Page 9 of He Will Come for Me

He motions to my book. “What world are you living in today?” I swallow and ignore the pang of nostalgia that hits me in the chest.

Glancing down, I lightly run my finger along the book. “A world of faes and fated mates.” He adjusts himself on the couch, but I don’t look up.

“Do you believe in fated mates?” That question brings my head up so I can search his gaze. His eyes are just as icy as they always are and his face is just as blank.

I shrug. “I always thought my parents were fated to be together, but turns out their love story was more of a tragedy.”

His jaw tightens as he glances toward the fire. Everyone knows the story of Isabel and Marcus. When I was a little girl, I thought they were in love. Turns out, he forced her hand. He loved herand wouldn’t take no for an answer. Mom always said she loved my father, but I don’t know if she was just saying that or if it was true.

I suck in a breath and turn my thoughts off. I refuse to think of that now. “Where were you?” I ask, like I have any right to know. He turns back toward me and runs his left hand through his hair. Light hits the band on his ring finger. My heart drops to my stomach as I lean forward to make sure I’m seeing what I think I’m seeing.Was that there before and I didn’t notice?

“You’re married?” The question comes out without me even thinking about it.

He’s married, but he kidnapped me. Why haven’t I seen his wife? Where is she? This house is huge, but maybe he has another house. Maybe that’s where he was at. This is his secret life and he won’t let her come here.

He glances from me to his ring. He balls his hand into a fist and sighs. “I am.” I stare at him, waiting for him to explain or give details about his wife, but he just returns my stare.

“How long have you been married?”

His eyes narrow, but he continues to stare at me. “Three and a half years.”

My eyes widen in surprise. I wasn’t expecting that. He’s the same age as me, maybe a couple of months older, so that would mean he’s been married since he was twenty.

“Oh.” I adjust myself in the swing to give me something to do. “Maybe she’s your fated mate.” I want to go back to my room. I want to get out of this library. I’ll ask him my questions tomorrow, but for now, I don’t want to see him anymore.Why does it bother me that he’s married?

“She is.”

I climb off the swing and hold the book to my chest.If she’s his fated mate, why isn’t she here with him? Where is she? What is he hiding?I don’t ask any of those things.

“I’m tired. I think I’ll go to bed.” He lets me leave, and for that I’m grateful.

Chapter 5

Isink down into the tub full of bubbles and allow the heat of the water to relax my muscles.

He’s married. Did we go to school with her? Was it an arranged marriage?

One thing I remember from school is him wanting to get as far away from the family business as possible, but it doesn’t seem he was successful.

Is she from another crime family that’s powerful? Did they come together to become even more powerful? I don’t remember seeing that ring before he left. But I was pretty out of it; maybe I missed it. Or was he not wearing it? If he swears she’s his fated mate, why would he not wear the ring all the time? It doesn’t make sense.

Closing my eyes, I push the thoughts out of my head. It doesn’t concern me so I don’t need to worry about it. Once I’m rested, I’ll ask him my questions tomorrow.

Why am I here? Why did he rescue me only to keep me as his prisoner? What does he plan on doing with me?

I suck in a deep breath and slowly lower my head below the water. It’s quiet. I wish quiet meant peace. Hands grab me under my arms and yank me out of the water. I come face to face with icy, angry eyes.

“What the hell are you doing?” I’m too disoriented to cover myself, but the moment his eyes trail along my naked skin I try to curl into myself. His hands tighten around my arms as he shakes me slightly. “Answer me, damn it.”

“Let go. You’re hurting me.” He releases me immediately. Grabbing a towel, he throws it at me, but not before his eyes take in every sliver of skin that’s on display. Glaring at him, I cover myself.

“Were you trying to drown yourself?” he accuses.

“No.” I huff as I tuck the end of the towel between my breasts. “Jesus. I just wanted to hear nothing and the only time that happens is if I go underwater. I wasn’t trying to drown myself.” He glances from me to the tub and back at me. The ice in his eyes thaw a little as his gaze wanders down to the cleavage on display. He shouldn’t be looking at me like that, but a thrill flows along my nerves.

“Why do you care if I drown myself?”

“McKenzie, I did not bring you here to kill you and I sure as hell don’t need you dying on me either.”

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