Page 119 of Pure Vengeance

“Sir.” She was just as he remembered her being, as though the intervening years had made no mark on her at all. If anything, Hannah looked younger… lither… readier to be his plaything. “How are you here?”

“Close.” He appreciated her effort, but she must realize ‘sir’ was never going to be enough to satisfy him. “It’s Mr. Lawes, sir, little girl, but I’ll offer you one reprieve since I know you’re not fully conscious yet.”

That would be the last olive branch he offered, though. Surely, Hannah recalled what happened to little girls who refused to cooperate. Did she really want a dose of his discipline so soon?

“What’s happening?” Her body lurched as if she was in pain, although naturally, his binds ensured she never actually moved to reduce the hurt. A pang of concern washed over him, a sensation he was frankly unused to. Years of incarceration had reinforced how to watch his back and look after himself, and it had been a long time since he needed to care for anyone else.

Once again, he was struck by how much hedidcare. She should mean nothing to him—just another woman he’d taken and used—but that was far from the truth. He’d never been able to stop thinking about her. Every night in his cage, he’d closed his eyes and seen her face in his head.

It had always been about Hannah.

“I feel sick.” She heaved in a breath as though the admission itself was painful.

“You’re okay.” He hoped his voice was reassuring, though whether she could have solace from the man who’s snatched her for a second time was debatable. “It’s another byproduct of the sedative, that’s all.” He rested his palm on her temple. Once the sedative was out of her system, she’d be fighting fit and able to serve him.

“What do you want?” Her voice was miniscule in the vast room, her croaky tone imploring as if she was wordlessly begging for release. Mark had news for her, though—no amount of begging would save her this time. There was no cavalrycoming around the corner to provide rescue. He’d been too damn careful.

“What do I want?” He chuckled at her naivety. How could she not know what he sought? She was a smart woman. He remembered that much. Shemustknow why she was there. “What I want right now is for you to address me correctly. Last chance, Hannah.”

His heart sped up as he upped the ante between them, his eyes flickering closed at the rush of power. Aside from the irrefutable sexual attraction they shared, this was what he’d missed. He knew he had all the control in their dynamic, the affirmation tightening his balls with anticipation.

“What do you want, Mr. Lawes, sir?”

“Better.” He didn’t much like her terse tone, but he acknowledged her compliance as a small victory. “Now we can talk about what I want. Although I would have thought it was obvious to you.” He paused, enjoying the look of her helpless body. Women were always so much better when they were powerless. “Despite everything, I have missed you.”

He hadn’t permitted himself to admit just how much until that moment, but brushing his fingers over her silk blouse, the concept was overwhelming.

“Please tell me,” she whimpered. It was that same breathy noise he used to fucking adore. “I don’t know why, Mr. Lawes, sir.”

He watched as she squeezed her eyes closed and turned her head away. Apparently, the idea of waking up to him wasn’t as alluring as he’d hoped, but that was all right. They had time, and he knew he could remind her of all the dark and delicious reasons shedidenjoy his company.

“Don’t upset yourself.” His hand grazed her exposed belly where the buttons of her blouse had come undone before rising to her arm. “There’ll be plenty of time for that later.” Heneedn’t have jibed her that way. It was unnecessarily cruel, yet he couldn’t resist. This was their dynamic—the push and pull between them was inevitable as the tide rushing to shore beyond the window.

“I don’t understand.” She heaved in air. “If this is really happening, then why am I here, sir?”

Ifthis is really happening?Was she crazy?

Perhaps the treatment she’d received at his and Fuller’s hands had pushed her over the precipice of sanity. He’d never really considered her mental health when he plotted her downfall, but looking at her, the idea was pertinent. She’d seemed okay during their online chats, but her creasing brow and vacant stare suggested she truly did think he was an apparition of her mind and nothing more.

She probably told herself that was true when she saw me in the club. His lips twitched at the memory.Deluding herself that she was safe when nothing had been farther from the truth.

“Oh, this is really happening, little girl.” His hand rose to her face, demanding her attention even when she tried to glance away. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment.”

Months and months of soul-destroying planning. Even when the outcome had seemed impossible, he’d never given up hope of leaving prison and making her his.

“Why, sir?” Her focus flitted to his face. “Why are you doing this?”

Say it.He cocked an eyebrow at her error, knowing instinctively that the gesture would be enough to help her rethink her sentence.Refer to me properly, little girl.

“Mr. Lawes, sir.” Resignation echoed in her tone. “Why am I here?” Her eyes darted around the space as though she was still expecting to wake up in her bed, but she’d never be going back there.

“There’s nothing honorable about my plan, I’m afraid.” His hand slid to her nape. “It’s just good old-fashioned revenge, little girl. You hurt me, so I’m hurting you back.”

Her breathing sped up as she processed his words. “Are you g-going to harm me?”

“You know, you really are going to have to start speaking to me properly.” He smirked. “Much though I’d love to pull you out of there and tan your pretty little behind, you’re far too weak right now, and anyway, that would be jumping ahead of the plan.”

“Plan?” She swallowed. “What plan, Mr. Lawes, sir?”

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