Page 83 of Left in the Dark

But these irises are filled with an emotion I can’t identify.Raging obsession, maybe?The fanatical shine in them sends a cold chill down my spine.

He rolls, pinning me against the ground. “My gorgeous lady. I’ve missed you,” his mechanical voice rasps in my ear.

“I haven’t missed you,” I lie. “Now get off me.”

“Don’t lie to me,” he snaps, anger sparking in his eyes. But it fades as he stares into mine. “That’s not what you want, gorgeous. That spark in those green irises gives you away.”

“What do you think they’re saying?”

“That you’re pissed because I haven’t been around lately. You crave my touch.”

“Wrong answer—hey.”

He’s surprisingly quick and agile for a man his size. He’s on his feet, pulling me up with him. I’m barely upright before he’s flinging me over his shoulder.

My fists pound against his ass and back as I hurl obscenities at him. My voice echoes off the trees. If anyone is around, surely they’ll hear me.

Kicking my legs frantically, I’m hoping he’ll lose his grip on me, and I’ll fall. Then I can scramble away.

Somehow the asshole seems unfazed by my flailing, screaming, and punching.

My energy is waning, so I pause my frantic movements to conserve it and figure out where he’s taking me. I freeze, my eyes widening when I see the familiar structure looming ahead.

Panic fills me.Not here. Anywhere but here.

It’s the small bathroom Zayne took me to that day when I was at the lake with Callie. The place where I hoped things were changing between us. That we could somehow salvage what we had.

Tears slide down my face. I’m unable to speak as I stare at the building in horror. Denial rears its ugly head.

No. He can’t be taking me here.

It’s not until we’re inside and he lowers my feet to the floor, locking the door behind him, that I find my voice. I back against the wall, panic welling up inside me.

“No, please.” The memories are overwhelming me, pulling me under like a wave. I try to swim for the surface, but another rolls over me, knocking me down.

“Baby.” His distorted voice is soothing as he crowds against me, his hands sliding around my waist. “Breathe.”

I can only see his dark eyes shining through the mask. They are soothing as they peer into my broken heart and damaged soul, easing some of the pain.

His gloved hand lifts, his thumb stroking my face. “That’s my good girl. Keep breathing for me.”

I don’t know why I follow this crazy masked man’s instructions. Nor do I understand why he feels like a life raft saving me from the turbulent seas.

My trembling body stills as his thumb continues lightly rubbing my cheek. “Feel better?”

I nod, blowing out a breath. “What are we doing here?”

He pulls out a piece of black silky material and holds it up. “Trust me.”

A bitter laugh rolls out of me as I shake my head. “You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

“I’m not.” He remains steadfast, staring into my eyes.

I shake my head. “I-I can’t.”

The silence stretches between us as he stares at me. “You can. You’re capable of more than you think.”

I search his dark eyes, looking for clues about his identity.It can’t be my dad’s goons. No way are they this patient, even if a shit ton of money is involved.

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