"That was easy.His daughter hung out with a guy.And after following and observing them for a few days, it led to a genius idea."
He stalked them too.Oh god, Samantha.
"I met up with the young man and told him to check the girl's phone and get me your telephone numbers."His lips twist into that crooked smile that haunts my nightmares."At first, the boy refused, but I can be...persuasive if I have to."
I stare at my plate, stabbing my fork into the vegetables with trembling hands.The urge to drive the tines into his throat is almost overwhelming.Poor Leo – he wasn't working with David at all.He was just another victim of this psychopath, and sweet Samantha thinks he betrayed her.I risk a glance at Cole, see the same horrified realization in his face.
"Tonight is a special night, doll face."David's voice shifts, taking on that dreamy quality that always precedes something terrible."We're going to dance."
My fork clatters against the plate as my head snaps up."W-What do you mean?"
His eyebrow rises at my reaction, lips pursing."I bought a dress for you, and you'll wear it tonight so that we can have our dance without interruptions."
He turns that twisted smile on Cole."And you're going to watch, Walker."Rising from his chair, he heads for the door."I'll get your dress."
The moment the door locks behind him, nausea hits me in waves.I drop my head into my hands, trying to contain the tremors wracking my body.The thought of his hands on me, of dancing while Cole watches...
I can't do it.I can't let that monster touch me.
Cole's urgent grunts and muffled sounds fill the air, but I can't look at him.If I do, I'll shatter completely.
I dig my fingers into my scalp, desperate to release the tension building to unbearable levels.All my brave words, my determination to be strong – they feel like ash in my mouth now.
God, I thought I was tough, but I'm not.I'm not.
Approaching footsteps send me scrambling to wipe away tears.David's malicious voice fills the room before I can fully compose myself.
"Attention," he announces, stopping beside the table.
My jaw clenches as I force myself to look.He's holding a knee-length, sleeveless dress with a high split.Ruby red – like blood.Like warning signs.Like danger.
"And these are also for you."He presents a pair of black Louboutin heels that would normally make my heart race.Now they just look like instruments of torture.
A phone buzzes, breaking the moment.David pulls it from his pocket with a frown.
"Hm, I have to deal with this.It can take a while.Change your outfit in the meantime."He turns to leave but stops at the door, pulling out the remote.The gate to Cole's cell slides open with that now-familiar hiss.
"Be a good girl and give him a drink."He gestures to the water jar by his plate."I want him to be hydrated and aware.But remember – no talking."
The lock clicks behind him, and I wait three heartbeats before grabbing the bottle and rushing to Cole.My fingers tremble as I work at the gag's knot, letting the fabric fall away.He stays silent as I bring the water to his cracked lips, but his eyes – god, his eyes say everything.
The bruises on his face have darkened to purple-black, dried blood still crusted above his eyebrow.When he pulls back from the water, I can't stop myself from moving to stand before him.Our eyes lock, and suddenly tears are streaming down my face.
I set the bottle beside his chair, trying to hide how badly my hands are shaking.
"Alex, look at me."
My eyes trail up until they meet his ocean-blue gaze, one still swollen nearly shut.
"Come here," he whispers, his voice rough from disuse.
I reach out with trembling fingers, gently touching his battered face."You must be in so much pain."
He sighs."I'll live."
The storm of emotions in his eyes breaks something in me.Without thinking, I settle sideways on his lap.His lips find mine instantly, and we both release a deep, shuddering sigh.Just being in his presence soothes me in a way no drug ever could.His aura wraps around me like a shield, and I cup his face between my palms, desperate to prolong this moment.
"I love you," I mumble against his mouth.He pulls back slightly.
