Read Wounded Birds (The Grayson Series Book 1) for Free Online Page A

give a damn about the money, Ariana. My concern is you. Did you drink earlier?” He asks, his voice softer.
    “No,” I answer. I take a deep breath to calm the whirling around me. What is wrong with me?
    He touches my forehead, examining me. “You have no fever. Have you eaten anything since our lunch? Do you take any medication that you may have forgotten about?” He spews out with a disturbed expression.
    “I indulged in homemade chocolate truffles from a fan about an hour ago. Well, I ate pretty much the whole box. I did leave you one. It’s sitting on the counter.” I smile pointing in the direction of the kitchen.
    The right corner of his lip curves up along with his eyebrow, making him appear sexier. “You left me one out of how many truffles?” He questions me.
    “I ate eleven. I couldn’t help myself. They were delicious , coated in hazelnut, almonds, and shredded coconut. What can I say, I’m a chocoholic,” I express with a chuckle, feeling a bit dazed.
    Michael stands and walks towards the chocolates. He picks up the box and fumbles through the empty foils but one. “I found a small note in the box. May I read it?” He asks.
    “Of course,” I answer. I watch as he skims over the words and his demeanor begins to change. He looks puzzled, anxious, and a horrifying gaze fills his eyes. My heart starts to race. “What’s wrong, Michael?” I ask with apprehension.
    He sighs. “Let me read it to you, and you’ll understand.”
     
    This is your number-one fan, my little princess. I was so aroused to hear that beautiful voice when I called you at the restaurant. How is Mr. Grayson?
    I imagined my lips kissing yours, my hands over your soft, smooth skin. I look forward to us meeting. I love everything about you. You’re beautiful on the screen, but breathtaking in person. I’m sure you’ve seen me, or maybe not, I’m like a chameleon, I blend into my surroundings. I’m never far from your side.
    I hope you enjoyed the homemade chocolate truffles. I added a little something to help you slumber with thoughts of me. Don’t worry, baby doll. It won’t kill you. I want you alive and well when we finally meet. I love you.
    Sleep well, baby doll.
    Signed,
    YL - Your lover
    P.S. If you get the police involved, you'll be buried with the flowers I planted.
     
    My eyes grow wide, and a painful tightness wraps around my chest, leaving me breathless. My leg starts to bounce, and my heart is pounding madly in my throat.
    Michael is staring at me. No, he’s glaring at me, with his lips pressed in a hard-line. The temperature in the room seems to drop ten degrees, chilling the atmosphere.
    “Ariana,” he says with a clenched jaw. He looks ready to snap.
    I can tell by his tone of voice he’s on edge, and I know why. I lied to him about the caller.
    “Yes,” I say, barely a whisper.
    He moves towards me, infuriated, and sits beside me. His leg brushes up against mine, making me jump. He looks into my eyes and then at my lips as if he wants to kiss me and then shakes his head and clears his throat.
    “Why did you tell me the phone call you received at the restaurant was a wrong number?” He asks, trying to stay in control, his muscles twitching around his jaw.
    “I didn’t want to worry you. This doesn’t concern you anyway,” I ramble on defensively. “Many TV personalities get sick fans harassing them.” I wave a hand in the air, getting hit with another wave of dizziness.
    Cold sweats begin to course through me. I wipe the moisture off my forehead with a clammy hand. I’m filled with a million thoughts. What did he mean he added a little something to help me slumber? Oh, shit. What was in those truffles? I thought his e-mails and phone call was just to rattle me, but this isn’t a joke to him; he has a plan for me. I blink several times before turning in Michael’s direction. He stands and stares at me; his features etched with worry.
    “I’m taking you to the hospital,” he orders, his