Page 136 of Stalker

“My disappearance is temporary. Don’t worry, Lady Butterfly. You are already providing everything that’s needed for the hunt.”

“Don’t you fucking do this. You can’t win against your father. If everything you told me is true, he’s a true madman. Even with the help of your brothers, you might not win this.”

“Your lack of faith in me is understandable although I must admit, very painful.”

“Just let me out of here. Please let me help you.”

“Not a chance, my butterfly.”

“What if…” I pressed both fists against the door. “What if you don’t return? Please don’t do this. Please think about what I said. Let me call some people I know at the police department.” Of course, I knew he wouldn’t do that. He had no interest in being the center of attention for any criminal investigation. And there would be questions asked, fingers pointed.

Some sharp reporter would put two and two together. After that, the Blackwell lives could be ruined. Wilder was well aware of the odds himself. While he enjoyed his hunts, he had no interest in playing games he had no possibility of winning.

This was the game of life and death with the Grim Reaper as the master of ceremonies. I was sick inside, the nausea almost crippling.

He laughed as if what I’d suggested was the funniest thing in the world. “I guess you’ll need to trust me. But don’t worry, you’re not completely alone.”

What the hell did that mean?

“Wilder. Wait. Please take me with you.”

Five seconds passed.

Ten.

Was he still outside?

“Wilder.”

“I can’t do that, Cassandra. You’re far too important to me. It’s too late for me, but not for you.”

“Wilder. No, no. I don’t want you to go. You could be killed. I just… I think I’m falling in love with you.”

The quiet inside the small but well-equipped room was interminable. I turned my back against the door, slowly sliding down the surface until I was sitting on my butt. What if something did happen to him?

With my hands balled, I pressed them against my closed eyes, processing what the stupid man was about to do.

Which was basically getting himself killed.

While I appreciated the fact he was doing everything in his power to protect me, his methods of doing so pissed me off.

“Damn you. Damn you.”

No. No. No! This wasn’t right. I had to find a way out of this place.

He’d provided instructions not to make any sound. Only someone who was authorized to enter would open the door. Anyone else should be considered dangerous. By that point, I guess it would be too late.

I slowly began to breathe normally as the minutes ticked by and I couldn’t stop thinking about Wilder and the time we’d shared together. He was so damn… hot. And so powerful. And so… irritating. The laugh bubbling to the surface was all about irritation. No other man had infuriated me the way Wilder had done several times.

Including…

David.

Jesus. My brain was stopping and starting far too often. I had to think like a prosecuting attorney. Wilder had killed David. He’d admitted to the terrible deed. He’d duped Drew Monahan, including technically kidnapping the man after breaking into his house. They were all heinous crimes, although in the case of Mr. Monahan, his temporary incarceration was a good thing for the world.

However, in hearing Wilder’s confession and in learning the details, I was required under the law I served to turn him into the authorities.

Hold on. On one hand, I could keep practicing law if I performed my duties and lose Wilder in the process. The only man who’d managed to draw me from a dark and oppressive prison cell. On the other, I could ignore everything I’d committed my life to and keep the man of my dreams.

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