Page 10 of Clover

“Well, the feelingisn’tmutual.”

“It didn’t appear that way when we first met. Why, for a while there, you seemed ratherinterestedin me.”

Braxton’s voice is all vile arrogance as he slowly steps toward me. For the first time, his shirt is unbuttoned at the collar, and I can see his collarbone and part of his chest. The edges of a tattoo peeking out. Tattoos on men are usually hot, but on Braxton, it’s just wrong. He doesn’t deserve the honor of having ink on his skin. I make sure to counter his steps keeping him far away from me with as many obstacles as possible between us.

“I changed my mind. Women tend to do that, you know. Change their minds. We’re kind of famous for it,” I quip back.

“You know what I think? I think Phoenix and his little cousins got in your head. Telling you I was the big bad wolf, and you should stay away from me.” His steps are measured and slow as he circles the couch stopping directly behind it. With me on the other side, almost pressed against the wall.

“Are you not?” I ask bitterly.

“Oh no, I most certainly am. But only to those who oppose me. If you had come willingly, I would have been a perfect gentleman. As it is, that’s no longer an option.” Leaning forward, he grasps the back of the couch, digging his fingers into the material and grinning like he’s about to devour me.

Yeah right, I don’t think Braxton has been a gentleman a single moment of his life. He may dress the part, but he most certainly does not play the part.

“What are you going to do to me?” The words come out shaky and raspy.

“See, that’s why I like you, Clover. You’re smart. No begging or pleading. Just acceptance. Knowing that no matter what I want, I will always get it in the end.”

His words are a menacing taunt. He knows he has me and unless, by some miracle, Nix comes running through that door right this moment, he at some point will take me. Take me by force and break me. And when he’s done, dispose of me.

Checking the giant gold watch on his wrist, Braxton sighs and turns back toward the kitchen and the exit.

“For now, though, I have business to attend to. I just wanted to welcome you and assure you that this apartment is completely sealed. No way in or out except the one door locked with my code. There’s food in the fridge. Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned. Why would I do that now that I’ve gone through all the trouble of getting you here? Where would the fun in that be? I haven’t even played with you yet.”

A malicious and devious grin spreads across his perfect lips. This is one sick twisted bastard. Who knows what he has planned.

“Get comfortable because you aren’t going anywhere.” The pure joy at his conquest of me evident on his deceivingly handsome face.

“Why?”

“Why what?”

Does he really need any further explanation of the question? He just kidnapped me and is holding me hostage, and he doesn’t know why I’m asking why?

“Whyme?”

“Why not? You struck my fancy.” Is all he says.

Seriously?That’s his only reason. Seems like a stupid reason to abduct a person and keep them locked away in your penthouse prison. Because that’s what this is. A prison created for beauty, concealment, and his amusement. Who would ever question it?

Nix had warned me against Braxton, and I believed him to an extent. But this? I never would have imagined him going to these lengths. Most people don’t. They’re aggressive in their pursuit or stalking, taking pictures from the bushes. This is on a whole different level. Sadistic and unreal. Most people would only ever dream about taking a girl as a sex slave. No one ever really does it. Not against their will, at least. Some people are into some sick shit, but at least it’s consensual. This is far from consensual. I do not agree to the terms of this arrangement. If I had a safe word, I would be screaming it right now.

With Braxton’s money and means, he can do whatever he wants. Apparently, he does just that. Even after all of Nix’s warnings and their history together, he risked taking me. Once Nix finds me, he’ll regret that decision. That is if Nix ever finds me. Or if he’s even looking for me. If he even cares.

How long have I been missing? One day, two?

Has Nix already given up looking for me?Assuming I ran off on my own.

What if no one knows that Braxton has me? Am I really Braxton’s possession now?

Is there a reason he was so confident when he told me I wasn’t going anywhere?

Unconsciously, my fingers run over my tattooed arm, feeling the still healing area Nix tattooed less than a week ago. No. Nix would be coming for me. He would. He cares about me and knows I wouldn’t run off without telling anyone, especially since Braxton has been in town and lurking around.

Lurking like he’s doing right now. Taking in a good long look. Memorizing his captured prize. Planning the things he’s going to do to me once he is good and ready. When he has time to leisurely take full possession of me. A cold chill runs up my spine, thinking about him touching me, kissing me, sliding his cock inside me. The cold chill turns into a full-body shiver. Goosebumps run across my skin. He sees them and smiles. He likes me scared. He wants me afraid of him. He gets off on it. I try not to be afraid, but I am. I can act tough when I’m behind a bar, wielding a shotgun. But here, stripped-down, defenseless, trapped, I am afraid. Not only of the things he wants to do to me but of what comes after. When he’s no longer interested and wants a new toy. What does he do with the used old ones?

Shutting out the dark thoughts that spring to life in my mind, I try to think of something else. Something that will calm my racing heart and panic. Someone, Nix. His chiseled features appear in my mind. Enchanting golden hazel eyes, thick, soft dark chocolate brown hair. The feel of the short-shaved sides fuzzy against my hand. His soft voice in my ear. The pounding that threatens to burst through my chest calms to a quiet thudding. Still fast, still fearful, but less panicked. Thinking of Nix finding me and teaching Braxton some manners calms me enough to not pass out from hyperventilating.

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