THE TEMPTRESS

||Threat||

•STEPHANIE•

I perched on the edge of my bed, wrestling with the first aid kit. My wound was acting up again; it was the third time I had to change the bandage before it got too soaked.

Carefully peeling off the sticky layer of the bandage, I glanced at the huge bloodstain. With a practiced move, I tossed the used bandage into the small trash can at my feet.

The chilly air hit my exposed wound, making me wince and squeeze my eyes shut. I fumbled inside the first aid box, searching for a fresh bandage. Gripping the plastic with my teeth, I tore it open and started wrapping the new bandage around my arm slowly.

A soft whimper echoed from across the room, and I turned to see Russ, watching me with concern in his big brown eyes. He knew something was wrong, and his worry was palpable. I shot him a reassuring smile and continued tending to my wound.

My phone buzzed on the bed next to the first aid box. I paused, picking it up. A sigh escaped me when I saw Kaden's name on the screen. I answered, cradling the phone between my shoulder and ear as I continued to wrap the bandage.

"Where are you?" He asked, irritation creeping into his voice.

"Home, where else?" I answered nonchalantly.

"Really? Then why aren't you answering the door?" he questioned, his tone turning serious.

My heart skipped a beat, and I spun around to face the window. I dropped the bandage on the bed and hurriedly grabbed my phone.

There was no way he could be here. How did he find my house? 

I peeked through the curtains, frowning when I saw no one standing outside or any cars parked by the gate.

And then it hit me.

He's not here because he was referring to my 'other house' where I told him I was staying. That house was was used for my fake story, but this one is my real secret hideout.

I didn't ask how he got my address; after all, he's Kaden. Ben could easily find my location for him. But I had already taken double precautions for this secret hideout, so no one, not even Ben, could find where I really was.

"Um, actually, I just left the house a few minutes ago. I'm headed to your place, so I'll see you there?" I quietly fibbed, hearing him sigh on the other end.

"Fine," he grumbled before ending the call.

I breathed a sigh of relief before tossing my phone back on the bed.

That was a close call.

He should've at least given me a heads-up with a call or text before showing up. This just reminded me of how tough it is to juggle this double life.

I finished redoing my bandage, threw on a long-sleeved sweater to hide it. I can't let them get suspicious.

I can't afford any more slip-ups either, especially after Kaden unexpectedly dropped by my fake place. Luckily, he didn't press me when I lied.

I pulled into the driveway and got out of the car. Not sure why he wanted to see me, but I figured he needed me to play my role as his distraction.

He's probably upset about Pedro's death and the warehouse ambush. Maybe he just needs someone to help him chill out, and that someone happens to be me today.

I didn't expect him to need me for anything else. It's all part of our deal, and I'm fine holding up my end of the bargain.

Sure, the idea of him touching me again sparked some excitement, but I can't dwell on that. I can't afford to be the one getting distracted when I'm supposed to be the distraction.