Glancing over my shoulder, I see Sloan lower and turn her so that her back is against him. “Not a bad idea.” He moves her legs apart with his knee, and his hand goes between her thighs in front, pulling up swiftly.
“Oh!” She lets out a shocked noise, but her cheek is pressed to the side so we can see her face. She isn’t in pain. In fact, her expression is just the opposite. It’s impossible to know when she’s acting. I’m fucking listening for Sangria.
“You feel that?” Sloan leans into her ear. “That’s where I’m going to fuck you. Right in that tight little hole.”
She inhales sharply. “I don’t do that for clients.” Her hips are following his movements, rocking back and forth. “It’s too risky.”
His hand appears to be moving all over her crotch, and she lets out a little moan. “Your tight little ass loves what I’m doing, and if you want your money, you’ll fuck me like I say. How do I know you’re on the pill?”
With a shudder, she moves to the side, quickly evading his hand. “Use a condom if you don’t believe me. I’m not getting pregnant.”
Anger flashes on Sloan’s face, and he steps in front of her, pinioning her. Her resistance is good, but it’s too soon. We need his physical evidence in her body before he hurts her.
“Don’t fuck with me. I’m going bareback, and I’m going where I want.”
Rage tightens my t
hroat. The way he’s standing, blocking her face, she could easily be Mel facing down this bastard. It takes all the willpower I possess to stay in this small room and not go out there. I have to distract myself from the photos I’ve seen, the one of Jessica Black, the one of my beautiful bride’s battered face.
Patrick’s leaning over the counter near the door, and I see his hand twitch. From his tense stance, I can tell he’s ready to intervene as well.
“Look, I don’t have any lube.” Star steps to the side and around so her back is to us again. “I won’t ass fuck without lube.”
Rage burns cold in Sloan’s eyes. He’s controlled, but barely, and by the way his lips part over his teeth, I know tonight will definitely be the night.
“I know where to get lube.” He grabs her by the neck and spins her back to the wall, slamming her head hard against the plaster.
Star pushes against him, but it’s a clumsy effort. Patrick and I both know her skill at self-defense, and I wonder if she was injured just then. He’s back on her just as fast, and with a grunt, she pushes away again. Then she rears back and slaps him hard across the face.
The SMACK! echoes in the dark space, and my muscles tense up, ready to take action.
But everything stops.
Sloan steps away from her and turns to face our direction. He looks like a freaking psycho killer in the pale green light, and I swear I can see the wheels going as his eyes travel around the dark room.
Hidden in the small tech booth, neither Patrick nor I breathe. This fucker is smart. He wouldn’t have gotten away with his tricks so long if he weren’t. My stomach muscles tighten. I have no idea what’s about to happen.
He speaks into the darkness. “Where are you…” It’s a whispered taunt, and he takes a few steps toward us before whispering again. “I know you’re there.”
What the fuck? How could he possibly know we’re here? Maybe he really is crazy. My heart’s slamming in my chest, and tension pulls an ache between my shoulder blades. Patrick’s tense; the air is crackling.
“You’re playing with me, using my weakness…” My brow lines as I listen to his sinister coaxing. “You know I was there. I got to her when you were gone, and I’ll do it again. I’ll do it every time, any time I wish… She’s mine.”
Anger blazes low in my stomach, and I hear him. His message is meant for me, whether he’s certain of my presence or not. It’s a threat he’s sending out, and I know the only way to answer it.
I’m ready to answer it.
He waits a few moments longer. Star’s got her back to the wall, breathing heavily, watching him. Finally, he shakes his head, looks down, and turns to her. “You’re a beautiful woman. Everything I like in one neat package.”
A line pierces her forehead, and I can tell she’s as confused as we are by this change.
“Thank you?” She tries breathy-Marilyn as she watches him pace back and forth in front of her.
“You remind me of a past lover. One I remember fondly.” He smiles, and a creeping dread moves through me. “Would you like something that belonged to her?”
Star blinks rapidly, and I can tell she’s on edge as much as we are. Is he talking about Jessica? Can she handle it if he is?
It doesn’t matter. I’m just waiting for an opening, any excuse to make my move.