Page 280 of Love Me in the Dark

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I should have known.

Outside, a black car waits in the driveway. Keys match the ignition. The tank is full. The GPS blank.

It’s too easy.

I slide into the seat like it might bite me. Glance up at the trees.

I imagine him in one of them. Watching. Waiting.

If this is a game, I’m already losing.

Still, I start the engine. Grip the wheel.

And drive.

I don’t look back.

10

ROMAN

The bedroom door stays open far longer than it should.

And I’m sitting here waiting.

I’ve never been good at waiting for anything.

Business deals are done on my timeline. People fall in line on my schedule, marionettes on strings that play what I want them to, when I want them to, how I want them to. I’ve never waited for my targets. I’ve stalked, manipulated, and moved mountains when I’ve needed to.

But now…now I wait.

Sitting on the edge of the bed in the driver’s quarters above the garage. Safely away from the temptation of taking Ivy into my arms and demanding her obedience. I’m staring at that stupid note on the screen I’m holding, and my own handwriting is mocking me.

YOUR CHOICE

It’s taunting me,telling me I’ve given her the choice that she’s going to take.

I thought that she’d see the open door.

That she’d see the obsessive way I need her.

That she’d feel the desire coursing through my veins when I even breathe the same air.

I thought…

Footsteps sound on the tablet. Followed by silence.

I don’t take a breath. I can’t fucking breathe.

And then I watch her step into the kitchen.

Mine.

My brain and heart scream together, demanding that I take her. That I end this ridiculous farce. She can’t leave.

“She won’t leave.” I whisper the prayer like it’s the truth.

Then I watch.

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