Hunt

“What?”

“I want to see this fucked up world with you.”

I blinked. “Where. . .would we go?”

“You tell me.”

This is crazy. Don’t even consider it.

“Where, Phoenix?”

“I never thought that far before. Paradise was the biggest travel goal.”

“Now, you’re here.” He shut his eyes. “Put new goals in your mind. Then, tell me.”

Cities and countries spun in my head.

My chest swelled. I couldn’t recognize the emotions rising within my body.

How would I be able to kill him now? Besides Quin, he was the only person to care enough about me to make plans. Although a pyscho, he. . .cared for me in his way.

But. . .

We had a sick start that dripped with blood. This was not others’ love stories. Ours was laced in fear and sharpened by knives.

Can a serial killer genuinely love or would he end up losing it one day and murdering me?

I wished there were a book full of all the solutions. In one moment, I was terrified of Cain and running. In the next, I moaned under him riding the best orgasms of my life. If he wasn’t shoving me on the edge of insanity, then he was sweetly melting my insides.

I swallowed.

Kill him or not? Just. . .take this day by day.

Hopefully, the true answer would come to me. For now I was utterly confused and unsure of what to do.

He opened his eyes and studied my face. “You’re a fellow thief. What’s your thoughts on this job so far?”

“If the Syndicate owns the place then. . .” I shrugged. “You would need to plan every detail out by the second. Lots of research. Lots of scoping the spot out. Lots more people involved. At least two more.”

“Why more?”

“More to have your back. Plus. . .”

He raised his eyebrows. “What?”

“You would need very big balls. Mega ones to steal from the Syndicate.”

A devilish grin spread on his face. “You’ve seen my balls, Phoenix.”

I blushed.

“Are they big enough?”

“Maybe.”

“Hmmm.” He kissed my forehead. “Get some rest.”

I closed my eyes and pushed all thoughts of travel away. I wouldn’t allow myself to imagine some romantic fantasy with Cain. If I did, then it would mean that I was just as insane as he was.

I liked to think that I wasn’t that broken.

How do I get him to keep these handcuffs off of me?

He’d said that I held the power. Was that his madness talking or did he truly have a point? How could I get him to keep them off?

Words wouldn’t be enough. There had to be action.

Or. . .maybe no words is the solution.

Within the darkness, I sank onto the pillow and formulated a new tactic. Cain thought that he could be lovey dovey as he caged me. I had to show him that his plan wouldn’t be the case.

Let’s see how much power I truly have.

Chapter 15

Silence

CAIN

I

n my dream, I soared in the night sky. Stars twinkled like silver sequins sewed into black velvet. One by one I yanked away those stars and held them cupped in my palms.

For the first time in years, my slumber was pure perfection.

Several hours later, I woke.

Gorgeous sunlight streamed in through the window. Vibrant colors and shapes lured me out of the fog of slumber.

Today is going to be an amazing. I have her back with me.

Scratching my head, I checked my watch.

Late in the afternoon. We slept all day.

I cracked my neck and rolled over to look at Phoenix.

She’s still asleep.

Somehow Dr. Fuzzy had gotten behind her as if he’d came alive while we slept and had an adventure. Meanwhile, Phoenix lay next to me in perfect posed form. Her features were quiet and still in the light.

My obsession.

The serenity reflected in her face was a mirror of her beautiful, bright soul.

You’re the center of my universe.

Her chest slowly rose and fell. Her breathing was sweet and constant, lulling me into a state of near oblivion.

Murmuring in her sleep, she shifted in bed and curled close to me.

My angel.

I wrapped my arm around her.

So close, I could feel the warmth of her body next to mine and the cadence of her heart racing just under the skin. With my other hand, I traced the outline of her face with my fingers.

Today was the first day of forever.

I’d never felt so complete.

“Phoenix.” I moved a few stray strands away from her face.

The sun’s rays began to sweep along her face and I smiled in the knowledge that she was mine.

Nothing else would ever keep us apart.

Nothing.

I brushed my lips across her silky, brown skin. Then, I kissed her brow. Her cheeks. Her closed lids.

Her body hummed.

I made my way to her ear and then to the curve of her neck. I kissed the tender skin. It was warm and soft and tasted like honey.

She stirred.

I left a trail of kisses along her chin. Then, I kissed those lips.