Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 30161 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 151(@200wpm)___ 121(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30161 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 151(@200wpm)___ 121(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
“She only had it for one month, but I’m going to dive into that next. I think that’s where they might have lured her in. From her bank records, the girl is a creature of habit and routine. She basically does the same shit every day. Gets coffee and food at the same places, reads a shit ton. Her phone records look like she keeps to herself. It’s why I think the dating app is where this stemmed from, but I’m running checks on the people that visit and work at one of her favorite coffee shops and the grocery store.”
Those fuckers who took her knew it would take time for people to realize she was missing and that there wouldn’t be many people digging hard to find her. I believe they targeted her because they knew it would be easy for her to slip through the cracks of missing person cases.
“What about the laptop?” I have a feeling he’s saving that for last.
Knox lets out a long breath. “Kilduff got a hundred grand for her on an online auction. Arrangement was half up front and the other half on delivery. I need more time to backtrack and trace this fucker who bought her, but I do know he’s still looking for her. I’ll send you over everything so you can read through all the messages and shit, but this is all on the black web. Like I said, I need more time to track.”
“Thanks, I owe you one,” I say, knowing there is nothing I can do but wait for now.
“You don’t owe me shit. This is why we do this kind of thing. To find scum who think they can buy women like property. If he can’t find her, I’m sure he’ll be trying for another girl.”
“What do you think?” I turn to see Bunny standing there. “Oh, sorry. Didn’t know you were on the phone.”
“You’re fine, babe.” I pull out one of the chairs at the kitchen island. “I think your dress is gorgeous.” She gives me one of those smiles that lights up her face. If anyone looked at her right now, they would never guess the hell she’s been through.
“I’ll leave you to it,” Knox says before he ends the call.
I don’t have to ask any more questions because I know everything he’s got will be in my inbox in seconds. I drop my phone down on the counter.
“What are you thinking for breakfast?” I ask as I bend down and swipe a kiss from her shiny lips, tasting strawberry.
“Everything okay?” She licks her lips.
“Yeah, doing some digging is all.”
“Did you find anything out?” Fuck. How do I even handle this?
“A few bits, but I’m sure we’ll get more. Are you hungry?” I try to shift the conversation again.
“Yogurt with strawberry and granola. That’s what I love to eat for breakfast. I love strawberries. It hit me when I was putting on the lip gloss the girls left.”
“You’re remembering some things?” I pause.
“I don’t know. It’s like I see things in my mind, but I think they’re a dream but I’m not sure they are.” Her brows pull together. “I live in an apartment, I think. There was only a shower. That dawned on me when I debated taking a bath.”
“You can take a bath anytime you want.” This is her home now too. I want her to start to feel that.
“I think I’m alone, Ben.” She drops her gaze. I put my finger under her chin and lift her head, making her eyes meet mine.
“You’re not alone, Bunny. I’m here. You’re my girl.”
“I want that, but I think I need to know who I was and what happened.”
“All right,” I agree. “I’ll make you breakfast and tell you what I know so far, but I don’t want you going back to your place yet. Not right now.”
“You know where I belong?” Her eyes widen. It’s a jab to my chest.
“Yeah, I know where you belong, Bunny.”
With me.
8
Bunny
Charlotte Lane.
The name felt familiar the second Ben said it. A rush of memories came flooding back but not in any real order. Things like what my apartment looks like and my office. It was all fuzzy, but I knew it was real. Still, there are gaps. People's faces without names.
“Bunny—”
“I thought it’s Charlotte now.” I turn to face Ben. He’s dressed in jeans and a black shirt with his company's logo on it.
“You’re always going to be my Bunny.” The second the words leave his mouth, I burst into tears. All these emotions come bubbling out. He grabs me, pulling me into his arms. “Shit, I don’t have to call you Bunny.”
“I love Bunny,” I say through sobs. “Do I have to leave now? Go back?”
“No.” His hands come to my face to cup my cheeks. He leans down, getting close. Something I’ve noticed he does when I start to get overwhelmed. “I don’t want you going anywhere. Even if it all comes back to you. I want you here. With me.”