Page 9 of CHASE: Captive to the Dark

“I’m going to get a drink from the bar,” I said, pointing behind her. “Would you like one?”

The moment she turned to look, I had to grit my teeth not to sweep in and take her by surprise. My feet itched to spring into action just as much as my hands twitched to trap her against me. Hand over the mouth while I used the other to secure her waist. I could see it. Almost feel her thrashing against me. It was so real.

“I’m good. I don’t want one.” She hobbled out of my way and I walked past, flipping on the light resting over the marble counter of the bar. Three decanters sat on the top while the bottom had slots for wine bottles. I opened the cabinet and pulled out a glass before I took off the crystal top, pouring it halfway. It was gone in one drink. The burn lit fire down my throat and I nearly moaned at the familiar sensation. I poured another, closing my eyes while I savored the next sip. Cursing from Kit brought my attention to the side.

“What are you doing?” I walked over, snatching the phone out of her grasp.

“What do you think? I’m trying to get ahold of my brother. Doesn’t matter anyway,” she said, reaching for it. “There’s no signal in this hellhole town. With all the technology these days, you’d think they would have figured out how to get a damn connection set up to work in these remote parts.”

“This is mine now,” I said, flashing it before I shoved it in my pocket. A smile crept to my lips and I couldn’t stop myself from raking my stare down her body again. “Unless you’d like to come get it.”

The widening of her eyes had me shaking my head. “I didn’t mean that. I’m sorry. I…don’t know what’s happening to me.”

I had to stop this. Whether I remembered who I was or not, the simple fact remained—I was a priest. What if everything came back and I found out I was actually a good guy? Not this…no, I wouldn’t even think about what kept trying to push through.

“Please, let me see if I can find you a room to stay in. Why don’t you take a seat on the couch? You really shouldn’t be standing. We’ll ice your ankle the moment I get you settled in.”

“You’re not fooling me by trying to be nice. I see through you, Father. What, no mattress in the basement with cuffs and chains? It would fit the role you’re forcing me into. I don’t see why you won’t just take me back to town.”

“Basement?” The word was a whisper, but it held a punch that nearly knocked the wind out of me. Flashes of exactly what she mentioned exploded before me and I jerked more at my shirt as I began to sweat. Chains, whips, cuffs…I could see them. Along with other things I wasn’t quite sure of.

Before I could contemplate what I was doing, I walked passed the stairs to a hall. A door sat on the left and I pushed it open, flipping on the switch. Another staircase led down and I could feel my heart racing as I slowly took one step, and then another.

Heavy breathing had me pausing and I looked back to Kit who shook her head and reached for my shoulder.

“Don’t go down there. I was only playing.”

I continued down and could hear her behind me. The moment the ceiling was out of my vision, I was faced with a room directly from my dreams—ones that taunted me awake in the middle of the night.

Kit’s hand grabbed my bicep tightly while she stepped down next to me.

“Jesus. I wouldn’t have pegged you for a BDSM lover, but…” more, she continued down, “you have everything here. I can’t believe what I’m seeing.”

“Stop,” I ground out. “Don’t go any further.”

Her confusion didn’t last long. She was smart and quickly limped right past me. The need to catch her and drag her down kicking and screaming was too overpowering. It took every ounce of willpower I had to let her pass. I had to find her a room—fast. Tomorrow, I would be better. Tomorrow, I’d wake up and remember that I was a priest and this was nothing more than something I’d long ago left behind. Temptation. I was testing myself. That had to be it. I didn’t use this stuff. Fantasized about it maybe, but I wouldn’t do what I saw in my dreams. It wasn’t real.

“Let’s find you a room. There are some questions I want to ask you anyway.” I got to the door and twisted the lock on the inside. That would keep me out. If I couldn’t get in, all the better. Right. Like a door would stop me if I wanted to tie Kit up and have my way with her.

I slammed the barrier closed, flexing my jaw as I headed for the main staircase. My feet pounded against the wood and I swept her into my arms as I passed. She tensed and remained rigid. I knew I was rushing. Running from a lot more than a gorgeous young woman. It was the fucked up things I wanted to do to her that had me nearly sprinting to the top.

As I opened the first door, my head shook. Gym, no bed. The next I came to was a bathroom. I was faced with two doors toward the end and I already knew neither were going to help me…or her. I approached the first, flipping on the light to reveal an office. The last was my room. I knew it in my gut. And I was right.

Light flooded the large space and I froze as I took in what was mine. A king size bed sat in the middle, adorned with a black comforter. The antique style wooden posts weren’t all they appeared to be. They held secrets. Ones that drew me closer. I glimpsed at the matching dressers, but they didn’t call to me like the bed.

“If I have to stay for the night, I’ll just sleep on the couch. I don’t think I should—”

My head shook, my gaze remaining transfixed ahead. “Sleep here. I’ll take the couch. I want to be able to listen out for anyone anyway.”

The sweet smell of her skin had me finally able to break my stare. I glanced down at her cradled in my arms. It was nearly impossible to let her go. Why should I have to? The question plagued me. Taunted me to do whatever I wanted, to hell with the consequences.

“Father?”

Regretfully, I lowered her, watching as Kit cautiously removed her jacket. A white knit sweater hugged her small waist and curvy hips. Every step closer to the bed had me zeroed in on her firm ass. Fuck…I was in trouble—she was in trouble. What I could do to that ass. It would be bright red before I finished. I’d make sure of it. And she might like it. Regardless…I would.

“You really don’t have to do this.” There was a softness to her tone. As if she were already giving in to the thought of me forcing her to stay. I knew she still clung to the notion of me being a priest. It made her feel safe. If she only knew how deep she was in, she’d be running for the door. Running for her life.

Generous breasts were outlined in the sweater as she slowly turned to face me completely. It drew me more toward her and it was a few seconds before I could meet her gaze.

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