AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Breathe.” The hand that I thought was trying to choke me presses against my breastbone. The warmth from his palm seeps into my chest, causing my lungs to stop seizing. “Just breathe, Sweet Girl.”
I’m going to blame exhaustion and confusion for the tears that fill my eyes, not the kindness in his voice. Not hearing him call mesweetafter the vivid and vicious memories of being calledstupid.
“Hush.” His hand slides a fraction lower, his standing body bent over my reclined form. “You’re fine now.”
My lungs fill with another shaky inhale, and I nod.
Fabric shifts underneath my fingers, and I glance down to see I’m gripping his forearm with both my hands.
I let go as quickly as I can, moving my hands back to my blanket. But his palm prevents me from being able to lift the blanket back to my chin.
Our gazes are locked together, and I startle when he speaks again.
“What’s his name?” His voice is still quiet, but it’s also different. A little menacing.
“Wh-whose name?”
His head tilts, and it reminds me of the nature channel when they show a wild animal stalking its prey. “The man who laid his hands on you. Tell me his name.”
I suck in more air. My heart continues racing, but the reason for it is shifting. Morphing from fear to… something else.
“Why do you want to know?” I ask.
The tip of his tongue swipes at the corner of his mouth like he’s thinking; then his lips tip up, the smallest amount. “Call it morbid curiosity.”
When I don’t reply, he leans closer, applying a little more pressure where his hand is touching me.
“I bet you’ve never told anyone. I bet you did as you were told.” I can feel his exhale against my lips. “Break the rules for me, Sweet Girl. Put yourself first and give me a name.”
There’s a part of me that knows I should stay silent, but I ignore it. “Arthur.”
He makes a humming sound before slowly straightening, his thumb drawing a line between my collarbones, before leaving me completely when he stands.
“Now, let’s make a deal.” He breaks eye contact with me when he looks down to fasten his suit coat.
I swallow, but don’t say anything as I wait for him to continue.
“I won’t tell Arthur you’re the one that sent me, and you don’t tell anyone about tonight.”
I blink up at him.
Did he…? Did he just say what I think he did?
“Tell me you agree, Payton.” His voice is firmer now and hearing him say my name sends a burst of electricity down my spine.
He knows my name.
How does he know my name?
Looking into his beautifully haunting eyes, I whisper, “I agree.”
He takes a step backwards. “Good.”
I steel myself, knowing I’ll hate myself later if I don’t ask. “What’s your name?”
He pauses, and for a moment I think he’s going to tell me. But then he turns away from me and heads toward my front door. “It’s safer if you don’t know.”
“Safer for who?” I ask.
