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I admit, I half hoped that I could kill her. But she was perfectly honest. More than that, she wanted… me.

Her body unraveled under me, and I could only lie there and hold her as she shivered into my chest. I had taken her apart, my toy, and found the truth I’d been looking for.

Now I had to face it.

I had taken an innocent girl hostage. Hell, I’d almost killed her without knowing. I felt sick just thinking about it.

My hands untied the ropes binding her to my bed automatically, without thought. I took off her blindfold. She stretched, all feline curves and sensuality, and rubbed the raw part of her wrists where she had pulled against the bindings.

I was emotionally drained and physically exhausted. Her body would rid itself of the drugs soon, but I felt as though I needed stimulants to carry me through what was to come. I had to find Susan Steadhill if I could ever let her leave. I would go tonight. I’d stop by Jake’s and ask him personally if he had any leads. He hated calling over the phone; he insisted that the government monitored every word.

I had to find her. I had to kill her and kill Mr. Steadhill. Then Vale would get off of my case and I would be able to think clearly about all this. I wouldn’t have to kill Sara if I could find Susan. I couldn’t let her go, but at least I wouldn’t have to kill her.

She yawned, her hand brushing my back, and I lay down beside her, cradling her. So innocent. The way she looked up at me, I could swear that she actually loved me. After all that; after I’d teased her and tortured her for the truth. Guilt flooded my system.

“I have to tell you something, Sara,” I said.

“Yes?”

“I have to keep you here. With me.”

She blinked drowsily.

“I am here with you.”

“I know. And I want to let you leave. Eventually. But now, I can’t. I have to find Susan Steadhill.” I got up, pulled my clothes back on.

“Now?”

“Yes.” I buttoned my shirt up. She watched me, her tongue wetting her lower lip as I buttoned the top button. Maybe there was another way. Maybe I didn’t have to let her go.

“Sara, you said you loved me.”

She blushed. Oh, hell. My cock stiffened again at the bashful look on her face.

“Do you… would you want to stay here with me?”

“What do you mean?”

The look in her eyes: fear. She was scared of me. And rightfully so. I couldn’t ask her to stay in a prison indefinitely.

“Never mind.”

“Rien—”

“Never mind. We’ll figure it out later.”

“Do you want me to sleep here?” she asked, frowning.

“Do whatever you want.”

She sat up, pulling the sheet around her body. Bending down, she stooped to pick up the green dress.

“I think… I think I’ll sleep in the library.” Her eyes didn’t meet mine. Jesus. If she had told one lie, it had been that. Maybe she had loved the sex; whatever it was, her feelings had obviously vanished along with the drugs in her system.

“Do you need me to help you there?” I asked.

“I’m fine.”

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