Page 2 of Brutal Mercy

“Welcome to Rocky Mountain Depot. Can I help you find any—” I suck in a breath when I spot who just moseyed into the store. He approaches the counter with what I think he assumes is a confident swagger, but it really comes off as smarmy, and the way he looks at me makes my skin crawl.

Diego Alvarez.

Fuck my life.

It’s Mister tall, dark, and skeevy himself. The man gives me the willies with the way he talks to me. And he acts like he’s god’s gift and we’re meant to be. While I might want to lose my virginity, he’s not the guy for me. I wouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole.

He’s roughly two inches taller than my five-nine with an oval face and black hair he styles in a faux hawk. His thin lips are shrouded by a black beard. When he smiles, it doesn’t reach his cold, snake-like black eyes. I can’t shake the feeling that beneath the cocky veneer, he’s meaner than a honey badger. Women likely throw themselves at him because he’s attractive. And by all accounts, I should feel something for him other than derision and caution. He’s hot, with dusky tan skin and a slender, muscular build draped in a light gray suit that fits him like it was custom-made. And he flirts with me every time he visits the store. He stands out because of the suit—most people who visit the store are in jeans and camping gear. But the guy gives me the creeps. He has ever since he began visiting the store.

And while I find myself pining and aching for a man to come along and sweep me off my feet like in the naughty books I read late at night, he’s the last man on the planet I want. For me to do the deed, it must be therightman. And there’s something off about Diego.

“Hola, Luna.”

I grimace internally but offer him one of my patented fake smiles I reserve for difficult customers. “Diego, it’s nice to see you. What can I help you find today?”

He cockily swaggers over to the register. “It’s time,senorita.”

There’s a crazy light in his eyes, which gives me pause. And his energy is different from his previous visits. It’s darker. More volatile. The way he stares makes my soul shiver in warning. What does he mean, it’s time?

I swallow the lump of unease and clear my throat before asking, “Time for what?”

He smiles at my question, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. This is why, for all his attractiveness, I don’t want to be near him. There’s a simmering undercurrent of malice beneath the friendly veneer.

“Why, for you to be mine. I’ve told you this over these many months to prepare you. But now’s the time for you to come with me.” He holds out his hand for me to take like a benevolent king offering me my heart’s desire. But deep down, I know if I accept his offer, I will regret it for the rest of my life.

“I’m not yours.” I retreat a cautious step, his gaze tracking my every move. And then take another step, backing away from his outstretched hand as if it were a poisonous snake about to strike. He follows my movements through narrowed eyes. Because he believes I should be flattered by his offer and be down on my knees, thanking him for picking me.

But I just want him gone. I don’t care for the direction this conversation is proceeding. Why won’t he leave me alone? I’ve never given him any indication that I want anything from him.

“Si, you are. And I won’t wait any longer. It’s time for you to get your things and come with me.”

“Diego, I’ve been nice to you despite this delusion you have about me. While I’m flattered, I’m not interested in you like that. And I’m afraid I’m going to ask you to leave my store because you’re making me uncomfortable.”

He places his palms against the counter, the tattoos on his hands in stark contrast to his suit, and leans toward me with a disappointed frown. “Don’t be like this,senorita. I’ll be good to you. But you need to come with me now.”

Was the guy high? “Diego, I’m not going anywhere with you. You need to leave my store, or I’m calling the police.”

He scowls, and pure menace ripples off him. “You aren’t going to do that, Luna. I won’t permit it. Don’t worry, you’ll learn your place. And you’re coming with me whether you like it or not.”

He reaches across the counter. I eye his hands like manacles meant to imprison me.

Screw this. I’m not sticking around. With my heart thumping wildly, I dart out from behind the counter. The guy’s unhinged. A total whack job with delusions of grandeur. Why would he think I would ever willingly go with him?

I have no clue. But I can’t believe he would pull something this asinine.

As long as I reach the office, I’ll be fine. Once I’m inside, I can lock the door and call the police. I race past him as fast as my feet will carry me, down the nearest aisle lined with glass doors. There’s a chill pumping off the freezers, and I shiver.

But he’s right behind me. Breathing down my neck like the Grim Reaper.

I pump my legs, sprinting faster.

Terror engulfs me; my heart pounds like a herd of buffalo racing across the plains. It’s so bad I want to pee my pants. But the door to the office is close. I’m almost there. I can make it.

Diego grabs me from behind, shoving me against one of the frigid glass doors. With my back against the door, I whimper and struggle against his tight grasp, but he’s too strong. “Let me go. Why are you—”

His palm connects with my cheek in a vicious smack. The blow snaps my head back against the glass. Throbbing agony blasts from the point of impact and radiates throughout my body. My vision swims with unshed tears.

Diego barrels close to my face with an angry snarl. “This isn’t how I wanted to begin our time together, but you’re forcing my hand, Luna. And I am done playing this game.”

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