It’s a fairly plain room. There is a bed in the center, with a metal headboard and footboard, plus a nightstand. The bedding is simple, light green with large, fluffy pillows. She stands at the side of the bed, turning her head to look behind her.

  I watch as her father walks into the room. Another room that I don’t have a listening device hidden inside, and I’m completely fucking regretting it. Lifting my hands, I press my fingertips together as I watch what’s unfolding in front of me.

  Scoggins moves toward her. She faces him fully, her eyes finding his. She tilts her head backward slightly, her eyes focused on her father’s. She slides her gaze to the side, then shifts it back to meet his. She tips her chin in a single nod before taking a step backward.

  My brain is fucked up, so it goes to some seriously sick fucking thoughts. But then again, isn’t that who this motherfucker is? He is a sick piece of shit, and I have a feeling I know just how deep his depravity goes.

  My phone rings. I don’t bother looking at the caller ID, mainly because I can’t look away from the computer. I have to watch the inside, the outside, all of it. I’m trying to concentrate on what’s going on, and really, I don’t have time to answer phone calls, but I do anyway.

  “Vaughn.”

  “We need to have a meeting tonight,” Theron murmurs. “An hour.”

  I press my lips together in a thin line. “I can’t tonight,” I say. “I’m onto something.”

  “Are you going to end him tonight?” Theron asks.

  I want to tell him yes, but I’m not sure. If I kill him right now, what does that mean for Elodie? I think I may want her even more now. Maybe it’s because of some kind of trauma bond thing. I don’t know what it is, but I find her absolutely fucking mesmerizing.

  Absolutely mesmerizing. I should not be as attracted to her as I am, but I’m going with it for now. Maybe once I fuck her, I’ll be over it. Maybe it’s just that forbidden aspect. The trauma, the forbidden, whatever the fuck it is, I don’t know, but if I don’t get a taste of her to assuage my desires, then I don’t think I’m going to be able to think straight.

  “What are you onto?” he asks.

  “I think there is a big fish coming to Scoggins’s place. I’m watching now.”

  “Call me.”

  Theron ends the call abruptly, knowing that I’m focusing on the job. At least that’s what he thinks I’m focused on. I’m trying hard to keep my attention on Scoggins, but admittedly, Elodie holds far more of my focus than she should.

  Headlights flash in the corner of my eye. Turning toward the outside feed, I watch as a sedan pulls into the driveway. It’s expensive. An Audi. A moment later, a man unfolds from the back seat.

  Whoever he is, he has a driver.

  Interesting.

  Scoggins shakes the man’s hand. I can’t see his face yet. He’s tall, wearing a suit, his hair short and perfectly combed. He appears to be a businessman. And judging by the car and the quality of the suit, even from just the camera, I can tell it’s expensive and tailored to him.

  They’re making small talk, nothing major or even worth taking note of and remembering. I’m trying to get a clear image of his face. I’m going to send it to Hale and Boden in hopes they’ll be able to figure out his identity. Though I’m not holding my breath, at least not with the speed I’d need the information.

  I don’t see his face as Scoggins guides him toward the bedroom, where Elodie is wearing that ridiculous dress. But before Scoggins opens the door, the stranger reaches for his hand, stopping him.

  “How old is she?”

  Scoggins turns his head. “Eighteen.”

  “Eighteen?” he asks, his voice deepening and a tone of disapproval lacing his single word.

  Scoggins chuckles. “Barely. I thought this would be a good way to earn trust on both sides.”

  Trust. What a fucking joke. What a whole piece of shit. There’s nothing about these men that I would ever equate with the word trust. Shaking that thought out of my head, I continue to watch them, wishing I could get more of a slight profile of this fucker’s face.

  “That I can get behind. Once I’ve tried out what you have to offer, I would like to discuss different options. You have different options, yes?”

  My stomach turns.

  Yes, these sick fucks are those kinds of sick fucks, and I know exactly what he’s talking about. Scoggins confirms with a single head nod before he pushes the door open. The stranger walks into the bedroom. I flick my attention to the bedroom and ball my fingers into fists at my sides.

