Page 35 of Brutal King

“Fuck th?—”

“And before you say anything about fucking,” I press a finger to her pretty lips and cut off whatever she’s about to say. “I’m not that easy. If you want to get into my pants, my heart better be fluttering.”

Her expression fills with disbelief and indignation. She stands so fast the chair goes flying behind her. “You are truly evil, Gideon Black. A fucking monster.”

“That makes you lucky, because even monsters can love.” In one swift move, I stand and snatch her hand when she attempts to walk away, then drag her back until her chest is pressed against mine. “How does the saying go? If you love something, set it free.” I peer into the blue depths of her eyes as I brush a wisp of dark hair away from her face. She shivers and attempts to pull away again, but I keep her locked against me. “Make me love you, Little Bird, so that I set you free.”

9

SOFIA

Make me love you, Little Bird, so that I set you free.

I’m sitting in my alcove, staring out through the stained-glass, rubbing behind Winter’s ears. The sun is beginning to rise, but I’ve yet to fall asleep. Damn Gideon and his games.

“Give me a reason to stay,” I mimic in a whiney voice. “Make me fall in love with you.”

Winter gives me an annoyed meow and grabs at my hand, claws out.

“Ouch,” I pull away. He meows again, and I realize it’s because I’ve stopped petting him. “What? I’ve been doing this for hours? What more do you want from me? If I don’t pet you, I get scratched?”

He purrs and rolls onto his back.

“Ugh, fine. I’ll give in, but only because you’re cute.” I sigh. “And soft. And I like you. And you’re my little shadow. And I don’t want you to leave me here alone.”

I can think of a million and one reasons to give into my feline friend’s demands.

Gideon on the other hand… He’s cute, I’ll give him that. Well, not exactly cute. More like, dangerously sexy. But I don’t like him and I definitely want him to leave me alone.

Shit.

“How do I make him fall in love with me when I want to stab him?” I ask Winter. “I want to murder him in his sleep!”

An idea forms in my mind, something that can give me that extra bit of motivation to do whatever I must to make him love me. If I do, if I can seduce him, I might gain access to his bed. When he’s sleeping, I can smother him with a pillow. Less messy than the knife.

“I’d just put all my weight on it as I press it to his face. Hmm.” The thought puts a smile on my face.

I take Winter to the bed, then go to the closet.

Okay, he obviously has something against my Columbia hoodie. I pluck it away from my skin and grimace. At this point, even I can’t stand it.

“What to wear.”

I search for an appropriate breakfast outfit that will be sexy, yet elegant. Gideon seems to favor business suits, perfectly tailored to his tall frame. The man can dress, I’ll give him that too.

The thing I have going for me, is that he’s already proven he wants me. Beyond whatever his need for revenge is, he wants me physically. That means anything I wear will probably please him.

With that in mind, I select a silk longsleeved blouse and black slacks. From the chest of drawers, I grab a satin thong and a lacy bra.

He promised there were no cameras in the bathrooms, saying that he drew the line at watching people on the toilet. I actually believe him.

It’s the longest shower I’ve ever taken, and am thrilled to find the hot water never runs out. I stand under the water jets,letting the warmth seep into my bones and relax me. It’s strange how I can enjoy anything in this moment, under these horrible circumstances. But I do.

I’m even looking forward to breakfast. The eating of the food, that is, not that man that will accompany me.

Last night’s dinner was delicious, the steak buttery and tender, and the mashed potatoes heavenly. The peas… Well, those are always gross.

It makes me wonder who the chef is. Where he is.

---