Stitch by Jaime Lewis (inspirational books to read .TXT) 📕

when she felt a hand against her lower back. When she turned and saw Marlon, Elijah’s cousin, her first instinct was to run fast in the opposite direction. The guy totally hit the top of her creep-o-meter. She swore every time she’d seen him out socializing, he was with a different woman. If the rumors were correct, the majority of those women were prostitutes. That thought had her quickly stepping away, making his hand drop to his side.  Ewww.

“Marlon, I was just about to leave.” She said, gesturing toward Dr. Vineberg and Estelle, who were both watching closely.

Of course, the first place that Marlon’s eyes centered on was her chest.  He licked his lips, and she wanted to cringe. He was so disgusting and inappropriate. She didn’t want the Vinebergs to wait on her, plus who knew what obscene remark might come out of Marlon’s mouth, so she hugged the couple and told them to go ahead without her and that she would make plans to call them in a few weeks.

Once they were gone, she turned back toward Marlon, crossing her arms, and staring at him.

He ran the back of his hand down her arm, making her drop her arms to her side. “What’s with the attitude, baby?”  He winked.  “You and I could have a lot of fun together. After all, we’re both here alone. What do you say, wanna dance back to my place?” He reached for her hips, but she was too quick and pushed him away, putting some much-needed space between them.

“Not interested.” She stated curtly and gave him a dirty look. He smirked, but thankfully he backed off.

“Soon enough, you’ll come to your senses and realize what you’re missing.”

She held back her eye roll at his idiotic comment. Marlon had been sniffing around since she started working for Elijah. But his words and tone of his voice sent an uneasy vibe up her spine. It wasn’t so much of a threat but rather a promise.

He pulled a thick white letter envelope and a larger envelope folded in half from his suit jacket. “I need you to give these to Elijah. It’s important.  I thought he was coming tonight.”

“He was here but had to leave. I can make sure he gets it tomorrow.”  She said as he handed them over to her.

Marlon shook his head. “No, he needs it tonight.”

“Tonight?  It’s almost eleven o’clock. If it’s that important, you take it to him.”

A sleazy smile spread across his face.  “I’ve got other plans to make now that you won’t join me.” He winked again, and she wanted to smack him upside his head.

“Where am I supposed to drop this off? I don’t even know where he lives.”

“Well, you told those people he was meeting a client. You can swing by the clinic on your way home.”

“And, if he’s not there by the time I get there?”

“Just leave it on his desk. Be sure you text me so I can let him know.”

She hated knowing the scumbag had her phone number. She knew that Elijah hadn’t given it to him. Knowing him, he snooped and got it from the personnel files. But if this got her away from his clutches and out of the event, she was all for it. She grabbed the envelope.

“Thanks, doll.” He winked again and walked away like a cat on the prowl, seeking out his prey for the night.

She took a deep breath and exhaled. She strongly considered saying fuck it and would give Elijah the damn envelopes tomorrow morning at the office.  But knowing Elijah was expecting the delivery, she’d suck it up.

She had almost made it out of the hotel when another voice called her name. She mumbled under her breath. Why now, when she was trying to leave, did everyone want to talk to her? Turning in the direction of the voice, she almost stumbled in her heels when she made eye contact with Terek.  Oh, for heaven’s sake.

As he moved toward her, she felt her belly tighten. He didn’t look happy, and she didn’t need any bullshit—not tonight.

As Terek stepped closer, she tilted her head to look up at him. He had let his hair grow out a little more than usual. It didn’t matter because he was still good-looking. She shook her head. What was she thinking?

“Terek, I was just on my way out,” She told him, hoping he’d get the hint that she didn’t want to stick around and reminisce.

“I am too.  I’ll walk you out.”  He said, taking her elbow and leading her toward the exit as if he was in a hurry. When they were outside, he didn’t stop at the valet. She protested, but he ignored her and guided her down the sidewalk away from everyone waiting for their cars. Once they were at a distance from others, he turned her to face him.

“What did Marlon want with you?” He demanded, and not in a friendly way. He looked fierce. His hard expression reminded her of her brother when something upset him.

“You know him?” She found herself asking him.

“I do, and he is not someone I would expect you to associate yourself with.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I’m not then, right?  He’s Elijah’s cousin. I only know him from the clinic.” She fired back at him with a little attitude. Sure, she didn’t care for Marlon, but what was it to Terek whether she knew the man? She didn’t have to stand here and explain anything to him. She was a big girl who could take care of herself.

“Well, what did he want?” He snapped as if he was getting annoyed with her, and it really pissed her off. She almost opened her mouth and told him what Marlon really wanted—her in his bed, but she clamped her mouth shut and instead held up the envelope in her hand.

“He asked if I could drop this off to Elijah,” She looked away, but when she looked back up at him, he seemed to