  Elodie is in the middle of the bed, on her knees, her eyes downcast. Her poofy dress spread out around her. The man grunts. Scoggins doesn’t leave. He walks in behind him, closing the door, and stands at the wall, watching.

  The stranger keeps his back to the cameras as if he knows exactly where they are placed. As he approaches the bed, I watch as he lifts his hand, cupping Elodie’s chin and forcing her head up, forcing her to look at him.

  Then, as if a band snaps, his control slips, and he grips the sides of her face, her cheeks, forcing her mouth to open slightly. He leans forward, his face just inches from hers, almost as if he’s examining… her teeth.

  I’m done.

  ELODIE

  The man walks into the bedroom. I don’t know him. He doesn’t introduce himself. He’s dressed to the nines in a suit nicer than I’ve ever seen before. He’s handsome, too. Green eyes, light-brown hair, tall and lean.

  It’s a shame because he’s definitely a pervert. I find myself wondering if he has a famous model-type girlfriend. He probably does, and either she knows what he’s into and doesn’t care, or she is oblivious.

  My wondering stops when he grabs my cheeks. When he leans forward, I know what’s happening. I can’t remember the last time someone did this to me, but I know what it is without even having to think about it.

  He’s inspecting my teeth.

  He turns his head slightly, looking over to my father, arching a brow with a grin. “She seems to be in good health. You’ve taken care of her teeth.”

  My father clears his throat before he speaks. “She is. She sees a doctor regularly and undergoes regular testing. Everything I do is and will always be aboveboard. Elodie isn’t just one of my girls. She is my daughter. My prized girl.”

  My stomach clenches with every word my father says. He’s trying to sell me to this man, at least sell what I am, entice him to want me. To take me. To use me. I want to throw up everywhere.

  The man dips his chin in a single nod before he straightens, thankfully releasing my chin. “Show me what’s under that pretty little dress, doll baby.”

  His words come out syrupy. I hide the shiver of disgust that slithers up and down my spine. The very last thing I want to do is show him any part of me, but I know my father will lose his mind if I don’t, and it’s not like I can leave.

  Inwardly, I scream, while outwardly, I do as he demands. Slowly, I spread my knees apart, making sure to sit on my ass. Placing my heels on the mattress, I gently glide my skirt and petticoat up my thighs. I’m not wearing any panties, but if I just flash him, he’s not going to like that. He wants the little-girl vibes, so I have to go with shy and meek.

  I’m just about to expose myself to him, just a little bit, when the door flies open. I gasp before I even look up. A man stands in the doorway—a tall man with dark clothes. I have no idea who he is, and he doesn’t give me enough time to study his features.

  I watch in horror and fascination as he turns to my father, points a gun at his temple, and pulls the trigger. Then he shifts his attention to the man in front of me and does the same. They fall onto the floor, not a single word spoken, and the extra-long tube at the end of his gun is the reason it was so quiet. He’s got a suppressor.

  I’m frozen where I am on the bed, my skirts still hiked almost all the way up my thighs. I can’t move. Clearly, I am not a fight-or-flight type of girl. I’m a freeze-in-my-spot kind of girl. The man turns toward me, his blue eyes sparkling as he watches me for a silent moment.

  “You got anything you want to take with you out of this house?” he asks.

  My lips part, and I shake my head. There’s nothing here I want. “This whole house could ignite, and I wouldn’t give a single shit if I ever saw anything again.”

  “Sounds good,” he says with a grunt. His eyes scan the room before he jerks his chin. “Change outta that shit and pack a bag. Hurry.”

  My body finally moves. I jump. I don’t know what it is about the way he tells me what to do, but I scramble off the bed and sprint to my room. After changing out of the ugly-as-hell dress, I grab a pair of sweats and a tank top, then throw some panties and clothes from my drawers into my backpack that I used for school. Anything else I’m going to have to figure out later.

