Page 230 of Red Marked

I have to keep pretending…to keep smiling. Keep him believing he’s winning until he gets sloppy and I get my chance.

He’s a big male. Almost as big and powerful as Flint. Unlike Flint, he’s got a screw loose, which makes him much more dangerous. He says he isn’t capable of killing someone, but I don’t believe him.

I just don’t know how long I can keep pretending. Especially if he starts pawing at me.

“I’m going to go and get ready,” I say, sliding off the stool.

“Okay, babe.” He looks my way until I disappear down the hall.

I hear him follow me.

Of course he does. He can’t let me out of his sight. I might pull a runner.

The bedroom is at the end of the hall. The rope is still coiled on the dresser. I walk past it into the bathroom, shut the door, and my hand goes to the lock.

There’s no key.

I run the water. I brush my teeth with the toothbrush he packed for me. Then I wash my face. I dry it. I look at the door.

I consider running the shower and climbing out a window, but I have a feeling the moment water hits the tile, he’ll saunter in here. He’s acting like everything is wonderful, but he hasn’t let me out of his sight.

I open the door.

He’s in the bedroom, still in his boxers. He’s leaning on the dresser with his arms folded.

Yep, just as I thought.

“You ready to take that shower?” He smirks at me.

I shake my head. “Can I have a minute?” I keep it easy. “I’d like to change.”

“Change in here.” He shrugs. “I’ve seen you naked, Star. About a thousand times.”

“I know, but that was a long time ago. Give me some space, please.” I make myself hold his eyes. “I want to put something nice on for you. It’s a surprise.”

His head tilts. “A little summer dress?”

And there it is. That look.

He wants sex.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Yes. Maybe.” I smile. “I’ll see. That’s what makes it a surprise.”

“I saw a couple of pretty underwear sets when I packed your things.” He pushes off the dresser. “Put one of those on under it. Fuck, Star.”

He’s coming toward me.

No. No.

Crap!

Jett doesn’t swear. Not ever. The only time is when he’s horny or during sex.

His arms go around me, and he pulls me in, and his boxers hide nothing. He’s hard against my stomach.

“I’ve missed you so much,” he says into my hair.