familiar face. Lurking. Staring. Glaring. Plotting.
“Gregory Miller. Shit. He was in our graduating class at Thompson Tech.”
“How did you and Henley not recognize him?” Leo asks confused.
“It’s been over a decade. And he wasn’t exactly in our circle of friends. He definitely had some facial work done, but this is him. The school.” “What?” Leo says trying to follow his thought process. “Where he met her, where his obsession started. Maybe he took her to the school.” Hunter says rushing out of Henley’s apartment. “Hunter, slow down man, you’re just going off of instinct here.” “Yea, well wouldn’t you, if the love of your life was missing?” Leo looks at him, and Hunter knowingly sighs. “I’ll drive” Leo says as Hunter tosses him the keys they both jump into the car. “You honestly think he’d take her to such a well-known public place?” “It’s not open, they shut it down for the past year for renovations. But a pipe broke during construction and it’s been vacant for months. The school hasn’t had the funds to repair it.” “Hunter we have no guns, no back up, what do you suppose we do here exactly?” “We are enroute to Thompson Tech College, plain clothes off duty officers requesting back up and side arms.” “Back up on its way,” the voice crackles through the speaker.
Henley’s eyes flutter open as she is met by blackness. Her mind hazy. Her hands tied behind her back, mouth gagged. She feels her body shift as she gets bumped around. She starts to scream and kick the top of the trunk as she soon realizes where she is.
Leo circles the school. “Ok how do you wanna play this? Do you wanna wait for back up?” Hunter looks at Leo, “What do you think?” he says sarcastically. “I’ll drive a few blocks back, we need to hide the car,” Leo says knowingly. Leo parks the car as Hunter hops out before the car is even off.
Hunter looks at the school building, trying to access the best way to get in without causing attention.
“Ok, look,” Hunter says with laser focus as he grips Leo’s shoulder to feed him the plan. “If memory serves correctly. There is a special entrance to the pool off the side. I think if we get in through there, we can still hold onto the element of surprise.”
“Ok you lead, I’ll follow.” Leo says nodding as Hunter starts walking swiftly to the pool entrance.
Hunter and Leo duck through the shadows as they stay close to the building.
Hunter tugs on the side door and it opens.
The two of them look at each other.
“That was too easy,” Hunter says.
“Way too easy,” Leo agrees.
“He wants to be found,” Hunter says his stare cold.
“Look this guy seems to not only be invested in Henley, but also in you.”
“If you go in there without a gun, this won’t end well,” Leo says pleading with Hunter.
“It doesn’t really matter if I have a gun or not Leo, Henley’s in there.”
“Ok, Look. Let me go. He obviously expects you, he wants you to find them. So let’s throw him off,” Leo says.
“I can’t ask you to do that,” Hunter says.
“You didn’t. Let me be the one he sees coming. You…find another way in,” Leo says nodding.
Hunter nods as he holds his fist out. Leo fist bumps Hunter, “Good luck, man,” he says.
“You too,” Hunter says rushing off to find another way in.
Leo opens the door and walks in.
The trunk door opens as Henley squirms toward the back of the trunk.
Blake huffs and pulls her out as she kicks and attempts to scream.
“Stop screaming, no one is going to hear you,” he says carrying her into the abandoned school.
Leo rounds the corner of a hallway carefully, as he hears scuffling and muffled screaming.
He peers and sees Blake and Henley, he ducks behind some crates, out of sight.
Blake sits Henley on a wooden chair in the center of the school basement.
“Henley,” he says kneeling in front of her, his hands gliding up her thighs.
She winces turning her head away, as her chest rises and falls quickly, her panic setting in.
“Baby, baby, hey…I’m not going to hurt you,” he says cupping her face and pulling her gag out, he places a kiss on her lips.
Henley moves away quickly, spitting and wincing at the contact.
“Don’t touch me,” she says angrily.
“Your upset with me.” He says sadly.
Leo steps in the background as Henley notices.
He nods motioning for her to keep Blake talking.
Henley looks up at Blake, as she notices the gun holstered at his hip.
“Yes. Yes I’m upset with you. You kidnapped me Blake. You chloroformed me, tied me up, and threw me in your trunk!”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. It was the only way I knew I could get his attention.”
“Who’s attention?” Henley says wanting to drag as much information out of him as possible.
“Hunter.”
“Hunter? What does Hunter have to do with any of this?” she asks as her eyes follow Leo, and Blake paces the dusty tiled floor.
“Hunter Stone has everything to do with this.” He says his eyes darkening, glaring at her.
“Blake. I don’t understand. You and I were doing so well. You were so amazing.”
“I couldn’t have been that amazing. I mean you kept going back to that drug addict, alcoholic, shit show of a man.” He says his tone menacing. “He doesn’t deserve you!” He screams whipping around, as his eyes glare an evil Henley has never seen before.
“Look Blake. You knew that Hunter and I had a history. I was very clear on that. You can’t fault me for having a past. But you and I- we….we were building something special. Something of our very own, and then you started to do things, that weren’t exactly right,” she says exercising all her knowledge of survival tactics. Act like you care about this psycho piece of shit and maybe he won’t kill you, she thinks.
“I would never hold your past against you, I would never,” Blake says sounding so heart broken. From menacing to compassionate in 3 seconds flat. It was eerie for Henley to see the switch flip so quickly. “But Hunter never knew how to STAY in your past. And you let him climb between those legs far too many times while you and I were SUPPOSED to be together.” He says yelling, whatever composure or resolve he once had withering away. Quickly. Henley’s panic level increasing as she scans the room for any sign of Leo. None.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Henley says trying to buy time.
“I saw you outside the precinct, holding hands, kissing, and then that night in your apartment.”
“You’ve been spying on me?” Henley says angrily.
“You gave me reason to,” he says angrily, “I thought you and I were finally really starting something special. But no, Hunter Stone had to once again come in and make it all about him.”
“Blake, what does that mean? You’re not really making any sense.”
“It’s Gregory. Gregory Miller. And I sat behind you in freshmen year Economics at good ole Thompson Tech College,” he says holding his hands out gesturing to the room.
Henley looks around as she starts to connect the dots.
