Page 86 of Sin Like the Devil

I click my tongue, sensing that I should be offended, if I were capable of feeling such emotion. Enough psychiatrists have explained the difference to me.

“Sociopaths are violent, impulsive creatures with no self-control,” I point out, leaning against the wall before shoving my hands in my pockets. “I’d prefer not to be compared to such recklessness.”

Ripley’s lips purse. “Are you giving me a psychology lesson?”

“If you’re going to insult me, then at least use the accurate term.”

“You’re right,” she scoffs. “You are a fucking psychopath.”

“Much better.”

Her shoulders stiffen at my slow approach. From up here, we have a limitless view of the surrounding woodland. Nothing but trees, rolling hills and the winding road that services the institute.

“Now that we’ve cleared that up.” I crouch down next to her, my head tilted. “Let’s discuss your little excursion with our friend, Raine.”

“You’re real sick for watching, you know?”

“There’s an argument to be made for you continuing despite knowing I was there.”

“I only realised afterwards,” she spits back. “Why are you following me?”

I summon a loose shrug.

“This isn’t like before, Xander. Whatever you’re hoping to achieve with these mind games, it isn’t going to work.”

My, what a sharp tongue.

“There was a time when you quivered at the sight of me,” I muse aloud. “Whatever happened to that scared little mouse?”

“She grew teeth and learned how to bite back.”

Smiling, I slowly reach out to trail a single fingertip down her cheek. I’d forgotten the fascinating pattern of light freckles that blemish her skin. Each mark detailing its own tale. Ripley’s jaw clenches tight.

“Do. Not. Touch. Me.”

“Or?”

Her head turns, pinning two livid eyes on me. “Or this time, I really will kill you.”

“Oh, dearest Ripley.” I lean close to breathe her familiar, oil paint scent in. “I’d like to see you try.”

Brushing the back of my knuckles along her silky-soft cheek, I watch each micro-expression. Nostrils flaring. Muscles locking. Eyes narrowing. Although her mind repels me, her body remembers our time together.

The sad, abandoned child. Desperate for love and attention, even as she cuts the world off with walls thrown so high, she thinks no one will ever dare climb them.

But I did.

She willingly shredded herself for the pleasure of my touch. The relief I drove her to the edge of insanity to achieve did not come easily. Only once I’d conditioned her body to the extremes of ecstasy earned through pain.

“Xander,” she breathes out.

“Hmm?”

Fingers sliding down to her lips, I stroke the chapped swell. She’s been biting her bottom lip again. I’ve seen her do it when she’s anxious or overwhelmed. How very telling. The infallible image displays a few more cracks.

“Get the fuck away from me.” Her voice is strained, telling me she’s forcing this attempt at showing strength.

If only her cowering clique could see her now. The way she trembles with each minuscule touch, her breathing becoming shallow, knuckles slowly turning white. I’ve seen her bravado around Lennox.

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