Page 3 of The Heart of Midnight

“I don’t know,” I say after a moment. “I’d like to think they’re still alive somewhere just waiting to be found.”

“I was talking to Janet earlier and she was saying she hopes they’re all dead, because she’d rather die than be kidnapped or raped. Do you think that’s a common way to feel?”

One look at her tells me she feels the opposite, not that I’d ever need her to say it out loud. Her silence when I come for her says it all.

“Well, I’d have to imagine that being kidnapped or assaulted is a terribly traumatic experience full of fear and uncertainty. It’s not unthinkable that someone would rather die than feel helpless like that.” And I should know, I’ve had one or two beg me to end it. “It’s the reason you call me so often to come... how’d you say it? Check for monsters under your bed.”

Deep brown eyes scan my face before she speaks again. “Only for the monsters that kill. I’d like to think I can handle most things, but being five foot two has some disadvantages. Iprobably couldn’t fight off a six foot man that wanted to actually end me.”

If my cock gets any harder, it’s going to break through my zipper and blow my cover. Jesus Christ, I need her to stop looking at me like that when she says these things. “You’re not afraid of being kidnapped? Raped?”

Finally, she drops her gaze, looking away quickly to try to take a drink from her empty beer bottle to stall. “I mean, of course I’m afraid of it,” she admits after a long pause. “The idea is pretty terrifying. But I think for me, the fear comes from believing I’d be killed after. Usually they get sick of their toys after a few days, and it’s the only way to get rid of them unless they want to risk getting caught. But if you take away that fear of murder... I don’t know. Once again, I sound crazy, but I think what I’m saying is I just want to live. That’s what matters to me. Living.”

It’s the closest thing to consent I’ll ever get from her. As long as I let her live, she’ll be okay. It’s my cue to get up and grab her another beer, and though I try to talk myself out of slipping crushed-up sleeping pills into it, I can’t. She’s practically asking for it.

Still, I’d feel bad if I were capable of it. I’m just not. Something broke inside my brain when I was a kid, and now I feel nothing but the constant need for power, control, and blood. The ones who gets caught in my path are just collateral damage.

“Drink up,” I order, resting the lip of the bottle against her mouth. “Cheers to being alive.”

I don’t miss the beautiful smile that overtakes her before she drinks half the bottle. “How the hell are you single, Scar?”

What a question. “I don’t know. I guess I’m just too into doing my own thing, I don’t have a lot of room for a partner.”

“I feel that,” she agrees. “Not that any of mine call after they get what they want anyway.”

Yeah, men tend to leave women alone when they’re dead.

“Then they’re stupid,” I placate. “Or you just have awful taste in men.”

“Maybe,” she giggles. “I’m glad you’re single though, I don’t think a missus would be very happy with me calling you over so many times a week.”

“You’re probably right, but your safety is important to me, Avery.” That’s probably the first true thing I’ve said all night. “I’d have come even if a hypothetical missus begged me not to.”

“Good. I’d just kick her ass anyway.” Her eyelids flutter slightly as she polishes off her drink and tosses me a flirty smile. “Just make sure she’s not too tall. It’d be unfair for me if I couldn’t punch her in the face.”

Laughing quietly, I take the empty bottle from her. “I’ll get you a footstool. You look tired, are you ready for bed?”

Forward? Maybe. But fuck me, I’m ten seconds from ripping her clothes off right here. I wanted a spitfire and she’s been right here all along.

“Yeah, I actually am a little tired,” she admits, touching her forehead as she exhales. “I think I’ll actually get some decent sleep tonight thanks to you stopping by.”

Poor girl has no idea just how accurate she is. “Happy to help. Call me if you need anything, okay? Day or night.”

She mumbles an agreement as I head for the door with her empty bottle in hand, and I don’t linger to say goodnight.

I’ll see her again soon enough.

Four

Avery

I awaken to a familiar rocking sensation that my body recognizes before my mind does. I feel my clit throb as I clench around the man inside me, my arms tugging down on the restraints I know are there as he thrusts hard and deep like he’s missed me as much as I’ve missed him. How broken am I that I’ve craved this? That I’ve felt so lonely without him sneaking in through my window to take me — to fucking own me. “Stop,” I mumble, knowing he appreciates it when I play along and pretend I’m a normal woman that couldn’t possibly love this. “No.”

My heavy eyelids flutter open, making my heart pound in my chest as I take him in like I’ve done so many times before. He never covers my eyes, he likes my entire body fully exposed for him while he remains dressed in pure black clothing without an inch of his skin showing except his cock. The ski mask is as menacing as his thrusts are, especially now that he knows I’ve woken up, and he’s fucking me so goddamn good I can’t fight the moan he forces out of me.

But when he hears it, he stops moving. “Don’t scream,” he commands, low and growly like he always does. “I won’t hurt you.”

I tug on the restraints again with a whimper and nod my head even though I know I have no plans on staying silent. “Please don’t hurt me,” I squeak out, moving my legs around like I’m trying to get away.

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