“And you drove me crazy for 4 years. Playing with me. Taunting me with your perfect body,” he says sliding his hands up and down her thighs as he kneels right before her.
Henley freezes and then jolts away from him.
Blake gets within inches of her face and inhales her scent deeply.
Henley swallows hard, fearing what could come next.
“And for years I had to watch Hunter Stone chew you up and spit you out like a piece of meat. I never understood why you gave him countless chances.”
“Blake…I mean Greg…Hunter and I were complicated. I was young and I made mistakes. But when I met you that night I was so happy to finally be in a stress free, fun relationship.”
“Then why did you continue to screw Hunter Stone???”
“It was just one slip. Ok, it was just an old habit. I promise it’ll never happen again. Please, just untie me and we can just get back to us, get back to building our relationship,” she says pleading with him.
Blake looks at her, his eyes softening.
“Is that what you really want?” he says with hopeful hysteria lurking in his eyes.
Henley, sees Leo peek his head out, and Blake follows her gaze and he raises his gun and shoots, hitting Leo in the shoulder as he goes down.
Henley screams, as she hops up and crouching down quickly swings her leg knocking Blake flat of his back, as Henley kicks the gun out of his hand, Blake catches her foot as he trips her causing her to fall next to him. Blake pounces on top of her, as his hands wrap around her neck choking her.
Henley gasps for breath as she kicks her legs, trying to free her hands.
Hunter emerges from the roof entrance, as he hears shuffling and the echo of a shot being fired. His heart stops in his chest, as he runs out onto the second level floor seeing Henley pinned down by Blake.
Hunter hops over the railing and onto the next level rushing down the stairs as he rushes over to Blake, ripping him off Henley. Henley gasping air, as Blake lunges at Hunter, Hunter ducks as he hits Blake with a punch to the face.
Blake chuckles as he spits out blood, his glare flickering a hatred like no other.
“Is that all you got,” he says smirking.
“This is the fight, you’ve wanted all along…isn’t it Greg?” Hunter says his stance ready, staring him down as he guards Henley.
“Oh, you have no idea, all the pain you’ve caused over the years. You weren’t even there for her when everything happened with the baby, some man you are.” Blake says reaching behind his back as he whips out a knife, lunging toward Hunter, as Henley screams in her state of confusion, fear and shock. She grabs the gun off the floor and shoots, as Blake falls.
Henley stands there, in shock, as tears fall down her face, her body shaking.
“I- I-I…I shot him, I -” she stammers her head spinning as Blake lays there lifeless.
“It’s ok, hey, here, give me that,” Hunter says taking the gun from her and putting it in his back pocket. Hunter grabs her, pulling her close to him.
Officers swarm the school, as Hunter holds up his hands, “We got him,”
“Henley, did you see Leo?,” he says cupping her face.
“Yes, he was here, but then Blake saw him and he shot, I- think he got hit in the shoulder, I- I’m sorry, I-”
“It’s ok, hey, it’s ok, it’s not your fault,” Hunter says as he gives a nod to the rest of his team to take a look around.
“Detective Stone, he’s over here, he’s alive, but he looks like he caught one to the shoulder and then hit his head on a pipe or something. Must have knocked him out.”
Hunter takes Henley by the hand and rushes over.
“Radio?” Hunter says holding out his hand as an officer hands him one.
“This is Detective Stone, Thompson Tech College, Officer down, suspect deceased, roll an ambo,” he says as he leans down to Leo.
“Leo, Leo, can you hear me,” he says shaking him, he feels for a pulse.
Leo’s eyes flutter open, as he grabs his head.
“Son of a bitch,” Leo says.
“Ah, welcome back, brother,” he says smirking as he helps Leo sit up.
“Gregory…Is he…” he begins to say jolting up in his seat on the dusty floor, nervously.
“He’s not a problem anymore,” Hunter says as Leo nods, the officers begin to tape off the scene and take pictures and start to log evidence.
To be continued…
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
*Previously on Crazy Stalker Love– Read Chapter 16 HERE
FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE!
It’s Hunter’s Wedding day and everyone has arrived at the Church. On a day like today, you’d think the sun would be shining, but it was as if Mother Nature knew there was someone not being so honest with his heart. The day was gloomy, an overcast hovering, and a mist that made it all feel wrong.
Piper smiles at her brother as she fixes his tie, her eyes begin to water.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Hunter asks, worried.
“Nothing. I’m just really happy for you. I just…” she shakes her head as she wipes away a fallen tear. “Never mind,” she adds huffing at herself.
“You just thought I’d be marrying Henley?” he asks looking at her knowingly.
“Yes! I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t be bringing this up, it’s just even after all these years of hating being caught in between you two, I still deep down always thought you’d end up together. I’m sorry.” she says looking away.
“Hey it’s okay. For a long time I thought that too. But it was time to move on, ya know? I will always care for Henley. A part of me will always love her. I mean after everything we’ve been through, how could I not? But I just wasn’t what she wanted anymore. And it was time for me to finally accept that. She’s actually been incredibly supportive.”
“Would you expect anything less?”
“Of course not, that woman’s amazing.”
“Don’t you ever forget it,” Piper says smiling.
Hunter laughs, “I couldn’t if I tried.”
“I should actually double check on her, I told her to text when she got here. I haven’t heard from her all day.”
“You mean you didn’t do your usual best friend morning check in?” he says with an exaggerated gasp.
“Well no, I didn’t have time what with my brother being such a needy groom. Gosh…,” she says sarcastically.
Hunter laughs.
“I love you Pipe,” he says hugging her, “thanks for always having my back.”
“Anytime, love you,” she says smiling, “I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Ok,” Hunter says smiling as she shuts the door behind her allowing Hunter a minute to reflect, alone.
He looks at himself in the mirror, and straightens out his tux as a memory of Henley laughing and pulling him into a kiss zaps into his brain like lightning.
“You love Elena, Hunter. You love her and she loves you. She’s good for you.” he says willing himself to believe.
Piper steps out of the church as she holds her cellphone pressed to her ear.
“Hey you’ve reached Henley, I can’t come to the phone right now, but-oh well it’s 2019 I’d be surprised if you haven’t hung up already…just text me, and I’ll get back to you soon!”
