Craze

By Andi Jaxon

He's a stranger, a stalker... a mystery, and for now, I call him Psycho. Annabelle You know that feeling you have when you think you're being watched? Or that you're not alone? I do. All the time. Goosebumps frequent my skin and the hair all over my body stands at attention. I'm no longer bothered by it, in fact, some time ago, I started to feel comforted by it. By him. The only thing I fear, is if I can handle the dark path of pleasure mixed with pain he's bound to lead me down or how much I crave his touch. Psycho Annabelle calls me Psycho, she doesn't realize how accurate her choice of name is. I want her, always have. She doesn't know it yet, but she's mine. When the time is right, I will claim her. Until then, I'll watch over her and remind her she's not alone. Elliot Annabelle is my best friend. I'm all she has and I'll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it's from herself. She's keeping secrets... secrets that could destroy our friendship. *** This book contains intense sexual scenes. Intended for readers 18 years or older. ***

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andi Jaxon
• Release date: May 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781732080836

Book preview

Prologue

PURSUER

She’s never noticed me, no one ever does. I have found a way to disappear into the background, but my only desire is to dominate a woman, one specific woman. It was love at first sight. You may say that's not possible, but I felt it in the marrow of my bones. Every heartbeat after that said her name. Annabelle has been mine since that moment, even though she didn't know, still doesn't. She will come to understand the depth of our connection. She just needs time. Even now, she sips her morning coffee at her kitchen table, as she dreams of her Prince Charming. I am right here waiting; all she has to do is look out the window.

ANNABELLE

In college, I got confirmation someone was watching me when the notes started to appear randomly. The first one was during finals. I had been getting barely any sleep and living on coffee and energy drinks. After one particularly long night, I found a note stuck to my door begging me to take better care of myself and a bag full of my favorite foods.

Over the years, I’ve found notes just about everywhere, in my house, my car, my office at work, even in my mailbox. The notes are always written on the same cream cardstock, always handwritten, and always in black ink. Bold slashes from a controlling man carved into the cream paper.

Lately, I’ve been trying to tempt him into showing himself, having my skirts just a little too short, my blouse a little too low cut, or my heels just a little too tall. I know he’s noticed I’m doing it on purpose to tease him.

Even now I can feel him, watching me while I'm sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee. It probably looks, to an outsider, like I’m daydreaming, but I’m really thinking about him, my Psycho. I’m not sure when I started calling him that in my head, but it was longer ago than I can remember. And it just fits. Who else stalks a girl and leaves mysterious notes? A Psycho.

1

ANNABELLE

As I’m putting on the finishing touches for my date, Elliot is bitching as usual.

Why are going out with this tool?

He’s not a tool. I’m going out with him because he’s a nice guy and I’m hoping to get laid. I roll my eyes at my reflection in the mirror.

While checking my make-up, I notice Elliot standing behind me. He places his hands on my shoulders, causing me to pause.

Why do you keep putting yourself through this? You’re better than these losers, he says sincerely.

So I should stop looking for someone to share my life with? Just be alone forever? Tears suddenly spring to my eyes.

I’ve been alone my entire life, is it so wrong to want to share your life with someone other than your best friend…

In court, yet again, this time watching someone else get adopted. It’s always someone else, never me. I have been with this family for the last year, and they chose a little girl. Another family picking a child to love that isn’t me. I can’t remember how many times I’ve been on the outside looking in, watching other kids find their family.

I’m too old to be adopted; I have been for a long time. Being ten, I should have given up hope a long time ago, I’ve been in the system since the day I was born. No one ever took a second glance at me.

Maybe it’s because of my bright red hair, or because I’m small, petite they call it. As I got older, learned my lot in life, I’ve become a 'smart mouth' my foster mom tells me, and that my attitude is a turn off to those around me. Just one more year and it’ll be time for a new house, in a new town, and hopefully, with a family that doesn’t hate me.

I’m brought back to the present as I notice splashes of mascara on the porcelain sink. Damn tears ruined my makeup.

Dammit, Elliot! I yell. Why can’t you just be happy I’ve met someone who has a general interest in me?

Because you deserve better than ‘general interest’! He hollers over his shoulder as he storms from my apartment.

Sigh. Drama queen.

Jared arrives exactly at nine o’clock. Luckily, I was just finishing up my mascara when he knocked.

