Page 26 of Mine

Swallowing hard, she shivered nervously as she walked towards him. Trying her best to seem unassuming, she let out a small laugh. Oh, if only he knew how wrong he was.

“I won’t?” she asked.

“Nope,” he responded, standing to full height. “There’s nothing in the kitchen, all the food I brought is in the duffel bag by the front door. It’s not much, just some protein bars, nuts, and those applesauce squeezy things you love. But it’ll tide us over until we go into town tomorrow and get some groceries.”

“Ah! Yeah, I was wondering where the food was,” she said, rubbing her palms along her upper arms for warmth.

“Yeah so, why don’t you grab the bag and bring it upstairs. We’ll snuggle and have a little feast in bed. How does that sound?” he asked.

“Sounds perfect,” she replied.

“Good girl. Now be quick about it before the bed gets too cold,” he ordered.

Nodding her head, she quickly headed towards the front door. Thank God he didn’t suspect anything. Her plan was foiled, but her efforts hadn’t been entirely in vain. She knew exactly where she needed to go the next time an opportunity arose.

Picking up the heavy black bag, she slung it over her sore shoulder. Hurrying her way back towards the staircase, she grabbed onto the railing and climbed the wooden steps two at a time. Stopping herself at the top of the stairs, she smiled anxiously as Kade stalked to where she stood. She couldn’t tell what he seemed hungrier for, the food or her.

“You’re so damn beautiful, you know that?” he asked, leaning down to kiss her cheek.

“So are you,” she said without thinking, wincing as soon as the words left her mouth.

Lifting his lips into a devilish smirk, Kade took the backpack from her and tossed it onto the mattress. She seemed so awkward and innocent, almost like a blushing virgin. It was a complete departure from the wanton girl begging him to strangle her only hours before. He loved that she had the ability to be both. How did he get so lucky?

“I’m glad you think so, Sweetheart. Now get back in bed before you catch a cold,” he demanded.

Obeying her captor’s instruction, she eagerly climbed into the bed and yanked the plush comforter around her shivering body. It felt so good to be surrounded by cozy warmth once again. She might as well enjoy the calm before the storm.

Slipping under the covers, he sat his tired body next to hers and bent down to kiss the side of her head. It was his fault for not getting her anything to eat or drink after their little escapade, his poor little minx was no doubt starving from all her physical exertion. He would be more mindful of her aftercare next time.

Grabbing the stuffed bag, he dropped it onto his lap. Rummaging through its inner pockets, he quickly removed a handful of random snacks. Handing her the applesauce pouch, he smiled warmly as he watched her snap open the lid and greedily suck out its flavorful contents. It was always a pleasure watching her eat.

“Good girl,” he praised, handing her a second pouch before she was finished with the first. “Eat up and then we will go back to sleep.”

Swallowing a mouthful of applesauce blended with strawberries, Lexi gave him a quizzical look. There was too much adrenaline in her muscles, sleeping was the last thing she wanted to do. They might as well have a much-needed conversation. She wanted answers to all the questions that had been swirling around in her mind since she had woken up the first day in the bunker.

“I was hoping that maybe we could talk, instead?” she asked, trying her best to ignore the critical voice in her head screaming at her to stop.

Pulling a chocolate chip protein bar from the pile of goodies, he shrugged his weighty shoulders and cleared his throat. While it made him slightly uncomfortable, he knew that this talk needed to happen. She deserved some answers. He knew everything about her, it was only fair that she knew every sordid detail about him.

“Of course, my love,” he purred. “I would love to talk to you. Ask me anything.”

Drawing in a ragged breath, she cracked open the second pouch of sauce. There was a real chance that his answers would only terrify her more, but it was a risk she was willing to take. She needed a sense of closure before she could fully commit to taking his life.

“Why do you have those necklaces?” she asked.

Pausing a moment, Kade mulled over the question. For a moment he thought about lying, but what good would that do?

“Well...they remind me of them. Of the time we spent together. There’s a lot of sentimental value. Each of those necklaces meant something to them. They were gifts from their loved ones. Mothers, sisters, best friends...boyfriends. They held a special moment for them, and now they hold a special moment for me”.

“So, they’re your trophies?” she asked.

Lifting a brow, he nodded his head, “Yeah, I guess so. As cliche as it sounds.”

“So, you must’ve killed them, then?” she asked, keeping her green eyes glued on his suddenly solemn face.

Pressing his lips into a fine line, Kade’s mind drifted to each of his girls. In a matter of seconds, he relieved each of their final breaths on earth. They all looked so beautiful, so serene as they slipped from this plane of existence. He honestly hadn’t given much thought to them once Lexi came into his life. Now, however, he found himself missing them. It annoyed him to no end.

“I did,” he stated darkly.

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