“Henley, it’s me. I’m getting a little worried because I haven’t heard from you all day. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I know this isn’t exactly the easiest day for you. Trust me, I feel it too. Anyway, I love you. I hope you’re on your way. See you soon.” Parker walks out of the church doors over to Piper.
“Hey no word?” “No, I just keep getting her voice mail.” “I know you don’t want to hear this, but do you think maybe just maybe… she just decided not to come.” “I mean I know it’s been hard on her, but she told Hunter she’d be here. She wouldn’t break that promise. I don’t know babe, I’m starting to really worry.”
Parker rubs her shoulders trying to calm her.
Leo steps out. “Just out of curiosity, what’s the hold up?” He says with a small smirk “we have some antsy guests in there.”
“Henley isn’t here yet.” “Oh, well do you think maybe she just decided not to come. I mean to be honest, I can’t say I would blame her. I certainly wouldn’t want to watch my ex get married.”
“Yes, she was struggling a bit, but she told Hunter she’d be here. She told me she’d be here. This isn’t like her.”
“Well maybe she’s stuck in traffic, keep trying her, I’ll stall.” Leo says. “Thanks Leo,” Piper says handing her phone to Parker, “keep trying, I need to go check on my brother.”
Parker nods taking the phone. “Hey,” he says grabbing her hand, “this isn’t your job to fix everything okay, just take a breath. Everything’s gonna be ok.” Piper squeezes his hand and sighs.
“Thank you, I needed that,” she says smiling up at her husband. He smirks, “Anytime.” “I love you,” she says placing a kiss on his lips. “I love you,” he smiles as she starts to walk back into the church.
“Hey, just in case I didn’t get to tell you yet, You look sexy as hell Mrs. Nash.” He says smirking at his wife.
Piper smiles as she walks back toward him, “that just earned you an extra kiss,” she says kissing him passionately.
Parker smirks against her lips as he cups her face, deepening their next kiss.
“I don’t know how I’d get through any of this without you,” she says looking up at him.
Parker smirks, “Well, lucky for you, I’m not going anywhere,” he says kissing her forehead as he taps her butt, shooing her back into the church. Piper smiles at him as she walks through the church doors. Parker sets to dialing Henley again.
Hunter stands in the groom’s suite laughing with his groomsmen. “All decent boys?” Piper says walking in. They all laugh. “Uh do you all mind if I have a word with my brother?” They all nod and start to file out. “What’s up?” He says turning to her. “So weird thing, Henley’s not here yet. And I tried calling her a hunch of times, left a message and nothing…”
“Oh…” he trails off and looks away. “I guess she decided she didn’t wanna come.” “Why is everyone saying that! No. This may not be her favorite situation ever, but she promised you she’d be here. You know Henley, she keeps her word.”
“Look I know that you want to believe that she could rise above this and be here but maybe she felt she couldn’t. You know, I get that this is hard for her. I don’t blame her. I just wish she could have been honest with me. I really wanted her here.”
“Why?” Piper asks. “Why does everyone keep asking me that! Henley is my friend. I spent my whole life, loving her. And she’s the reason why I can even have a relationship. She’s important to me, that’s why I wanted her here.”
“So if you honestly believe all that, do you really in your heart believe that she wouldn’t be here for you?” “Ok…so then what, what are you trying say?” “I think something’s wrong, Hunter. And not like flat tire wrong. Like wrong. Henley and I always check in. Always. You know this. And I haven’t heard from her since last night. I just, I have bad feeling. I can’t explain it.”
“Piper, are you serious? I know you and Henley think you have this weird best friend twin like connection. But I honestly think you’re just really stressed and it’s an emotional day…”
“You know what fine! No one believes me! Out of all people I would think that you would understand! You are the only one who knows her as well as I do. This is not like her. She loves you, so much. She knew you wanted her here. She wouldn’t just not show up. At least not without letting us know. And it’s really sad that you are this avoidant because you can’t stomach the fact that you’re marrying the wrong woman.”
Hunter’s face falls as he turns to look at his sister. “Wow. So there it is. You know I’ve been waiting for you to drop that bomb on me this whole time. I just didn’t think it’d be on my wedding day. Are you insane Piper?” “Are you? How can you stand here all calm and collected when you know deep down you are making a HUGE mistake. I love you, but this just isn’t right. None of it.” “I can’t believe you’re doing this right now! Piper this is my wedding day!”
The TV in the corner that’s on a low hum cuts through their words.
Breaking News! The New York Police Department has just released a statement…one of their prisoners has recently escaped. Gregory Miller, otherwise known as Blake Finley.
To be continued…
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
*Previously on Crazy Stalker Love – Read Chapter 15HERE
FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE!
Henley rushes out of the party, the cold air hitting her in the face as she inhales sharply.
Piper shows up a moment later, as she rushes over to her.
“Henley.”
“I’m sorry. I just I had to get out of there,” she says clutching her chest.
“It’s ok. I understand. I know this is probably so hard on you. What can I do?”
“Nothing. This isn’t your fault,” she says sitting on a nearby bench.
“Then why do I somehow, feel responsible?” Piper says sitting down next to her.
“Maybe because I always drag you into my messes. Even when I shouldn’t. Even when you ask me not to. I’m really sorry about all this Piper. Trust me, if I could do things differently I would,” she says her eyes watering.
“Hey…look…life is never perfect. But we can’t live in the past. All you can do, is do better next time.”
“Yea, except he’s getting married. So for us, there really is no next time. I guess that’s what happens when you think someone will be there, waiting forever. I mean I was stupid to think he wouldn’t eventually find someone new. But you know what I will pick myself back up and just deal. I’ve been doing it for years,” Henley says wiping a few fallen tears from her face.
“Have you ever thought about just going to him, and telling him how you feel?”
“And ruin his chance at happiness. No. Never. He deserves a clean slate. And Elena, she seems wonderful.”
“God, she really does right? I kinda hate how nice she is,” Piper says rolling her eyes in frustration.
Henley laughs slightly and she nudges Piper. “You know, it’s ok to like her Pipe.”
Piper looks at Henley as her eyes water.
“Hey….come here,” Henley says pulling her friend into a side hug.
“I just…you know that no matter what…she can never take your place right?”
