Page 56 of Penance

I reach out, slowly, carefully, and touch her hand. Her skin is ice cold. Her fingers are shaking so much that it’s hard for me to keep hold of them.

“You’re safe now, Mercy,” I tell her.

And she is, from everyone but me.

No one will hurt her but me.

I’ll kill them if they try.

She looks up, her hazel eyes meeting mine, and I can see the flicker of trust, like a spark catching fire in her gaze.

“I’m scared,” she whispers. “I don’t want to be alone right now.”

“You don’t have to be alone. I’m here for you.”

I reach out, tucking a strand of her damp hair behind her ear. She leans into my touch, just a little, but enough that I notice.

Hook.

Line.

Sinker.

Her eyes search mine, looking for truth, for safety.

She won’t find it, but she doesn’t know that.

“I can go to your apartment,” I offer. “I can get whatever you need. Your meds, your phone.”

Her eyes widen, and I can see the fear in her eyes extinguishing the fire.

“You’ll come back, though, right?” she asks, her voice trembling.

She’s afraid.

Good.

I want her afraid.

I want her desperate.

“Of course,” I say with a smile—my promise. “I’ll be quick. You’ll be safe here.”

I stand up, and her eyes follow me.

I can feel her gaze on me.

I can feel her need.

It’s intoxicating.

As I turn to leave, I can feel her fear spike.

She’s terrified of being left alone, of being abandoned.

Perfect.

I pause at the door, turning back to her.

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