Page 5 of Dangerous Deviance
The man came closer, and it took everything I had to hold still, to let him think that I wasn’t ready.
Kill him,the voice said.Kill him now!
Not yet. Not until he was closer.
As soon as he lifted a hand to touch me, I grabbed his shoulders, pulling him down until I kneed his stomach, but then he grabbed my leg and threw me back onto the bed, immediately pointing a gun at my forehead.
So that hadn’t worked.
I waited for him to shoot.
But he backed away, closing the door behind him, and I was left alone once again.
I sat up, pressing my thighs together. A red and gold sash, tied into a bow, lay on the bed. I remembered it: a man had given that to me, asked me to wear it.For my brother, the man had said.He’ll take care of you.
But he won’t take care of you, the voice argued.He won’t take care of anyone.You need to get out, Ellie. Figure out where you are. Then find her.
Find her.
Who was she?
And who was that voice?
Sliding off of the bed, my bare feet clicked on the wooden floors. I went to the window and stared out. From the height alone, I could tell we were in a tall building, possibly near the top. Only one building off in the distance looked as if it might be taller, a round disk high in the sky, futuristic in its design. I knew that building. It was a landmark. I had been there before. Back when I was younger. Still a kid. When we were kids.
We. Who were we?
The door opened again, the airflow brushing against my bare skin. I looked down. I was naked, with my bare ass to whoever had just opened the door. I covered my breasts, crossing my arms in the front, and turned around.Act helpless, the voice said.The less they know about your capabilities, the better your chances are.
It was the man from before, the one who had put me on my back. His eyes landed on me, his gaze hot.
He sat on the bed as if it were his place. His lair.
“Let’s not fight this time, ” he said. “Come sit.” He patted the bed, waiting for me to come, like his pet.
No way. I didn’t obey anyone like that.
Do it, the voice urged,You might not like it, but you need to play. Play his game. Figure out his motive. Then get out.
It was the only conscience inside of me, so I listened to the voice,notthe man in front of me. I sat on the bed, beside him, keeping my eyes cast off, not wanting to meet his gaze when I didn’t know where either of us stood. What was I doing here? Why was I obviously in his home? What did he want with me?
“I’m Wil,” he said, his voice smooth and deep. “Let’s start with your name.”
Don’t tell him. Don’t tell him anything.
I shook my head. “I- I-” I stammered, “I don’t—” I shook my head frantically, the voice getting louder in my mind:Don’t tell him. You can’t trust him. You can’t trust anyone.
“My brothers said you don’t remember much. Do you remember your name?” he asked.
A sheen of sweat broke out over my body. Chills ran through me, my body shaking uncontrollably. He reached over to hold my hand. I froze at the touch.
“It’s okay,” he said, “We can figure this out together.” His words were kind but I pulled away. Then the voice grew louder:It’s a lie. You can’t trust him. You can’t trust anyone. You need to get out. Find her.He put a hand on my thigh.
“Let me go,” I whispered. He didn’t hear me. He nodded at the door frame. A woman with dark red hair emerged. “Let me go!” I said louder, pulling my leg out of his grip. I bared my teeth, shifting back onto my haunches, ready to strike.
He cocked his chin at me, as if he was amused.
“You were on our property,” Wil said slowly. “I hate to break it to you, princess, but we’re not letting you go. Not until we find out how you got there. What you were sent to do. You’re lucky it’s my birthday.” He smirked. “Think of me as your god. You’re going to abide by my rules until we figure out what to do with you.”