“Oh hell no,” Henley says smirking as they hug again, tears streaming down both of their faces.
“I love you,” Piper says laughing.
“I love you too,” Henley says with a laugh as they sit there.
Parker walks up behind them, “Hey, everything ok out here?”
The girls turn to see him standing there, as they both laugh, swiping their tears away.
“Yes, we’re just having a…” Piper begins to say
“Best friend moment?” Parker says finishing his wife’s sentence.
Henley laughs.
“Henley you left your shawl and purse behind. Thought you mind need it,” he says handing her them.
“Thanks, you know you picked a good one, Pipe.” she says smiling at the two of them.
“Don’t I know it,” Piper says smiling over at her husband.
“You need a ride home, Hen?” Parker asks “I think the party is kind of dying down.”
“No, no I have my car. But thank you, both of you,” she says smiling as Piper hugs her goodbye and walks over taking Parker’s hand.
“Good night,” Parker says with a small smile as he gives her a hug.
“Good night,” she says waving to them as they walk off.
Henley lets out a long sigh, wipes the last of her tears and straightens out her dress as she walks off toward the parking lot.
“So how is she really?” Parker asks looking down at Piper as they walk back towards the building hand in hand.
“She’s a mess. I mean how could she not be. But she’ll be ok. I just have to go yell at my ass of a brother. Honestly what the hell was he thinking pulling something like this? This is not him. This big whole show.”
“Stay out of it babe.”
Piper halts and looks at him.
“Are you serious? He’s making a huge mistake. You and I both know Henley is the love of his life.”
“Look I know. But sometimes, you don’t always get to be with the love of your life.”
Piper looks at him suspiciously. “Oh, Okay?” she says obviously offended.
“I’m not referring to us. I’m just saying sometimes, it doesn’t always work out for people. Even if they love each other. Besides I kind of already let Hunter have it and he didn’t want to hear it. He claims to be in love with Elena and committed to marrying her.”
“Aw, babe, you meddled for me?” Piper says smiling up at him, as she wraps her arms around him.
“I figured, you could use a break.” he smirks placing a sweet kiss on her lips.
“Mmm, I love these lips,” She says squeezing his face in her hand as she places another kiss on his lips.
“Well, they love you too,” Parker says laughing as he pulls her in closer.
“What do you say we say our goodbyes and head home? I have some new lingerie I’ve been waiting to show you.” she says smiling.
Parker’s eyebrows raise.
“Hell yes.” he says nodding as Piper laughs she pulls him by the hand toward the hall doors.
To be continued…
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
*Previously on Crazy Stalker Love– Read Chapter 14 HERE
FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE!
***
After Blake’s arrest, Henley and Hunter decided to focus on their friendship. Things were actually going really well. And Henley started to feel like she had some of that old Henley spark back. She felt more like herself than she had in a long time.
***
“So I need help building this giant entertainment center for my living room. If I offer to make you dinner, will you come over and help me?” Henley asks nudging Hunter with her hip as he stands by the pool table at the back of their favorite lounge. Piper and Parker’s team taking their current turn.
Hunter smiles, “Of course.”
“And by make you dinner, you know I mean…”
“Make a phone call?” Hunter says knowingly with a laugh.
“Yea,” Henley says laughing.
“Sounds like a plan. Tomorrow night, ok?”
“Yea tomorrow is perfect,” she says smiling.
***
“You know this set looks like the exact same one in my therapist’s office,” Hunter says glancing at the picture on the box.
“You go to therapy?” Henley asks surprised.
“Yea it’s part of my sobriety, part of my protocol for work too. I’ve been going for years.”
“Oh…wow…I didn’t know that. Does it help you?” she asks curiously as she hands him another tool.
“It does.”
“Do you… ever talk about me?” she asks curiously. Her eyes flirtatiously glancing at him.
“Yea, sometimes.” He says with a laugh.
“Sometimes? What you mean I’m not the center of your universe? Gosh!” she says faking insult as she rolls her eyes.
“That’s just it Hen, you still kind of are,” he says looking at her. His jaw line strong, his glance loving yet intense.
Henley’s eyes soften as she looks away.
“Damn it Hunter. You drive me crazy most of the time and then you say something like that and my heart just melts.”
“Well you know what they say, some people are worth melting for,” Hunter says with a goofy smile.
“Really? You’re quoting Olaf from Frozen, god you’re corny.”
“Oh please, you love that stupid movie. You made me watch it at least 5 times just last month,” he says laughing.
Henley laughs as she laces her fingers through his, “You try to be all hard and guarded, but I see you Henley Hendrix. Deep down you’re just a big ole softy,” he says noticing their hands intertwined. His heart beat quickening.
“But come on, Olaf is the coolest,” she says defending her movie choices.
Hunter rolls his eyes with a laugh.
***
Hunter and Henley sit sprawled across her apartment floor, scattered wooden pieces surround them.
“You sure you know what you’re doing?” Henley says uncertainly. “I mean maybe we should just glance at the directions?” she questions.
“Oh ye of little faith,” Hunter says with a laugh as he glances up at her.
“I’m just saying…” she says laughing.
“Henley who put together all your ikea furniture in college?”
“You did,” she says rolling her eyes.
“Ya damn right. I got this,” he says screwing two pieces together.
***
Henley walks over and hands Hunter a can of seltzer.
“Thanks,” he says as he steps back admiring his handiwork. “Not bad, huh?” he says.
“It looks great, thank you,” she says smiling.
“You’re welcome.” He says smirking at her.
“What?” she says confused.
“You know I have to say. I’m impressed.”
“Why?” Henley asks with a laugh.
“You never ask for help. I mean you know I don’t mind. In fact I always offer, but you always turn me down.”
“I guess, this was a bigger project than I anticipated. And I may have missed you, just a little,” Henley says with a tiny smirk as her eyes roll.
“Ah,” Hunter says smiling.
“Look I just thought about how much fun we’ve been having together, you know without all the drama. You and I used to have a good time just hanging out and talking. I guess I was just wondering if we could still do that. If it was even possible. I mean every time we’re around each other there’s always this weighted sexual tension. It’s been nice to see that we can put that all aside. I’ve really loved just having my friend back.”
