Lib Novel Page 39
I didn’t know how they sensed it, but they did, making a sharp turn away from me…and hurried out of my way.
They smelled it.
All the horrific things I’d done.
Get on your fucking knees.
Don’t look at me.
Wider.
WIDER.
You’re nothing but a cunt. Do you hear me? Something warm for men like me to use.
You will wear red. Do you hear me, DAUGHTER?
YOU…WILL…WEAR…RED.
My own callous screams resounded in my head. It was as though they heard me, casting terrified glances my way as they scrambled out of my path. Until I reached the counter and the blonde behind it had no choice but to meet my cold, unflinching eyes and smile.
“How may I help you, sir?”
“I require clothes for a woman.”
Her shoulders curled as I cast my gaze downwards. Hate rolled through me, making my lip tremble. She invoked the same savage rage the others did. They were a means to an end, right? Athingfor me to train. Not a person. Not someone like — “About two sizes larger than yourself.”
Her brow furrowed as she recoiled. “A size twelve?” she questioned, her voice shaky.
I gave a nod, then watched her hurry around the end of the counter and head to the racks of dresses, ladies’ suits, and leisure wear.
“Is there anything in particular she likes?”
I searched my memory. She’d worn black the night I met her, black and brown, the same color as her eyes. “Black. I’d like to see clothes in black.”
She pulled several sheer blouses and slacks free. I nodded and chose a few. “Shoes, as well,” I said, casting a glance along the display. Only I didn’t know her size.
Smears of blood rose, marking her damn territory all the way through my house from the shard of glass in her foot.
Come near me and I’ll pull out the shard and stab you in the eye.
“Sir?”
I jerked my gaze upward.
“Is there something funny?”
The curl at the corner of my mouth fell, leaving me to shake my head. “No.” I glanced at the heels and the flats in her hand. “I’ll take them both.”
The attendant gave a nod. “Is there anything else?”
I glanced around the store. “Yes, in fact, there is. Lingerie, I’d like something specific.”
NINE
Helene
“You fucking BASTARD!”I yanked at the cuff against the headboard, driving my foot against the pillows. But the steel refused to budge, grinding against my wrist until I had to stop. Agony ripped through my hand. I collapsed and grabbed my hand, massaging the bone under the cuff. “Motherfucker,” I moaned as I sucked in hard breaths and searched the room for something I could destroy.