Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 35349 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 177(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 118(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35349 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 177(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 118(@300wpm)
“But…,” I whispered, “why?”
“I needed you to understand how much you mean to me and how permanent you and I are.” He held his arm up, twisted his hand, and showed me his skin. And there, right on his wrist, was my name. “Now, I’ll always carry a part of you with me and vice versa.”
I recoiled in horror. Disbelief careened through me as I stared at my name. His skin was raised and slightly pink, the tattoo as fresh as mine. “You’re fucking crazy.” My voice was choked and strained, and I felt tears stream down my cheeks.
He sighed and leaned back in the chair. “You think that now, but in time, you’ll see how this is where you’re supposed to be. With me. Always.”
I shook my head, the sensation of adrenaline overriding the fog in my mind. “You can’t keep me here.” I said it with such certainty that, just for a split second, I even believed the words, as if saying them out loud meant they’d come true.
He didn’t speak, didn’t look arrogant after what I said, because we both knew what I said was a lie. He definitely could if he wanted to.
“My family and friends will start freaking out when I don’t return next week.” My voice was shaky when I said those words because they held zero truth. But he didn’t know that. Right? “Someone will come looking for me.”
He cocked his head slightly, his gaze steady, his expression unreadable. “I don’t like lies, Dolly. Let’s just keep it the truth between us, okay?”
I swallowed, trying to push down the thick, nervous lump in my throat.
“Even if what you said were true,” he said, low and steady, “it wouldn’t matter. No one will find us. No one will take you from me.”
“This is crazy.” My voice rose with my anger. “I’m nothing to you. Let me go.” I felt my face heating with my emotions.
“You’re everything to me.”
I felt like my eyes bulged out of my head at those words.
“I don't even know you.” In my head, that truth was screamed in a surge of panic, but it was nothing but a breathy whisper from my lips.
He was still and silent for long seconds, but then he leaned forward, braced his elbows on his jean-clad thighs, and stared at me. “But I know you, Dolly.” There was this fervent edge to his tone, as if he needed me to understand and accept it. “I've watched you. I understand and know you in ways no one else ever could.”
Oh my God. He’s a lunatic. Psychopathic.
I was still standing on the other side of the bed and took several shaky steps back, my body coming in contact with the wall. “This is insane. You’re insane.”
He stood then, and when he moved closer, I opened my mouth and screamed… but nothing came out. It was nothing but a fear-stricken gust of air that left me, and I couldn’t stop it until he stood right in front of me.
“I don't want to frighten you,” he whispered so gently it made me want to believe him with everything in me. “Don’t you understand?” He reached out and touched a lock of my hair, and I flinched, as if that touch burned me like a brand. “I want us to build a future together. I want you to trust me. And I know that’ll take time.” He stared at that lock of hair between his fingers, rubbing the strands as if mesmerized by the sight. “And I have all the time in the world for you, little darling.”
My arms were crossed over my chest, a defensive pose to protect myself. But the sting of the fresh tattoo reminded me I couldn’t protect myself at all from this man.
A wave of female rage built inside me again, and I placed my hands on his chest and pushed him. Surprisingly, I pushed him back an inch, but I knew I only could because he allowed me to.
I held up my wrist. “This isn't trust. This is abuse.”
A shadow of darkness passed over his face, and I inhaled sharply, afraid of what I saw.
“Saying that shit isn’t helping matters.” With one more hard, unyielding look, Lars turned and headed for the door. “I suggest you eat and finish your water. After that, get some rest.” He didn’t look at me, just stared at where he gripped the door handle. “Your clothes are in your bag. Put them in the dresser as you see fit.” He glanced back at me then. “Once you’re feeling better, we’ll wash you up and talk more later.”
“We’ll wash you up?” Oh, hell no!
He opened the door, but before walking out of it, he said, “It’s best if you don't leave. The cabin is out in the middle of nowhere. The woods are dangerous, and you’ll just end up hurting yourself before I get to you.” He stared at me with cold, black eyes. “And I will find you. Be smart about this, Dolly.” With that ominous statement hanging between us, he left and silently shut the door behind him.