“Henley don’t get me wrong this was really great. But that sexual tension, I don’t think that’s ever going to go away. Because no matter how hard we try, there is still a part of me, that is always going to want to just rip your clothes off.” He says staring into her eyes, as his flicker a familiar want. A familiar heat. And so much love.
“Damn it, Hunter,” she says pulling him into a kiss as he smirks lifting her up and carrying her to her bedroom.
A few minutes later, Henley can be heard moaning loudly.
As their bodies mold into one, their hands sliding all over each other, each kiss deeper and more intense than the last.
Henley’s heart beating out of her chest as it matches Hunter’s.
Hunter’s eyes flutter open as he moves with her, her eyes meeting his.
As they stare into each other’s souls, silence only interrupted by heavy breaths and heart beats.
Emotions running high. A tear rolls down Henley’s cheek as Hunter wipes it, he places a kiss on each of her eyelids.
Words not needing to be spoken, because somehow they each just knew what the other was feeling in that very moment. Absolute, unconditional, love.
***
Hunter pulls on his clothes the next morning as Henley lies sleeping in her bed.
Hunter leans beside her, as he places a kiss on her lips, she stirs.
“Hey, where are you going?” she says reaching for him.
“I just got a call, I have to go to work,” he says.
“Oh, ok,” she says grabbing a silky robe nearby, and shrugging it on. “I’ll walk you out,” she says smiling up at him as she laces her fingers through his.
Hunter smirks at her as they walk toward her apartment door.
“So thank you for putting my entertainment unit together, I’m sorry you got jipped out of a dinner,” she says smiling.
“Mmm you’re very welcome,” he moans before kissing her, “Besides I’d say I got a way better thank you than dinner,” he says raising an eyebrow.
“Oh yea? How much better?” she says smirking as she kisses him in a teasing manner.
Hunter laughs against her lips, “Oh baby you have no idea. Last night was amazing,” he says his hands finding her waist as his lips cover hers.
Henley’s hands wrap around his neck, as she deepens the kiss.
“Oh baby, I was there too,” she says laughing as she kisses him, “I wish you didn’t have to go,” she whispers sadly, as she looks up at him.
“I know me too. Trust me. I wish I could stay in that bed with you all day,” He says kissing her passionately.
Henley pouts, “Ok, well, go be amazing, and save people.”
“Alright,” he says laughing as he kisses her one last time.
“And Hunter, stay safe,” she says.
“Always,” he says smiling back at her before he leaves.
“Oh and one more thing, if you wanted to come back when your shift is over, we could try out the new entertainment center?” she says raising an eye brow.
Hunter smirks, “I’ll be here.” He says smirking as he leaves her apartment.
Henley smiles to herself as she places her hand over her heart, looking after him longingly.
***
Henley and Hunter seem to have a montage of beautiful moments as of late. And she’s been feeling like they are finally back on track.
A dressed to impress, Henley looks at her clock as she hears a knock at her door. She fluffs her hair and smooths out her dress, checking herself in her full length mirror near the door.
She smiles bouncing over to the door happily, she opens it to find a handsomely dressed Hunter, holding a bouquet of roses.
“Aw, are those for me?” she says smiling.
“Oh these, no your neighbor that cute little old lady, yea she gave them to me,” he says chuckling.
Henley rolls her eyes, and he smirks handing them to her.
“Happy 3 Month Anniversary, babe,” he says leaning in and kissing her.
“Happy Anniversary,” she says smiling.
***
Henley and Hunter sit in a beautiful restaurant.
“That was delicious! Seriously so good!” Henley says wiping her lips with a napkin.
“I’m glad,” he says smiling as he reaches across the table to take her hand, “Did I mention how beautiful you look tonight,” he says looking at her with adoring eyes.
“Maybe once or twice,” she says with a laugh.
“Well you do.”
“Thank you,” she says smiling as he places a kiss on her hand.
“I actually have a little something that would match your outfit,” he says smiling.
Henley smiles, “Baby, we said no gifts,” she says rolling her eyes.
“It’s not exactly something new, I’ve actually had it for quite a while,” he says smirking, as he gets up.
Henley looks at him confused. Hunter kneels down on one knee in front of her, “I love you so much. Will you marry me?”
Henley freezes.
“Hen- did you hear me?” he says nervously.
Henley stars at the ring, and then at him.
“It’s a little quick don’t you think?” she says her voice barely above a whisper.
“I mean, we’ve known each other over a decade, babe.” he says smiling.
“I just um…” she smiles nervously as she clears her throat.
“You’re saying no. Again,” he says getting up and sitting in his chair as nearby eyes watch in horror.
“I’m just a little thrown-” she stammers.
“Why? We’re back together. Things are great. We are finally back on track.”
“I know that. And it’s been wonderful. I just didn’t think we had to rush things this time, ya know?”
“Are you ever going to be ready?” he says softly as he looks into her eyes.
“Yes…of course…someday.”
“You scare easily. I get it.” He says taking a drink of water as he puts the ring back in his suit pocket. “I’m going to take care of the bill, I’ll meet you by the car,” he says walking off.
Henley sighs as she turns to watch him leave.
***
Hunter pulls up to Henley’s apartment. The ride was silent. She opens the car door and begins to step out.
“So um, I guess I’ll talk to you later then?” he says looking at her briefly.
“Oh um ok, you don’t want to come up?” she says sadly.
“No I don’t think that’s the best idea right now,” he says avoiding her eyes.
“Ok. Can we just talk about what happened?” she says closing the door and turning toward him.
“Do you honestly want to be with me, Henley?” he asks, his voice low. Sad.
“Of course I do. I just-“
“Are you sure? Because I feel like every time I try to take things to the next level with us, it’s like you hit a wall.”
“Look, just come upstairs ok. Let’s talk.”
“I can’t.”
“Ok maybe tomorrow night?” she says looking over at him, with hopeful eyes.
“No, Hen. I mean. I can’t anymore. I can’t do this anymore.”
Henley freezes, her stomach knots, her heart sinks.
“Hunter…” Henley says her eyes filling up. “Please let’s just go upstairs and talk, ok? Please.”
Hunter’s tears begin to fall as he turns to her, he takes her hands in his.
