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“Save her?” Dwayne looked confused before grinning. “Son, I’m not a stupid man, at least most of the time. Follow me.” Lumbering forward, he took slow but steady steps as he walked out of the office and down a hallway, struggling as he started to move boxes.
“Let me give you a hand.” Within a few seconds I noticed another small doorway, strategically hidden by the cardboard. I couldn’t help but give the guy mental credit as he produced a set of keys, unlocking the door.
“Thank God I’d just finished her before the bastards showed up. Think that’s why they were able to get in without me knowing it. I was back here. Didn’t get a chance to wash her for ya, but she’s good as new.” He turned on a single light, the bare bulb swinging back and forth and the chain creaking as it swung.
I placed my hand on the seat, damn glad she was still in my possession. “I need to ask you some questions, Dwayne.”
“I figured that was comin’ after the bomb last night. It was all over the news as well as social media. Christ. Some heavy crap. Don’t know what’s happening in this city.”
“My guess is you know more than you think you do.” I tried to sound as casual as possible, but given personal attacks had already started, time was running out.
“Meaning?”
“Meaning, I need you to tell me everything you know about this buddy of yours who went out on a date with Crystal Cummings.” As I walked closer, crowding his space, I could see a change in his good guy demeanor. There was always a story behind kind eyes and a winning smile.
* * *
Crystal
I am a murderer.
The words lingered in my mind, creating a backdrop of hatred, anger, terror, and… I slapped my hand against the shower wall, taking several deep breaths in an effort to keep from crying. Again. A cold chill shivered down my spine, even though I had the water to near scalding hot. Nothing was going to warm portions of me, no kind words or fluffy blankets, no extreme heat or even my furry baby, who’d tried twice to climb into the shower with me. He knew exactly how upset I was, how difficult facing the day in any regard seemed to be.
I’d told Blade what I longed for, allowing him to see the sick fuck I’d become. I couldn’t stand myself any longer. He didn’t admonish. He didn’t try to hurt me. I noticed his tears.
Blade.Blade.“Blade.”
I want you. I need you. I crave every ounce of your control.
I hate you…
Just saying his name out loud, whether nickname or a method of killing, only had the effect of making me overtly nauseous, creating bile pumping up from my nervous stomach. At least the man had admitted his true identity, something Jericho would never have done initially. Laughter bubbled up and I turned until the water splashed over my head. I hadn’t slept, although I’d certainly pretended to be sleeping, too weak and sick at heart to face anything he’d told me. He’d never left the room, never changed positions. He’d spent the remainder of the night watching and waiting for the very human monsters to burst in.
Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God.
What the hell had I done in my life to deserve this?
Stop. You have to stop.There was no time for feeling sorry for myself or second-guessing anything I’d done with Blade. Our attraction was only physical. I could curtail every bit of my emotions. I was a strong woman and no man of any kind was going to get under my skin.
Why was I doubting my resolve? Because the connection we shared was something special.
At least the morning had dawned peacefully, with few words said. I’d heard the news report, even though I’d tried to ignore it. I wasn’t the only target. Hell, I was no longer certain if I was even the actual target or just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Who the hell knew? Blade had issued his single command then left, leaving me to lock the door behind him.
“Stay behind this locked door and do not open it to anyone, including the maid. I’m finding a safe house, which will allow me to develop a plan.”
God damn, the man was so possessive, as if I would instantly say yes to whatever his intendedplanturned out to be. I wasn’t entirely certain where he thought he was going to find a safe house. In town? In another state? Maybe he had more connections than he would ever admit. Yes, I knew a hell of a lot about running, but not from his methodology. For some reason, I realized exactly what he had in mind—eliminating the problem. He’d certainly never tell me any of the gory details, but he didn’t have to. I already envisioned them in my mind given my past history. I’d discovered various photographed sights I wasn’t supposed to see when I’d been with Jericho. I’d been able to figure out his passwords on the asshole’s computer, leading me to hidden files depicting horrific acts, as if capturing his methods of retaliation was scripted for a glorious viewing event later with the ‘boys.’
The brutal injuries inflicted on those refusing to become Jericho’s disciples would never leave my nightmares.
Another laugh made me double over, yet I willed the weakness into some black box I could close and lock. I needed to find the inner strength I’d secured months before I’d attempted to leave Jericho. Was I planning on running from Blade? At this particular moment, I had no concrete answer. The obvious answer wasn’t one my body wanted to follow through with. I craved the man like no other.
What a crock. What a fucking crock of shit. I’d left one sadistic criminal only to fall into the arms of another? Another shiver slithered down the backs of my legs. There was a difference. Blade wasn’t sadistic, or so I believed. He was loving and kind, giving and protective. He was…
And you’re completely and madly in love with him.
I rubbed the tears away in such a forceful manner I had difficulty focusing for a few seconds. How could you love somebody that you didn’t know? Not possible. I snapped off the water, yanking the shower curtain and grabbing for a towel. I had to think about this logically. There were very few options in order to get out of the situation. I needed to let Jessie know that I was safe, at least for now. She was my lifeline, someone who knew who I was, or at least the persona that had been created.
I cursed a half dozen times. The threeamigofreaks had seen Jessie in the bar more than once, at least if they’d been paying any attention. Any attempt to contact her could result in being found as well as placing my bestie’s life in danger. Oh, this was insane. Unable to think clearly, I fumbled for several minutes until I was able to throw on a pair of jeans and a clean tee shirt. At least I’d brought tennis shoes.
