Page 91 of Wanted

The way she is behaving right now, without a trace of emotion, terrifies me. She’s acting like a ghoul who’s been glamoured to obey.

Pulling the burger out of the bag, I quickly unwrap it and hand it to her.

Alena’s motions are automatic as she slowly but deliberately eats the burger I gave her like it tastes like cardboard.

Handing her the carton of french fries, I ask, “How’s the burger?”

Staring at the wall, she slowly turns and focuses on my face. “Hmm?”

Inside the bond, there’s only silence.

Silence that’s too much like the void.

What the fuck is that wall doing to her?

“The burger? How did it taste?” I ask her again, wanting more of a reaction.

“It’s fine,” she says quietly and accepts the fries.

I quirk an eyebrow as she shoves a fry into her mouth. “Just fine? Should we avoid that restaurant in the future?”

Alena pops another fry into her mouth and thinks as she chews before her lips slowly curl into a smile. “Actually, no. These are divine and feel almost… sinful. I haven’t had fast food in years.”

Finally, I’m getting more out of her.

My lips match her smile. “Really?”

Alena bobs her head up and down, her mouth too full to speak, as she begins to eat with more gusto.

I watch her eat, enjoying how much she’s enjoying it.

On the verge of becoming fascinated again.

Little bursts of pleasure pulse through the bond with each bite she takes.

And I know I could ask her more questions. Prod for more information about her past.

But I don’t want to ruin this moment.

This moment that is pure happiness for her.

Pushing the half-eaten carton of fries into my hands, she says, “I’m full.”

I nod, satisfied that she has some sustenance in her now.

Then she stands up from the bed. “I need to brush my teeth.”

She walks into the attached bathroom and closes the door behind her.

I hate having a door between us, separating us, and I’m badly tempted to force my way inside the small room.

But I toss the fries into the bag, set it down on the floor, and clench my hands into fists to restrain myself.

If she knew how much I need her near me to keep me sane, she’d probably be terrified.

If the wall she put up would even allow such an emotion…

Fuck. That’s a chilling thought.

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