“I don’t want to hurt. I love you. I do. But something is preventing you from giving me your all. I thought it was what Alexis did, but we both know what really happened now. So I can’t make sense of it. Make sense of why you keep me at bay. And I’m sorry it doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. I’ve loved you practically my whole life. I’ve never even considered that maybe you just don’t want to get married. But I do. I want a family Henley. And as much as it pains me to say this, I can’t wait until you finally decide your ready.” he says his heart breaking with each word.
“I just need a little more time, Hunter Please. I’ll get there. I know it.” she says crying.
Hunter lifts her hands to his lips as he kisses them gently.
“I know that I want you. I’ve always known. But you obviously don’t feel the same way. Otherwise you would have said yes. I don’t want you to have to convince yourself to marry me.”
“That’s not what it is, you have to believe me,” Henley says her tears mixing with his as she pulls him into a kiss.
Hunter kisses her softly, as he pulls away, looking into her eyes, “I need to move on Henley. I need to learn how to let you go. It’s what’s best. For the both of us,” he says pulling her hands from his neck as he leans back in his chair.
Henley sits there stunned.
“Please Henley. Just go ok? Don’t make this harder than it already is,” he says sniffling as he looks away, another tear falling.
Henley opens the door in a robotic fashion, her legs stepping out of the car, one by one, like their on auto pilot. She closes the door and walks to her apartment building, before she reaches the door knob she turns back seeing Hunter speed away. Her tears flowing freely.
***
“Hey,” Hunter says walking over to Henley and Piper.
“I’m gonna go find my husband,” Piper says awkwardly as she rushes off.
“Hi,” she smiles slightly. “So your engaged!?” she says with an unreadable face.
“I am,” he says with a simple smile.
“Congratulations, Elena seems like a really nice girl,” Henley says her stomach tightening in a knot.
“Thank you, she really is,” Hunter says smiling, his eyes looking at her with almost an indifference. Henley feels a heaviness building in her chest, and a lump forming in her throat.
She smiles, uncomfortably as she looks down at her hands.
“Hen-Hey, I’m sorry if you felt blindsided. I didn’t mean for you to find out this way. I wanted to tell you myself.”
“So then…why didn’t you?” she asks surprising herself.
“I guess I just figured you wouldn’t wanna see me, if I called.”
“Well that could not be further from the truth. I um…I’m really happy for you. You deserve this.”
“Thank you.” he says smiling at her. “I hope you’ll come…to the wedding…”
“I um, I would love to, just um, let me know when and I’ll be there.”
Hunter nods and smiles as they stand there awkwardly the tension growing. Hunter’s fiancé Elena comes over, with a big smile on her face, “Hi, I’m sorry to interrupt, but can I steal him for a second, the photographer wants a few photos on the balcony.”
“Of course, steal away.” Henley says smiling, the pain in her heart throbbing.
“I’ll be there in a second, babe,” he says.
“Ok,” she says placing a kiss on his lips, as Henley looks away awkwardly.
“So great to meet you, Henley,” Elena says with a big porcelain white smile as she waves.
God why is she so nice. Henley thinks.
“You too,” Henley smiles, waving.
“Really good to see you Hen,” he says holding out his arms for a hug.
“You too.” she says smiling and accepting his hug as her heart beat quickens. His cologne smell both a personal comfort and a heartbreaking reminder of what she lost.
“I should really get over there,” he say pulling away and looking down at her, as he takes her hands.
“Yea, yea of course, go. I’m going to be taking off anyway.”
“Ok, I’ll call you, maybe we can all grab lunch?” he says with a smile.
“I would love that.” she smiles nodding happily. Trying to stay pulled together.
“Ok. I’ll see you,” he says with a wink as he walks off.
Henley rushes from the room quickly as Piper’s eyes follow, she rushes after.
Henley bursts through the ladies room door as she lets out the breath she’s been holding in.
Piper comes in.
“Hey,” she says solemnly, “Are you ok?”
“How could you not tell me, he was engaged!”
“I’m sorry. It literally just happened. He kind of sprung it on everyone just before you got here, I swear if I would have known I would have given you a heads up.”
“I can’t believe this. I feel so stupid! I shouldn’t be here. I can’t believe I’m here. Why am I here?”
“You were invited.”
“Yes to something I thought was a Stone family party, not an engagement party for my ex-boyfriend and his perfect new fiancé! I knew he had moved on, but I didn’t think he’d be getting ENGAGED this soon after he ended things.”
“You thought you’d still end up back together, didn’t you?” Piper says sadly.
“Yes. I guess, I just assumed that’s how it would be. We’ve always had this connection. I just took it for granted that he’d always be there. That he’d be my forever no matter how much I pushed him away. And now that’s never going to happen. I feel like I can’t breathe. I have to get out of here,” she says storming out of the bathroom.
Piper rushes after her.
“Henley. Henley wait.”
She says rushing past Parker who looks on concerned.
“I’ll be back,” she whispers as he nods watching his wife rush after her friend.
Parker looks back at Hunter who notices with worried eyes as his arm circles his new future bride’s waist, standing with her circle of friends and family.
Parker nods his head toward the balcony as Hunter excuses himself.
“What was that about?” Hunter says worried.
“You really have to ask?” Parker says looking at him.
Hunter looks down.
“What the hell Hunter? You turned a family gathering into your surprise engagement party to another woman and you knew Henley was coming. How did you think she would take it? I mean the least you could have done was tell your sister, at least she could have given her a heads up.”
“I knew if Henley would have known, she wouldn’t have come.”
“So…why’s it so important that she be here? If your so over her, and you’re really ready to move on, why does she need to be involved.”
“Because, she’s my friend. She’s part of my life.”
“Is she though? How much have you two actually spoken in the last few months?”
“Ok, I get what you’re saying. I just wasn’t ready to face all that. But time has passed, my heart has healed. I still care about her, I want her in my life.”
“No I just think you want her to see what she gave up.”
“It’s not like that. I would never rub my relationship in her face.”
“But you kind of are, aren’t you?”
“Not intentionally. Of course I want her to be happy too. I heard she was seeing someone too, so I don’t understand what the big deal is.”
