Page 61 of Not Your Hero

“I won’t let him do that, Em.”

“How are you going to stop him?”

“You think I can’t take on my brother?”

“I don’t think you should. He’s your family, Gannix. He’s your blood. He’s all you’ve had all your life.” Gannix tenses and suddenly moves to stand. He grabs his clothes and starts pulling them back on, so I do the same. When he’s finally dressed, he moves toward me quickly, grabbing my face in his hands.

“When I want something, I keep it, Emerson. I’ve waited too long to have you. Do you understand me? There’s no fucking wayI’m going to let him come in and take what’s mine!” He growls loudly in my face. I look at him. Really look at him, and I can see the side of him his father created. I can see the monster in his eyes, but I can also see the caring side. The side that takes care of what’s his, and to him, I’m his.

I nod my head, but no words will form. What do I say to that? How do I say no to what he’s saying to me when he holds me captive? I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if wanting him is the right thing to do.

Gannix lets go of my face and I take a step back as he runs his hand through his hair. He glances around the office but doesn’t say anything before grabbing his phone off the desk, shoving it into his pocket, and heading for the door.

“I’ve done enough here for today. Let’s go.” He’s short and to the point, but I don’t hesitate to follow him out of his office. Once we’re out, we get a few looks from a few ladies and his secretary. I know those looks. The looks that say, why are you so special and I’m not. The looks of want. Little does she know I’m being held against my fucking will, or at least that’s what I keep telling myself.

We ride the elevator down and come out in the lobby before walking outside. Gannix called for a car to be brought around while we were in the elevator, but it hadn’t arrived yet. I glance up and down the street quickly while my mind reels. Gannix must be able to sense it because he turns to me, and a growl leaves his throat.

“Do it, Emerson. I fucking love it when you run from me.” My heart hammers in my chest as I think about it. But where? Where the hell am I going to go? I have no money. I have no phone. Not that I have anyone to call anyway. There’s only him.He looks back toward the street as I inch away from him. But what the hell am I running from? Gannix? He hasn’t hurt me, not really. Is he really so bad?

I keep debating my options when the car pulls up. Gannix opens the passenger door without looking at me.

“The choice is yours,” he says, keeping his eyes ahead. He’s giving me the choice to go with him or run. What difference does it make? He’s going to find me. He’s a fucking hunter, for God’s sake. But in the city? There are so many places I could hide, places I could ask for help. Places he wouldn’t be able to find me.

I glance back down the street once more, watching as people walk past us. I could grab any one of them and tell them he’s kidnapped me and to call the police.

I turn my head to look at the side of Gannix’s face as he continues to look straight ahead and something hits me. I don’t think I want to run from him. What kind of sick fuck does that make me? Maybe I like being held captive and fucked by the man who stalked me.

I walk over and climb in the car before he shuts the door and walks around to get in. He isn’t smiling. In fact, he isn’t even looking at me at this point.

“Do you want to get something to eat at a restaurant tonight or grab something to take home?” he asks.

“Something to take home.” He nods his head and pulls out onto the road as I think to myself. Is this crazy? Am I crazy?

I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me anymore, but I’m finding I like being at Gannix’s house. I like I don’t have to face the outside world and have them judge me. I like he can fulfillevery desire I have, and he has. So maybe it’s him. Maybe it truly is Gannix who’s saving me.

Chapter 31

Gannix

Things here have settled into a routine of sorts for us. Emerson has adjusted to being here. At least, I think she has. She no longer looks for a way to escape, and I no longer drug her when I’m fucking her. I can’t explain it exactly the things I feel for her. It’s not something I’ve ever felt before in my life. When she’s off wandering the house, I hate it because I can’t see her. So I’ve installed cameras in every single room so I have access to her at any time I please.

Maybe that’s sick in its own way, but I don’t give a damn. The need I have for her is strong. I thought maybe it would die out some after I got her here in my home but it hasn’t. It’s grown stronger. The thought of anyone, including Gary, touching her does things to my head. He’s my brother, yes, but Emerson is mine.

My cell rings while I’m watching Em eat an apple in the kitchen. I click off the feed and answer the phone, seeing it was Ren.

“Yeah? Why are you calling so late?”

“I have some information, and you’re not going to like it.”

“Which is?”

“Your brother is missing.” I sit up a little straighter now.

“What the hell does that mean?”

“I was looking into him for you. I know I said I wanted to stay out of this shit, but you’re my best friend, Gannix. Fuck! I shouldn’t be in this fucking mess, yet here I am.”

“No, you shouldn’t be.”

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