Page 76 of Savage Keepsakes

My attention then fixates on an open stall showcasing a wooden table. I can’t tear my eyes away from the woman strapped down. Like a halo, her blonde curls spill around her head, framing her face. The table is a macabre display of her dismembered body parts.

Billy’s voice rings in my ears, and I want to cry when I realize he’s not who I thought he was.

“Riggs, what a name. My girl needed to know something for her book. You and Sunny are the perfect ones for the role. It’s nothing personal. Everyone serves their purpose and then, well, they die.”

I dare to peek and watch as his tattooed hand holds a sharp spoon and carves something from her body.

The metallic scent of blood fills the air as it streams down her muscles, leaving a trail of red on the table.

“I’d do anything for my girl, the way you proved you’d do whatever it takes for Sunny.Dedication—it’s important.”

I slowly back out of the barn, the rough texture of the wooden walls against my fingertips. My back then touches the edge of the door. It makes a creaking noise, causing Billy to whirl around.

He’s wearing a silver mask. It is a hauntingly beautiful sight, and when he tilts his head, I feel a rush of desire. As his dark eyes bore into mine, my hand reaches for the door handle, ready to whip it open.

“If you run, I’ll catch you,” is all he says before I burst out of the barn.

I glance at the house, but know he’ll reach me before I get close enough, so I turn and run behind the barn. I look around, my gaze falling on some old barrels. The lingering smell of barbeque tickles my nose.

There are stacks of ashes next to a metal wheelbarrow streaked with what seems to be blood.

“LOU!”His voice carries through the wind.

I tear my eyes away from the back of the barn and sprint over the hill, only to be greeted by a bunch of trees.

I race towards the forest’s edge. Glancing down, to discover a ravine with sharp, jagged rocks below. There’s no way I can make it across in these shoes.

Crouching behind a cluster of branches, I struggle to catch my breath and gather my scattered thoughts.

Billy obviously has a hidden side, but despite that, he has never caused me harm, even when given ample opportunities. It’s disturbing to realize that someone who finds pleasure in hurting others is also the person who has shown me the most love.

My stomach turns at the memory in that barn. Writing it is one thing, but witnessing it makes my lunch lurch into my throat.

“Lucy,” he sings my name. I know he’s going to catch me.

My options are to climb into the ravine or try to outrun him. I glance out over the water again and decide it’s the only way. I crawl across the forest, the sharp twigs pricking my knees and palms, but I persevere, determined to remain silent.

Once I reach the edge, I make an effort to find my footing with my shoe. My heart races as my sneaker glides over the algae on a rock and I almost lose my grip.

I gear up to give it another shot, but powerful hands hoist me up by my underarms. I kick out, but it feels like I’m kicking into thin air.

“Darlin’, I was pretty clear that I’d catch you.” His rough voice climbs down my spine as he moves his arm to pull me closer.

We tumble onto the ground, and when I attempt to turn my head, he holds my neck in place.

“Listen, I never actually wanted you to find out. It’s only a small part of who I am,” he whispers.

I clench my thighs together. The sensation of his grip on my neck sends electric waves of desire pulsing through my body. Within my thoughts fear, and lust collide like a chaotic tornado.

“Are you going to kill me?” I whisper.

“No, never.”

“But I know your secret.”

My mind flashes to the killer they talk about at work and I realize it’s him, the one who makes crafts from the bodies and sends them to the families.

I try to jerk away from his hands, but he’s too strong for me. I swallow the lump in my throat.

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