“Come on Hunt, you knew what you were doing. And if you ask me, I think you may still have some unresolved feelings, because a guy who’s really ready to move on, wouldn’t want his ex anywhere near his future wife. The fact that you’re bringing them into the same circles is kind of a red flag. Besides you’ve been seeing this girl for what 3 months, can you honestly tell me you think she’s the one?”
“Parker, I love Elena.”
“I didn’t say you don’t love her. But can you honestly tell me you don’t still love Henley. I mean after all those years, all that history between the two of you. Feelings like that don’t just go away. Especially not in 6 months, even more so not in 3. And it’s really not fair to Elena for you to continue this relationship if you still have feelings for Henley.”
Hunter gives Parker a look. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. I love Elena and she is going to be my wife, end of story,” Hunter says walking away.
To be continued…
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
*Previously on Crazy Stalker Love– Read Chapter 13HERE
FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE!
Hunter stands over Blake his gaze enough to burn a hole through his skull.
“I’d wipe that stupid smirk off your face, if I were you,” he says slamming a file folder full of evidence on the table in front of Blake. The interrogation room dim, cold, gray.
“You think you know her so well.” Blake says with a devilish grin.
Hunter laughs, “And you think you know her. Just because you’ve stalked her for a year doesn’t mean you know her.”
“Actually we know her in very similar ways,” Blake says leaning back, his cocky smirk still in place. “The moans she makes, they’re a real turn on, huh?” he asks glaring up at Hunter.
Hunter narrows his eyes at him.
“And that little tattoo on her right hip, mmm, drives me wild.” Blake says biting his lip.
“Ok enough,” Leo says. “You don’t have a leg to stand on here Miller. We’ve got you. Taking shots here, is only going to piss him off even more.”
“How do you know if that’s not what I’ve wanted all along?” he says staring up at Hunter.
“So you don’t care about Henley, then? I’ll be sure to tell her that.” Hunter says.
“No. I love Henley. And she loves me. But you, you always got in the way.”
“Really now? And how is that?” Hunter says crossing his arms staring Blake down.
“Every time I thought I had a clear to make a move, there you were always swooping in.”
“I’ve known and loved Henley for over a decade. You’ve known her 5 months at best. Just because you were stalking her for longer doesn’t mean a thing. It doesn’t give you a claim on her in any way. What did you plant herself at that bar that night. Schedule a little run in- so you could weasel your way into her life.”
“You really don’t remember, do you?” Blake says with a chuckle as he leans back in his chair, the sound of it squeaking loudly.
Hunter laughs. “Take him in, I don’t have any more patience for his bull shit stories,” Hunter says gesturing to a nearby officer holding hand cuffs.
To be continued…
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
*Previously on Crazy Stalker Love– Read Chapter 12HERE
FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE!
Henley opens her apartment door. Hunter follows closely behind. He grabs her by the waist, and pushes her gently behind him, as he walks into her apartment first.
“Hunter?” she huffs pushing past him, she flicks on the light. “Don’t be so dramatic.”
“Oh ok, so you’d prefer to stay alone? Ok, fine then,” he says walking back toward the door.
“Wait. You can stay. If you want. I mean I guess it wouldn’t be the worst thing to have you around,” she says rolling her eyes.
“I don’t understand why you just can’t admit that you need me, or that you want me to stay.”
Henley looks at him, as she rolls her eyes, with a sigh.
“Will you stay?”
“Why?” he asks.
“Come on, you’re really gonna make me work for this aren’t you?” she says smirking at him as she shakes her head.
“Oh absolutely,” he says smirking as he raises an eyebrow.
“Ok fine. I’d like you to stay. Because I’d feel safer with you here,” Henley says cutting the bull crap.
“Hen, I was never not staying, even if I had to fight you on it. There was no way I was leaving you alone. But I have to admit it’s awesome knowing that you actually want me here.”
Henley rolls her eyes again, as she laughs, “Well thank you. I appreciate all you’re doing for me.”
“Anytime.” He says taking her hands in his as he places a sweet kiss on her lips. “This guy’s really got you nervous, huh?” he says looking at her with concern.
“I guess I didn’t realize how much, until I was faced with the idea of having to stay home alone at night,” she says looking away.
“Have you heard from him at all recently?”
“No. Thank god,” she says sitting on her couch. “I told him I would be working late tonight.”
Hunter makes a wincing face.
“What?” she asks.
“Not hearing from him isn’t necessarily a good thing at this point,” he says sitting next to her.
“What do you mean?” Henley says confused.
“Well, with stalker behavior if you haven’t heard from them, that usually means their stewing in their own weird delusions. A creep like him, he isn’t just going to go away. And if he suspects even in the slightest that you’re onto him, then you can bet he’s going to be extra careful.”
“Oh god, what more can he possibly do?”
“Hey, look, Leo and the team are already on it. Ok, they’re working on getting a warrant to search his apartment. Don’t worry we’re gonna get this guy.”
“I just can’t believe I let this happen. I mean at first I just thought he was so attentive ya know? I thought it was endearing that he cared so much. And then today I just got a really weird feeling. Something in my gut. A little late I know, right? Ugh, how could I be so stupid!” she says getting up and pacing her living room, covering her face.
“Hey, you’re not stupid. You didn’t know he was a weirdo. You have a good heart. You trusted someone, who turned out not to be trust worthy. It wouldn’t be the first time,” he says knowingly looking at her as he gets up walking over to her.
“That’s different. I loved you. And I knew you were struggling. Do not put yourself in the same category as him. Even on your worst day, I was never made to feel this scared. Scared to lose you, yes. But afraid that you’d hurt me, never.” she says looking at him.
“Well I’m grateful for that. That was always my biggest regret, scaring you,” he says taking her hands in his, as he looks away.
“I just… I can’t believe I didn’t see this guy coming from a mile away!” she says frustrated.
“Look, it’s tricky with stalkers, they know how to play the game. You never really know with them.”
“No I didn’t, but you did. And I didn’t listen to you. I just thought you were being a jealous ex-boyfriend,” Henley says rolling her eyes at herself.
“Well I was. At first. But when I met him, I just got a bad feeling about him. The way he watched you like a hawk. It was just unsettling.”
“Hmm, I’m sorry. Don’t you watch me like a hawk?”
“Ah maybe, but I do it with a certain sexy flare, don’t you think?” he says smirking as he pulls her by the waist over to him.