  The man is standing in the doorway, his eyes on me for a moment. Those blue eyes hold me completely and totally frozen. Rendering me absolutely useless. He moves toward me, standing so close to me that my breath hitches. He smells amazing, of ocean breeze and sandalwood. I didn’t think those could mix, but they do… and well.

  When he reaches forward, I hold my breath, unsure of what he’s going to do next, but he surprises me by extending his arm and grabbing my bag, tugging it out of my hands.

  “Come,” he demands.

  I watch as he spins on his heels and walks out of my bedroom. I follow behind him. I’m not sure why, but it seems like a much better idea than staying here. I don’t think staying is going to do me any favors… it never has.

  Chapter Six

  VAUGHN

  I did not do that job the way I should have. It was messy, emotional, and unorganized. But I also didn’t see another way around it, because no way in fuck could I have let this motherfucker touch Elodie.

  The pull I feel toward her, from the moment I laid eyes on just her picture, is otherworldly. I can’t explain it. I don’t think I ever could.

  She follows behind me, and I can hear her flip-flops clacking. Click-clack. And I can’t help but grin. Never would I have imagined myself with a woman who wears flip-flops. I enjoy everything expensive, including the finest money can buy, personal shoppers, food delivery, and high-end clothes and shoes.

  I lived a life of poverty and was abused by the hands of powerful men. I swore I would never be vulnerable ever again. I choose to kill in an effort to keep my own monsters at bay. It is the only way I can contain the beast within me, the reward being the money and security I crave.

  As we walk across the street, I chuckle at the sound of the clickity-clack of her shoes as they echo throughout the night air. It should not make me smile, but it does. It’s a bit of comic relief in a very serious situation.

  Walking into the Airbnb, I stand to the side to allow her to pass. She stops at the front porch, tilting her head back, her eyes finding mine. “You were at the window.”

  Elodie’s voice is filled with wonder and awe. She slips into the house, only stopping just inside. I do the same and close the door behind me. She doesn’t turn the lights on, which I’m grateful for. I don’t need them on. I’m waiting for a phone call.

  I’ve already sent the license plate number to Boden. I’m not sure that anything will come of it, though. It’s probably owned under a fucking shell company. Probably Pointe Industries or some shit.

  “What happens now?” Elodie’s voice calls out from across the room.

  I didn’t even realize she’d moved to the other side of the room. I was so lost inside my own head that I wasn’t paying attention. This is the way people fucking die. Although there are three bodies across the street, I think I’m safe here at least for a few hours.

  “Now I make sure that scene is set the right way.”

  “How?”

  As much as I want to tell her, I don’t. I can’t trust her. Just because I saved her, just because my cock craves her, that doesn’t mean I know her. And I’m not sure I need to know more than what she feels like when I’m inside her.

  “Don’t worry about it. I have it handled.”

  And I do.

  It might have been messy, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t set the scene the way it needed to be for an open-and-shut murder-suicide case. I was more than ready to do that shit the day I showed up here, before Elodie… watching her, taking her in, figuring out her story.

  Now that I know, there was no way in fuck I was able to leave her there alone. I’m taking her with me. I’m not sure how this story is going to end, but it’s going to begin with her walking away from that fucking hellhole.

  The rest is up to her, up to the fucking universe.

  “How?” she asks again.

  Closing the distance between us, I move toward her. I want to take her in my arms, kiss her, and show her that whatever the fuck has been happening to her, that’s not the way it’s supposed to feel.

  I don’t do that, though.

  She flinches, taking a step backward. She doesn’t know me, not yet, but she will. I don’t make another move. Instead, I stop and take her in. I have to remember that I killed two men in front of her. No doubt she’s nervous as fuck.

  “Are you hungry?” I ask.

  She shakes her head, but I know she hasn’t eaten. I’ve been watching her long enough that I know she hardly eats at all. Although it wouldn’t take more than one look at her extremely small frame to know that as well.

  “You need to eat,” I state.

