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She shifted in her seat, her eyes bright from excitement. “If you snooped on my computer, didn’t you see what few personal effects Claire Kenwright had on her when she was murdered?”
I laughed bitterly, the sound as hollow as I felt. “I was only curious why you suddenly asked about breath play. Nothing more.”
She eased her cup to the table, standing but moving away from me. I sensed her trepidation, uncertainly clouding both her judgment and her mind. “There was a business card with the initial E and a room number. That must mean the killer used the escort service to find his victims. These two murders must be connected. Davidson was placed under arrest because the police believed it was a sex crime. They aren’t about sex but the need for violence.”
“You’re jumping to conclusions.”
“Am I?”
“I’m going to say this once to you. Stop investigating. Let the police do their jobs. It’s dangerous.” I gave her a stern look.
“I know. I just… What if it happens again?”
For some reason, I had a feeling it would.
She was shocked once again from my insistence, her face ashen. “Do you know what the E stands for? The least I could do is let Jeff know about it.”
“Elite Entertainment,” I told her begrudgingly. “The firm caters to the wealthy and powerful.”
“I think I’ve heard of them. That makes sense, although I don’t understand why Davidson felt the need to use one in the first place.”
“I can’t answer you, Lark. Contrary to what he said, I’m not friends with him. The fact he broke into my house to hunt you down doesn’t give me any confidence in his innocence.”
“No, but I learned a long time ago that things aren’t always as they seem. The dirty little secrets you mentioned are very true, even with people you least expect.”
Her accusatory look was as troublesome as the conversation. She was determined to find the answers. I knew she wouldn’t like them when she did. “What happened to those women wasn’t about breath play. It was about a sadistic fuck craving to watch their lives slipping away, the control that the killer had in his hands everything he hungers for. Stay away from this. I’m serious.”
“You’re forbidding me to try and find answers.”
Why was she challenging me, to see if I cared about her? “As long as you’re under my control, that’s exactly what I’m telling you.”
“You don’t own me. No one does. Not my father. Not Trent Abbot. No one. I’m a big girl and know what’s best for me. That’s something you need to come to terms with. I’m going to get dressed.”
Before she had a chance to slip away, I grabbed her arm, yanking her back. She slapped her hand on my chest, fury in her eyes. “Don’t you get it? I care about you.”
“You don’t know me.”
“Yeah, I think I do. And I know is that you’re everything I’ve ever wanted in my life. You’re very special and what I’m feeling wasn’t expected. Hell, I don’t know if I’m capable of caring about anyone the way I should, but I know what I feel. I’ll die to keep you protected.”
The venom drifted away, her eyes misting over briefly. “I just…”
I placed a finger over her lips, pulling her closer. “Let the police and the attorneys do their jobs. Besides, don’t you have a wedding to prepare for?”
She groaned and pulled away. “I almost forgot all about that. Betsy would kill me if I fucked it up. You’re really going to be my date?”
“Babe. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“I need to pick up the bridesmaids’ dresses. Is that allowed?”
She’d returned to her playful self, giving me a pouting look. “Hmmm… Can I trust you?”
“You tell me.”
I cupped her face, darting my eyes back and forth across hers. She was still processing and I remained angry, but there was no reason to let her know that I wouldn’t stand for anyone intruding on my home.
And terrifying the woman I owned.
The man would face my wrath.