“Yea maybe so,” she says smirking. She pulls him by the neck into a kiss. Hunter’s arms pull her in tighter. Henley starts unbuttoning his shirt, but Hunter pulls away. He looks at her for some type of signal to either stop or keep going.
Henley smiles simply as she reaches for his belt buckle.
“Hey…hey…It’s been a long day,” he says stopping her hand. “You should get some rest,” he says looking at her.
Henley looks up at him, confused yet offended.
Hunter’s phone starts to ring as he pulls away to answer it.
“It’s Leo,” he says looking down at it, “Hey Leo, what do we know?” he says turning away.
Henley stares awaiting any sign of good news, but also partly falling apart inside from Hunter’s rejection.
“We got the warrant, we’re on our way to search his apartment now,” Leo says walking up to his unmarked car.
“Ok good, I um, I’m staying with Henley, so keep me posted. Let me know if you need anything.”
“You got it,” Leo says nodding as he gets into his car and drives off.
“They got the warrant, their on their way to search his apartment,” Hunter says with a pleased smirk.
“Oh wow, that was fast.”
“We work fast.” he says smiling.
“You know you can go. If you want.”
Hunter looks at her confused.
“I mean clearly you want to go and see things for yourself, so…go, I’ll be fine. I’ll call Piper or something,” Henley says with a shrug of her shoulders.
“Look, would I like to investigate this myself, of course. But Leo’s on it, I trust him. I’d rather be here with you, knowing your safe.”
“Are you sure about that? Because I feel like you can’t even look me in the eye?”
“What are you talking about?” he says with a laugh, looking straight at her, making clear eye contact.
“You just, you couldn’t answer your phone fast enough, saved by the ringtone, right?” she says motioning to the moment they were just having.
“Oh my god, Henley really? You’re freaking out because I stopped us, while we’re waiting on news about your stalker. I’m sorry if I’m not exactly in the mood.”
“You’re always in the mood. So it just reaffirms my worry that you do in fact think less of me, because of all this. You don’t want to be with me, because you know I’ve been with him. And I hate it, because it was such a mistake. And I know it. Ok? I know it. It wasn’t anything like it is with you.”
“Ok first of all I’m not gonna pretend and act like that doesn’t make me happy,” he says smirking at her confession. “But you’re jumping into making some serious snap judgements. Second of all, I love you. So much. You know that. Stop questioning that. Is this whole thing crazy? Yes. Do I hate that you had sex with another guy? Yes. But that would be the case no matter who he was. Do I still love you, and want to be with you no matter what? Hell yes. So stop overthinking this. It has been a long day. You should rest. And I need to be alert in case of anything. I can’t jeopardize your safety, just because I want to make love to you. Because I do, of course I do. I always do. But now’s not the time. Just be realistic Henley. Get out of your head and maybe cut me some slack, please. Give me some credit for being madly in love with you.”
“I’m sorry,” she says covering her face. “Ugh god, I hate this.”
Hunter softens, “Come here,” he says pulling her into a hug, he kisses her forehead. “Why don’t you sit, take a nap, I’ll figure out something for us to eat.” he says looking down at her.
Henley nods as she gives him a small smile, and cozies up on her couch.
Hunter sits watching TV, although it might as well be off, his senses all on high alert.
Henley sleeps on his chest, all snuggled up on him.
He turns and looks down at her, placing a kiss on her forehead, her hair smelling of lavender.
Hunter’s phone rings, as he wiggles out from under Henley and walks off to the side, “Stone,” he answers.
“Hey, we just got through combing his apartment, nothing out of the ordinary at first, but we kept at it. And well…we found something. You’ve got to see this Hunter,” Leo says as he switches his phone to video.
Hunter squints in the darkness of the apartment as he focuses his tired eyes on the tiny screen before him. Leo clicks through images on Blake’s computer, there are thousands of images of Henley. Henley out meeting with Piper and friends, Henley in a towel in her apartment, Henley at work, Henley and Hunter kissing, the images just kept coming.
“What the hell?” Hunters says, “He’s been following her for months? Who is this guy?”
“Look Hunt, I don’t know, but there are some seriously delicate images on this computer of Henley, of Blake and Henley, of you and Henley. This guy is obsessed with her.”
“Bring him in, I’ll meet you at the station,” Hunter says, as Henley starts to stir.
“You got it, I’ll have all this logged into evidence too,” Leo says.
“Thanks Leo, you’re the only one I’d trust with this,” Hunter says.
“I got your back, man, I’ll see you at the station soon,” Leo says hanging up.
Hunter hangs up, obviously thrown. He knew Blake was a creep, but didn’t think he could get any creepier.
“Hey, was that Leo?” Henley says getting up from the couch. Her voice scratchy. Her hair tousled.
“Hey, yea, they uh- searched Blake’s place, and found pictures of you on his computer.”
“Oh god, ew” Henley she says making a face as she slips her shoes on.
“A lot of pictures Hen, like, thousands. I mean but it’s not just of you, I’m in them, Piper, the girls. But the even scarier thing is you only met Blake what 5 months or so ago?”
“Yea about that long ago, why?”
“The pictures he has of us, they date back like a year ago, he’s been watching you and us for quite some time. Like literally through the blinds…,” he says his voice trailing off.
“Oh, that’s just sick. Why would he want pictures of me with you? I don’t understand. And when I met him, he acted like he didn’t know me, or know my situation with you. What’s his angle here? None of this makes sense.”
“Look, I don’t know yet, but we’re sure as hell gonna find out.”
“Hunter, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry that you’re being dragged into this. I had no idea this guy was out there all this time- watching.”
“Stop. This isn’t your fault. You didn’t ask for him to come along and stalk you.”
“I know but, I encouraged it that night we met at the bar. I should have just ignored him-“
“Stop. I won’t let you blame yourself for this. I didn’t know he was out there either. How could we? There is no way you could have known.”
Henley frowns looking away.
“But listen, Leo is bringing him in, and I need to go down to the station, so I need you to come with me.”
“I don’t want to see him, Hunter.”
“You don’t have to, but I’m not leaving you alone.”
Henley nods.
To be continued…
*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*
Michelle Leigh Writes 