Page 83 of Buried in Blood
He’s too close.
I can’t breathe.
“You were lost when I found you,” he murmurs. “Rotting in that fucking apartment. Wishing for someone to come save you.”
His lips brush my ear.
“I saved you.”
Tears burn my eyes, but I don’t let them fall. Not yet.
“You built me into this,” I whisper. “Piece by piece.”
He laughs softly. “Exactly.”
He pulls back just enough to look me in the eyes.
“You’re my greatest creation. And now you think you can run off with Reese?”
I blink, stunned.
He knows.
“I—I didn’t…”
“Youdid.” His voice sharpens. “You think I don’t see the way he looks at you? The way you hesitate when I touch you?”
He reaches between us, sliding a hand beneath my shirt.
I jerk away.
He slams me back against the wall.
“I made you,” he snarls. “And I can unmake you.”
The tears come now, hot and silent.
He sees them.
And hesmiles.
“That’s better,” he breathes. “You look so pretty when you cry.”
His hand trails down my side, fingers pressing bruises into my ribs. My stomach turns.
“Please,” I whisper.
He leans in, lips brushing mine.
“You want to know why I’m keeping you?” he murmurs. “Why I didn’t sell you yet?”
I don’t answer.
He steps back, slow and deliberate.
“Iamselling you.”
His words hit like ice water.
