Page 69 of Promise Maker

Once I’m a little better, I continue into thebathroom to shower.

It’s even darker in the room by the time I finish.

Slipping into a long t-shirt and shorts, I openthe door for the first time in two days—I think—and peep outside.

Paolettacollected the food she left. Only a single pink tulip is lying there.

Does he think giving me my favorite flower willerase what I witnessed?

Huffing, I roughly kick the tulip aside and headdown the hallway.

I regard the steady showers drenching the piazzaon the walk to the kitchen. No one’s around.

Flipping on the light, I check the fridge forleftovers, spotting baked chicken and mushroom risotto.

I scoop some onto a plate, heat it in themicrowave, then sit at the island and eat quickly.

After cleaning up, I drink water, flick the lightoff, and start for the hallway.

If I can just make it back to the room and avoidhim longer, I may be able to erase him.

That thought vanishes.

I suddenly feel tingles as if he’s close.

The second I turn the corner, a hand clamps overmy mouth, and the other grips my body.

“Mm!”

“I’ve allowed you enough space,” he grunts.

Despite my squirming, Domenico drags me in theopposite direction to his bedroom, tosses me on the large bed, and locks thedoor.

“What the fuck are you doing?” I snap, hurrying tomy feet.

He creeps forward like a dangerous hunter.

I slap his hand when he tries to touch me. “Don’t.Stay away from me.”

I attempt to go around him, but Domenico seizes mybody and flattens me on his bed, climbing on top.

“You think you can shut me out?” he grits above myface. “I’m already ingrained in your system.Deeply. You’ll never eraseme.”

“Get off, you monster!” I turn my head before hekisses me.

“Iama monster. But a monster that cravesyou. I’m a wreck over you,tesoro.”

“Ugh! Get off.” I tug at his shirt and wrigglebeneath him. “I don’t want you.”A damn lie. “You’re a brute! A fuckingkiller!”

“I am those things. But I would never hurt you.”He attempts to kiss me again.

“Just get off!” I slap him across the face,surprising even myself.

Domenico still doesn’t release me. The slap barelyfazes him. “Hit me again if you want. Scratch me. Make me bleed. I’ll take it.But I won’t let you go. You’re the reason why I haven’t completely lost mymind.”

I shake my head. “You’re obsessed with me.”

“I am,” he grunts. “I need you more than anything.And if I have to tear the world down and kill more people to keep you, I will.”

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