Page 38 of The Toy Collector

“She’s not home,” I bark, turning my attention to my friend. “If she’s with someone else…” I don’t finish the sentence. I don’t need to.

Cy gives a sharp nod, then reaches for his phone. “Want me on standby?”

“I want you ready for cleanup,” I bite out. “Just in case.”

When the driver glances at me in the rearview mirror, I meet his eyes without flinching, and tell him to take us to Piper’s apartment.

Almost halfway there, the cloned phone vibrates in my pocket, and I quickly pull it out. It’s a text from Lena, replying to one Piper sent just seconds ago. Apparently, my toy’s been busy at Georgetown’s library, studying.

I let out a heavy breath, feeling better already.

The ride through D.C. is a blur of lights and fury. By the time we pull to a stop outside her building, I turn to Cy. “You can go home,” I tell him. Now that I know I won’t need to kill anyone tonight, I don’t need him around. My plans for my toy are between the two of us.

“Really?” His entire face lights up. “Good. I had plans to get my dick sucked, and you’re kind of interfering.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Fuck, Cy. I’m glad you added the last part.”

He grins wickedly. “No offense, man, but you’re really not my type.”

Snorting, I offer up my condolences to whatever woman he has his eyes set on. Then I exit the car.

Piper’s scent hits me as soon as I let myself inside her home. Vanilla and something uniquely hers that clings to the air like a whisper only I’m meant to hear. It wraps around me before the door clicks shut behindme.

I don’t turn on the lights since I already know where everything is. Sitting down on the couch, I notice the book face down on the armrest. For once, not something political. This looks like… ah, never mind. A political thriller. For some reason, that makes me chuckle.

Her cardigan is draped over the back like she left in a hurry. I rest my elbows on my knees, staring straight ahead.

Outside, life goes on. Inside, time holds its breath. I’m about to get up and stretch my legs when I hear keys jangle just before sliding into the lock. A smile splays along my lips, anticipation coils.

Then she opens the door.

Chapter 15

Lorenzo

Piper enters, humming under her breath. I don’t recognize the tune, but it’s something happy. Something light. Clearly, her mood has changed since her appointments at ADPS yesterday.

As she reaches for the light switch, I speak. “Don’t turn on the light.”

Jumping, she lets out a startled yelp that makes my blood fucking sing. “Who the hell—”

I cut her off. “Miss Harrington,” I growl, turning my face downward so she can’t see my features.

Her body stiffens, beautifully. Her hands freeze in the air. “Oh…” she trails off, almost taking a step toward me, but my low growl stops her. “Oh, my God! You’re the guy from the interview.”

“I am, and you lied to your doctor.” I pause for a beat, but she says nothing. “That was a mistake. I don’t tolerate liars. Now, be a good girl and turn away from me.” My tone is sharp, harsh, even.

“How did you even get in here?” she snaps, her voice rising with a sharp edge. “You… this is my fucking home. You can’t just—”

“Turn. Around,” I repeat, voice low and final.

I don’t explain myself. She doesn’t need to know how deep this goes yet. Let her feel the walls closing in before she sees who built them.

A minute passes, but then she obeys, spinning on her heel with a frustrated huff. Then she shakes her head, mumbling something incoherent. I can’t be sure, but it sounds like she’s telling herself to shut up, and the thought amuses me.

“I don’t like being lied to,” I press on, keeping my tone cold. Then I rise, reaching inside my suit jacket for the blindfold I brought with me. “I’m going to blindfold you again. When I say it’s okay, you may turn around and face me.”

She sighs, but doesn’t argue as I securethe fabric over her eyes and place a kiss on her neck before sitting back down.

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