Checking myself one last time, even I’m impressed with how well I clean up. I’m dressed to kill. A white boat neck shirt that hugs just right, paired with a burgundy high waist circle skirt hitting me mid-thigh. My fiery red hair hangs down my back in loose curls brushing my waist, accentuating my curves and ensuring my legs look a mile long. Once I add my black moto jacket and shoes, I’ll be good to go.

Grabbing my purse, I slip on my tan ankle boots and open the door. I’m greeted by Jared. His dark wash jeans pressed white button-up, and tan blazer frame his tall, athletic build. His sandy blonde hair is perfectly mused, making his blue eyes shine when he shows his brilliant white smile.

Hey there, gorgeous, he says with a smile, leaning in to place a kiss on my cheek.

Hi, ready to go?

Placing my hand in the crook of his elbow, he leads me out of the building. We make idle chit chat as we get into his car, he even made sure to open my door. At least he has manners, that’s better than half the jackass’s I’ve dated.

You okay with a pub? I know of one downtown that shouldn’t be too crowded. They have pretty awesome food, the salads are great.

Uh…salad?

Pub is fine, I try to smile but I can feel the strain.

Self-consciously, I fiddle the edge of my skirt. Salad?

Listen, Jared. I’m a girl that eats. I have a gym membership for a reason. If you want a girl that barely picks at her food and only orders salads, you may want to take me home. I close my eyes and let out a breath.

No. Shit. I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant.

Him being flustered, along with my awkwardness, make me laugh. I never could keep my mouth shut.

When we get inside, we both order bacon cheeseburgers with fries and beers.

Their salads are really good though, he says with a smirk, and I can’t help but laugh at him.

Salad is what my food eats.

I’m pretty sure beer almost comes out his nose at that, causing me to laugh even more.

When he’s able to speak again, he looks at me for a moment, contemplating something.

I think I should kiss you, he says suddenly and seriously.

Oh yeah? Right now?

Yeah, right now. Get the first one out the way, you know?

Nah, I think I’ll make you wait. Especially, now that since it’ll be awkward, since we’re both thinking about it. I take a sip of my beer, watching him over the top.

Alright, here’s to making first dates even more awkward, he says, raising his bottle.

Cheers, we say together, and clink our bottles together.

After an amazing dinner, we decide to take a walk. This part of town is pretty busy on weekend nights, so we should be able to find something interesting going on.

With my hand in his, Jared leads us down the sidewalk. We laugh at the drunks making fools of themselves on the street, the college girls taking dumb selfies, and couples having ridiculous arguments. People watching is entertaining sometimes.

We end up a few blocks away at a dance club, the only thing you can understand is the bass that pulses in our veins. In the mass of bodies, we’re pressed together on the dance floor, legs intertwined with one another, and bodies moving to the beat. He pulls me impossibly close, arm around my waist. I follow his lead, move with him to the hypnotic rhythms.

I can see the desire for me in his eyes, but I am determined to do something different this time. I can’t get sucked in only to be discarded like trash. He will have to work to show me that he means business, that he’s not just looking for a quick fuck and be done.

I close my eyes and get lost in the music, letting it move me. One of Jared’s hands makes its way to my thigh, just at the edge of my skirt. In a spur of the moment decision, I lift that leg and lean back over his arm dropping my head back before slowly rolling my body back up. With both of my feet back on the ground, I blink and look around.

He must be here, I can feel him.

The look on Jared’s face brings me back to reality, making me laugh. This date has been one of the best I have ever been on.

Bringing his head down so I can talk into his ear, I yell, I think it’s time to call it a night.

He takes my hand, and we leave the club. We’re about halfway back to the car when he says,

So, you’re pretty…bendy.

HA! Yeah, I am, I smirk.

Looking at me, he winks and shakes his head. I can’t help but chuckle; no one ever knows what to do with me.

PURSUER

Watching her body move to the beat of the music is both painful and erotic. I reach down and adjust my rock hard cock before stepping on the dance floor. I will not pass up this chance to be near her. I move to the beat, slowly making my way across the dance floor until I can almost reach out and touch her.

Suddenly, she wraps her leg around this prick’s waist before leaning back and letting her body fall. I can see the curve of her neck, I can almost taste the flesh on my tongue. Before she sets her feet on the ground, we lock eyes for a brief moment.

See me

Feel me

I am always near you.

As he sets her upright, I watch her blink her eyes and look around. Searching for something,