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The creepy smile returns. It’s a touch more settling than the other look he’d had there for a second. He brings it to my mouth.
“I made them for our first night together.”
I part my lips and take a bite.
“You know I thought we had so much in common. I had no idea you needed to be treated like a whore.”
I almost choke on the cookie.
“Did you let him fuck you?”
I can’t get words to come out.
“If that’s what you need, then I’m sure we can work something out. You’re going to be tied up for a while anyway.” He brings the rest of the cookie to my mouth. I just open and take the bite. My mind is swirling, a cold sweat breaking out all over me.
“Carlton?”
“That’s not an answer, Liza!” he shouts, jumping up from the bed. He grabs the tray and throws it. It hits the wall, and everything goes flying. “You aremine.” He points at me. His whole face is turning red. “Not his. You know how many whores I went to the city and fucked to learn how to be the lover you wanted? But all I needed to do was treat you like one of them. Ilovedyou.Builtthis for you, and you went and fucked him,” he spits. His heavy breathing fills the room. He turns his back so I can’t see his face. I don’t think I know Carlton at all. I also don’t think those city trips he was always making on the weekend were to see his mom.
“You’re mad I slept with Crane while you’ve been sleeping with hookers?” I ask when the room goes silent for too long.
“For you!” He spins back around and takes a step toward the bed. My heart starts to race again. “So you’re admitting it. You let him fuck you. Did you let him come inside you too, Liza? Are you a bad girl?”
My stomach turns as my fear skyrockets. It’s so different when it’s not Crane saying dirty things to me.
He grabs my face hard by my chin.
I whimper.
“And I told you not to say his name. Last warning or you will be punished.” He releases my chin but gives me a little smack to my cheek. It stings, making my eyes water.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I had no idea you wanted me in that way. You should have told me.”
“You’re right. I waited too long, then he forced my hand.” I know he means Crane. I guess he can’t say his name either. “Did you know there is no Crane Douglas that matches the man he claims to be? In fact, it’s not his name at all. He’s known to most as Crane Marconi. He’s a criminal.”
I shake my head.
“He had you all fooled, but I knew something wasn’t right about him. He focused right in on you, though. Used you for something. That’s what I still can’t figure out.”
The man really is nuts.
“You don’t believe me? I thought that might be the case. Liza, you’re so sweet and naïve. It’s one of the many things that drew me to you.” He runs the back of his knuckles down the cheek he smacked. I have to fight not to flinch, fearing it will anger him. “I’ve got the proof you need. I’ll show you who he really is, and then you’ll be all mine. I’ll make you forget him.” He drops his hand from my face.
“Let me get what I have on him and clean up this mess I've made. I’m sorry, love. I’ve got more. I’ll make another tray. You stay put. I’ll be right back. Then we can go to bed.” He walks over to the door. “Our first night together. I promise it will be one you’ll never forget,” he says before leaving, the lock clicking into place.
I slowly slip from the bed and tiptoe over to one of the windows. I pull the curtains back but only find a wall. I rush to the other window. It too isn’t really a window. My gaze bounces around the room. There is no way out. I run my tied hands along the wall. I’m underground.
Fear makes my knees buckle, and I sink to the cold floor as tears well in my eyes. This is already a night I’ll never forget.
23
CRANE
“There was a car here.” I’ve followed the trail through the snow to the back parking lot at Town Hall. My blood is pounding in my ears as my worry creeps higher and higher. This is the work of Liza’s stalker. I have no doubt of it. But it’s not Mick or Clark–both my prime suspects. Who else could’ve taken her? I fist my hands, my ire rising. Whoever put their hands on her is going to pay dearly. “Is this parking space assigned to anyone in particular?” I ask Eve.
“No. We don’t have assigned parking.”
“What’s the problem?” Clark strides up.
