He grinned, his stare intense "What is your favorite dream?." his voice husky.
Layla gave him a blank stare "None."
He chuckled "How can it be? everyone has a favorite one."
Layla hesitated, before answering "I-I just don't."
"Still--" he insisted, not clearly believing her.
Layla tensed "I don't have dreams.Only nightmare." replying in a matter of fact tone.
Frowning, he stepped closer to Layla "Are you afraid of them?."
Layla's body stiffened "Yes." she took a step back.
Ignoring her discomfort, he took a step closer"You should not, they are just a bunch of manipulation, our brain indulges us in.They can never see a day of reality." he took a strand of her hair, twisting it in between his fingers.
Layla's eyes blazed with annoyance, but suddenly a wicked smile graced her lips.she took a step closer and placed her hand on his chest, slightly trailing her finger up and down"Mine do.My dreams shape themselves into reality." she whispered, her voice so enchanting, the winds started blowing as if seduced by her.
He lowered his eyelid on her lips, his intention clear, his breath hitched, "Oh really, like what?." he questioned in a hoarse voice.
She grinned, moving her face closer to his"I saw a shadow catching you yesterday and it came true." her voice breathless.
He felt her breath on his mouth, her lips soo red, moisture coating them, making him groan inside, with desire "Oh yeah and where is this shadow that has caught me?"
She placed her lips on his right ear, Layla felt him grab her waist, his desire clear in his breathing "Behind you." she whispered.
Moving his face backward, he glanced at her face, she was smiling, her eyes gleamed with wicked joy.
He felt a dark presence behind him, he frowned, slowly he turned his face.
What he saw, made his eyes wide with fear"N-no it can't be!".
A criminal mastermind makes a bold move against a wealthy client to put himself in a position to retire in comfort. He has no idea what he's up against when a young widow, desperate to make ends meet, sets her eyes on earning the bounty set on his head.
***
Newly widowed housewife Melody Scott needs to earn some major cash, fast. When her bright and busy children learn that a priceless ruby bracelet has been stolen and a six-figure reward is being offered, they convince her to try to do what the police, museum security, and the best private investigators have failed to do. Working against them is a notorious thief who has met people from around the world, but who has never once encountered a woman like Melody Scott. When the sweet innocence of the Scott family clashes against criminal forces more dangerous than they ever imagined, Melody is all too aware that a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do to protect her family.
The Widow, Melody Scott is a 2021 Watty Award Winner!
Content Warning: This story does contain depictions of stalking behavior.