Merciless Hunter (Dark Syndicate 4)

28

Olivia

Ishuffle against the soft sheets, cool against my skin.

My nipples pebble as I turn on my back and a gust of wind caresses my cheek.

It feels like there’s a window open somewhere, so I open my eyes and I expect to see Aiden sitting by the window smoking but he’s not there.

The window is open though.

And so is the door.

I sit up quickly and pull the sheet over my body to cover my nakedness.

The door and window are open.

Why?

How many times have I imagined such a thing? Of escaping through either and yet here they are, both wide open beckoning me to go through.

What does this mean, though?

I quickly look at the clock. It’s just after nine, although it looks like it could be later. Outside looks like it might rain and there’s a chill on the breeze.

Aiden came back late last night. Since that damn night we had dinner we’ve been having sex.

The thought burns my cheeks the same way it has every time I think about it, which is pretty much non-stop.

I can’t work out if I’ve gone crazy, or if I was crazy the whole time.

For the last two days my thoughts have flitted between worrying about Mom and worrying about my situation here. My situation … which looks like it’s just changed again.

Gazing at the open door like it’s calling me through I decide to get up and check this out. If he’s opened the door for me, it means he’s allowing me to go through it.

What else might he allow?

I slip off the bed, keeping the sheet close to me in case anyone is nearby.

The first thing I do is go up to the window and look through it.

There’s a guard near the corner of the house and another by the railing on the gate leading out to the garden.

I grab one of the t-shirts Aiden got me and a pair of shorts, put them on quickly and wrap my hair up into a messy bun.

When I walk through the door it’s the first time I’ve done so without an escort.

The landing is clear of anyone but right when I get to the bottom of the stairs, I see Bond Villain guy from the other day.

I don’t say good morning because he always ignores me when I speak to him.

I just keep walking by, and he allows me to.

It somehow feels like I’m in a dream or something weird has happened. It’s scary and freeing all at the same time.

I walk by the kitchen and glimpse Irina inside.

She’s kneading dough like she’s getting ready to bake bread.