Page 114 of Stalker

“Sleep well?”

“You kidnapped me. You fucking tossed me over your shoulder as if you owned me, threw a goddamn hood over my face, wrapped my wrists in rope, and stole me away from my life.”

Cassandra’s tone was even, devoid of the expected anger.

Just matter of fact.

But there was a darkness buried deep within that called to me. As always.

She remained a few feet behind me, a cautionary tale of concern and longing. The beautiful woman simply wasn’t certain which emotion to allow into the forefront.

“That’s only partially correct. Yes, I removed you from your home, but I also ensured you had a safe haven.”

“Safety or no safety, the fact remains that you removed me from my home. In most parts of the world what you did was illegal. No matter the danger manifested by those insisting on inflicting harm, you remain the single most dangerous element in my life.”

“I’ve done many illegal things in my life, Cassandra. Are you suggesting you’re going to have me arrested?”

The way she narrowed her eyes was enticing enough my cock twitched in response.

I tipped my head just enough to catch sight of her. She remained barefoot as I’d found her inside her home, the thin skirt and soft blouse she’d been wearing only slightly disheveled. With her hair slightly tousled from her continued fight of the inevitable, she was out of her element, unable to control the environment around her.

“You should be taken to task for your sins.”

“Perhaps you’re right, but certainly not for the reason you hope.” Even her choice of words was invigorating.

Her laugh had a sour tinge. “You are insufferable. You think you can do anything you want without consequences.”

“Yes, I do because that’s the way of my world.”

“I have no words,” she huffed. “Why the beach house? I would have anticipated you taking me to some fortress. You do have dozens of men to protect you. Yes?”

“While I have security measures in place, soldiers are unneeded. As long as you obey my rules.”

“Rules. You’re that powerful and strong that you can take on bad men?” She laughed. “You really think you are.”

“I am.” It had been risky taking her away from her office and her friends. At some point, questions would be asked, fingers pointed. Hopefully, at that point the hunt would be concluded. However, keeping her safely tucked away could prove to be difficult.

“And you’re also without a doubt the most arrogant man I’ve ever met.” She’d walked closer, finally flanking my side. I wasn’t surprised when she placed her hand around my glass, not only allowing our fingers to touch, but also taking a few precious seconds to brush a single finger back and forth across my knuckle.

“I am. I see no issue with accepting both one’s foibles as well as a positive attribute or two.”

“Of course you have so many.” Her eyes never left me as she pulled the glass free, taking her time to bring the dense crystal to her lips. “What is this?” she finally asked, allowing her curiosity to get the better of her.

After opening the file, I allowed her to get a good look at the picture I’d placed on top of just one of the crime scenes. “The very reason my father’s escape should remain top priority in the minds of every division of law enforcement.”

“Where did you get this? This is from Drew Monahan’s case. You can’t have this.”

“Look more closely, Cassandra.”

She acted as if she was going to ignore me, but finally pulled the photograph into her hand, studying it carefully. “This is from your father’s case.”

“Yes, and before you ask, I have friends everywhere, including several who owe me a favor.”

When she shivered, at last I knew she had a better understanding of just how lethal my father truly was. “Just horrible.” Very slowly she lowered the photograph, flipping through the other documentation.

“Yes, he was.”

“You think he’s killing again.”

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