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With a smile, he takes hold of my hand and pulls me from the chair.

“I know just the place.” He pulls me into his side.

Every muscle in my body screams to push him away. My mind drifts to Ethan with a sinking feeling. Clutching my purse, I take the lead, ushering us toward the door.

A warm palm falls to the small of my back, before it moves to my side as he tucks me against him. Again. His gaudy ringed fingers dig into my side. That hand will be the first fucking thing to go. Walking past the bar, I catch glimpses of him in the mirror staring at my ass, then nodding to a group of men at the end.

As we step out into the street, I pause at the valet stand. Annoyed by the sudden stop, he turns with a furious glare.

“I have to get my car.”

His lips purse as he tries to pull me forward by my wrist. “You can come back tomorrow and get it.”

Wrenching my wrist from his grip, I cross my arms, feigning another pout.

“I need my car,” I whine and tap my foot.

Lifting his arm, he pulls back the cuff to check his watch.

“Fine.” He blows a whistle and waves over a valet.

Plucking the ticket from my purse, I hold it out to the young guy who’s turned white as a ghost. Charlie begins shifting on his feet as the valet runs to the parking lot. I don’t miss the slight wobble to his stance. Hurry, kid.

“You okay?”

Rubbing his eyes with his fingers, he shakes his head. That’s not going to help.

“Yeah. I’m fine.” He loses balance, tumbling to his knees.

Rushing to his side, I grip his arm and turn him to face me.

“Don’t worry; I’ll do the driving. I wouldn’t miss a night with you for anything.” Gliding my fingers slowly across his torso, I rest my hand on his chest and look at him through my lashes. Lust brightens his eyes, sending another wave of revulsion through me. A moment later, the car pulls up in front of us. Tipping the valet, I take the keys and turn my attention back to Charlie, who begins to wobble toward the passenger side.

The struggle he has with the seat belt is pathetic, but he seems to get it under control.

I step around to the driver’s side and don’t waste any time getting on the road. I really fucking hope dipshit here doesn’t pass out before we get to the location.

“Where are we going?” he slurs.

Ignoring his question, I continue driving. My only real concern right now is trying to get him to the location, before he collapses or needs a second dose. His hand crosses my vision as it clamps down on the steering wheel. The car sways on the road. Regaining control of the car, I pry his hand off the wheel. His arm falls over the center console as he continues to fight the inevitable. His red-rimmed eyes drift up to me. Even through the haze of the drugs, the rage residing there is clear.

Annoyed with his half-competent attempt, I dive into my pocket for the remaining syringe and plunge it into his neck. His thrashing slows. Drool appears at the corners of his lips and drips into a pool on his lap. I don’t miss the look of recognition in his eyes. A predator recognizing a predator.

“Now look what you made me do.”

Thirty minutes later, I turn off the highway onto a dirt road that ends just before a tree line. Charlie’s currently plucking at his pants. Bringing the car to a stop, I open the door and step out. Before closing the door, I peer inside once more to look at him. Still drooling. Still pathetic. Fucking perfect.

Slamming the door shut, I walk around to the trunk. Dragging my bag closer, I change into my signature all-black combo. Dresses are handy for many things. Murderous little quests are not one of them. Grabbing my tool bag, I close the trunk. I step around to the passenger side of the car and open the door. Charlie falls out, landing face-first in the dirt. His body contorts as the seat belt holds his arm in the air. Apparently, he did not master the seat belt as I had previously thought. Shit. Now’s he’s going to be all dusty.

I lean down, grabbing a chunk of his hair to lift his head off the ground. Dirt clings to the drool on his face, but there’s no sign of a bruise. Good. Silver linings!

Dropping his head, I reach up and untangle him. His arm falls to the ground and begins aimlessly searching for something to grasp. Moonlight glitters across the rings on his hand. Ringed fingers along my side.

Stepping forward, I bring my foot down on the offending appendages. Told you, you’d be first. Charlie lets out a series of loud garbles, resembling a curse. Slipping my arm under his shoulder, I help him to his feet. The first few steps are uneasy. But then we fall into an easy rhythm as I lead him toward the tree line. The route dips into an incline, causing him to lose balance. He nearly takes me down with him, but my straining muscles save us both. By the time we’re crossing the stream, my calves are burning from the effort of keeping him upright. The hairs on the back of neck stand up as we begin to move up the incline of the hill on the other side of the stream. A mixture of unease and comfort rise in my chest. My senses are nearly overloaded with the sensitivity.

Ethan.

I scan the trees, knowing he’s well concealed, but I try anyway. The vast majority of my body warms knowing he’s out here watching me. I push down the initial alarm of unease and let the comfort swaddle my nerves.