Forbidden (Blood Ties #7)

I was still playing the part, still a fucking lackey for Hale’s games, and while I fulfilled my role of pretense, I scoured every inch of that place for a lead I could use. A lead the Hunter was waiting for. A lead weallwere waiting for.

“You’ll keep us updated if anything happens.”

That didn’t sound like a question.He means like drugging a woman and keeping her in my home, because that happened.I swallowed, my pulse kicking in my chest as the memory of her came to life. I gave a nod. “Yes. There are guns and drugs in the bag. Make sure he keeps up the fluids. I’ll check in tomorrow, right now…”I have a plaything to attend to.“I need to sleep.”

“Got it.”

I glanced at sleeping Thomas one last time before heading for the door. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough, leaving the door open as I headed for my car. The door thudded closed before the engine growled to life and I was pulling out of there.

You didn’t tell them.

Why didn’t you tell them?

That nagging voice demanded.

I spun the wheel and accelerated, heading back the way I’d come. Because…because she wasn’t real, was she?

No.

She wasn’t.

I pushed the car harder, speeding through the streets until the towering apartment building rose in sight. A surge of adrenaline hit me hard as I tapped the brakes and pulled up to the boom barrier. I stabbed the button, all but slamming the car against the scanner as I pulled up.

“Comeon,” I snapped as the gate gave a shudder, then a jerk, and finally rose.

I’d fucking told them to fix the damn thing. I punched the accelerator and surged through. Thoughts of the woman surfaced. Was she gone? Was she awake and tearing apart my goddamn apartment? I glanced at the clock. I hadn’t been gone that long.

An hour.

I spun the wheel and raced for the parking space. I was out in an instant, slamming the door closed behind me and throwing out my hand to hit the button as I headed for the doors, my long stride eating the distance.

“Mr. Cruz!” Vernon called, stepping out from around the front desk.

My cheeks burned. Was this abouther?The woman in my apartment? The elevator doors opened. “Not now,” I answered over my shoulder, stepped inside, and hit the button, ending his view as the doors closed between us.

My heart was pounding as I rose.

A hard inhale sent a rush of cool air into my lungs. I focused on my breaths, slowing them down as the lights above the door counted to the penthouse. It fucking took forever. My jaw clenched when the damn thing shuddered to a stop.

I was already moving, banging my shoulder against the door to get out. My front door was in my sights. I stabbed in the code, threw the door open wide, and stepped inside.

She was still there.

Her knees bent.

Head dropped backwards.

I slowly closed the door behind me and moved in, drawn to her like a moth to the flame. Only I wasn’t a moth, was I? I was a monster. A cold. Cruel. Monster. Who liked the idea of having her—I moved closer, stopped in front of the sofa, and looked down at her—maybe a little too much.

Her lips were parted, her breast still exposed. I could almost taste her skin. Almost feel that warmth under my tongue. I lowered my gaze to her brown lace panties and her wrists tethered to her ankles. It was a cruel position.

Anexposedposition.

One I very much enjoyed.

I reached out, brushed my hand against her knee, and gave a jerk, opening her thighs wider. I wanted in there. In the warmth. Invading her like the bastard I truly was. My pulse thudded louder. I wanted to spread her open. Lay her bare. My focus shifted to an imperfection…to a cruel silver slash.

“What the fuck?” I bent down, pushing her legs wider, to the criss-cross pattern high on her thigh.