His breathing was as labored as mine, his chest rising and falling.
The vision of David’s dead bloodied and mangled body swirled in my mind. I could almost taste the copper, could almost feel the congealed substance sticking to my fingers. My God. What the hell was wrong with me? What had I become?
His eyes remained imploring, his smile crooked just like my mind.
“Tell. Me.”
“I was happy. I was thrilled to death the fucker who threatened me and used me was dead! Is that what you wanted to hear? Or do you want to know details about how I’d wished I’d been the one to slaughter him? I’d wanted to keep a photograph of the crime scene, maybe pin it to my wall. Does that make you feel better? Does that make me like you? Is that what you were looking for?” I was now panting, struggling with my thoughts and emotions.
How could a decent person feel this way?
As usual, he grinned and shook his head, acknowledging my devious thoughts. “It’s okay. Your secret is safe with me, my little butterfly. It’s normal for anyone to experience such intense feelings and desires. You finally broke free of the chains keeping you prisoner. You’re finally becoming the woman you craved being.”
“Under your tutelage, I assume.”
Wilder laughed. “I was merely your guide.”
Oh, my God. My panties were damp, my pussy throbbing. I was just as sick as he was.
Maybe worse.
I tried to back away but hit the wall instead. “Just go. I don’t want you here.”
“I was worried you’d say that. However, I can’t leave you all alone.”
“Why is that?”
“Because you’re in danger.”
“I can protect myself.”
He closed the distance and I didn’t try to move. Why wasn’t I calling for help? Why wasn’t I sprinting toward the front door? Our fingers collided when he pulled the glass from my hand, the shot of electricity pushing an unwanted moan past my lips.
Every action was methodical, just like a killer’s.
And he was a killer.
Yet he was also a savior.
The strange dichotomy was as arousing as everything else about him. My pulse was increasing as the heat shared between us came close to exploding. I was suddenly suffocated, barely able to breathe.
“When I saw that bastard’s hand around your throat, I had to restrain myself, my butterfly. I did my best to keep control when I hunted him. I did that for you. Not that he deserved it, but I knew how you’d feel.”
“Maybe you don’t.”
He lowered his head, pressing his lips against mine. “Maybe you’re right.”
I managed to turn my head away. “Just go.”
“I can’t do that. As I said, you’re in danger.”
“From whom? You?”
The hint of amusement I’d seen in his eyes faded, an entirely different level of darkness marked with flecks of gold.
“As I said, we’ll talk later.”
I cocked my head, doing my best to double down on learning whatever he was hiding from me. “No. Now.”