  “Are you going to kill me?”

  Her words shouldn’t upset me, yet they do, just a little. My lips twitch into a smirk. “Babe, if I were going to kill you, you’d be dead already. But you need food.”

  She doesn’t say anything, I hear her swallow, and I know she must be nervous. Jerking my head toward the kitchen, I ask her to come in there with me. I don’t want to take my eyes off her, at least not yet, not until we’re out of town and heading home.

  “I’m going to make you some sweet potatoes, chicken, and green beans.”

  Choosing that menu isn’t just for her. It’s for me, too. I need some protein and sustenance. This is the meal I had planned, and I was going to make double for meal prep, but Elodie can have it instead.

  She can have anything.

  “That sounds like a lot,” she murmurs.

  My lips twitch into a smirk. “Sit at the bar and talk to me,” I order.

  She does, but hesitantly. I know she’s got a million different questions, but right now, I’m not going to answer them. I figure the road trip to get back to Nights will be a good time to go over all that shit.

  “Who are you?” she asks.

  I guess I owe her at least that much. As I start to peel the purple sweet potato, I tell her my name. “Vaughn McCrae,” I say. “I’m from Nights, North Carolina.”

  There is silence, and she doesn’t ask anything else immediately., I finish peeling the potato, but before I cut it up into cubes, I look up at her, arching a brow in silent question.

  “I’m so confused. You know who my father is… was… don’t you?”

  My lips twitch into a smirk. “I do,” I murmur. “In more ways than one, Elodie.”

  ELODIE

  In more ways than one.

  He knows.

  This sexy stranger knows.

  And my cheeks tint pink with embarrassment about how much he actually knows. I watch as he moves around the kitchen. It doesn’t take him long to make the bowls, and as the smells waft toward me, my stomach growls with anticipation.

  I’m starving.

  I can’t even think of which question I want to ask him. I’m too hungry and frankly exhausted to even think of any. Sure, they’re there, rolling around inside my brain, spinning in circles, but the words don’t come out.

  When he slides the bowl toward me, I am ravenous. Thanking him as he slips the fork into my palm, I tuck into the bowl, closing my eyes as I begin to eat. It’s amazing, warm, and filling. Only when I’m about halfway through the meal do I look up at this man, this stranger who may have saved me from the depths of one hell, but that doesn’t mean he won’t throw me into the fires of another.

  “What are you going to do with me?” I ask.

  “That depends,” he murmurs, but he doesn’t continue.

  He takes a few more bites of his own food, chews, then swallows before he clears his throat. “On you,” he continues. “On what you want.”

  I’m confused. I’m a woman in a man’s world. It has never mattered what I want… ever. I don’t say that, but he has to know. He must. He knew what he walked in on, so much so that I could see the rage in his eyes. I know it was rage. Because his eyes have lightened, the blue is now almost crystal.

  “I don’t understand,” I whisper.

  Because I don’t understand. Not a single part of this makes sense to me. This stranger walked into my house, killed another stranger, and my father. I don’t know if he’s like them or if he’s a vigilante. And he could tell me one thing, and I still wouldn’t know what was true.

  So, I’m sticking by my not-understanding statement.

  “You’re coming with me, then once I know you’re safe, you can figure the rest out.”

  Figure the rest out.

  “With what money?” I ask.

  He tilts his head to the side, his eyes searching mine, then his lips curve up slowly. “Don’t worry about that, Goldie.”

  “Goldie?” I ask.

  I choose to ignore the devilish grin on his face while he assures me that I don’t have to worry about money. Because who the hell doesn’t have to worry about money? Money is the main reason for me still being in that situation, in that house.

  If I didn’t have to worry about money, I would have left a long time ago, at the very least the second I turned eighteen.

  “Golden hair. I could call you gray?”

  “For my eyes?” I ask.

  He grins, giving me a wink before he turns to the sink. I watch as he washes out his bowl, then clears his throat and turns back to me. He flicks his gaze to the bowl, then back up to meet mine.

 

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