Page 5

She’s so tiny.

“You alright over there?” Cocking her head to the side, I am unable to form words. “What’s your name?” she asks, stepping closer to my side. Why is she stepping closer to me?

She is making me uncomfortable, and it isn’t something I am used to. Especially from someone half the size of myself.

Oh god why is she so close to me?

“Zion,” I find myself answering her.

What the fuck?

Now I register my mistake. Not only did I tell her my actual name, but I’m still wearing the mask that hides my identity from everyone. I am The Butcher with this mask on, the hired hitman, the killer, the monster. Yet not even twenty-four hours of knowing her and I am ready to rip this thing off my face. It is unsettling. It is weird. Awkward. Uncomfortable.

Something is seriously wrong with me.

“Well, Zion, since so far, you’ve been the nicest kidnapper I’ve met, I’m going to push my luck and ask for food. I’m starving.” Backing away, she jumps onto the bed, settling her back against the headboard, tucking her legs underneath her ass.

Glancing around, I’m so stupid. Of course, she’s hungry. She’s been locked in a basement for God knows how long. Looking at my duffle bag once more, I take out the small jar of peanut butter I carry and sandwich bread.

“I don’t have much,” I mumble. Obviously, we’re in a damn hotel room.

“That’s fine, I’m not picky.” Tucking her hair behind her ear, a strange feeling washes over me. I want to tuck her hair behind her ear. Shaking my head, I grab the jar, holding it up.

“Peanut butter sandwich alright?” Like she has no idea what peanut butter is.

“That’s fine with me.”

Getting busy, I make two sandwiches and grab a water bottle from my bag. Handing them over, she wastes no time shoveling food into her mouth. At a loss for what to do, I watch. My eyes never leave her mouth as she chews and swallows before taking another bite.

“So why did you kidnap me?” she asks around a mouthful of food.

“I didn’t kidnap you.”

She lets out a small laugh, swallows, and finally looks up at me. “You took me from a cage, carried me to your bike, which you also set me on, and ordered me to sit back.” Another bite. “And then you drove me to a hotel that’s… well, Zion, it’s weird.” Swallow and another bite. “But thanks for letting me shower and eat before you get all murderous and torture me.”

I step back, frowning at the words she just said. Thanks for letting me shower and eat before you get all murder…

Of course, she thinks I’m going to kill her. I’ve barely spoken a few words to her, and I’m wearing a creepy mask.

“I’m not going to torture you.”I growl. Fuck could I sound even more like an asshole.

“Okay, well, thanks for that. But before you kill me, you think since you’re being so accommodating—could it be possible to get some coffee? It’s been a long time. And man, have I been craving some.” Another bite, another drink of water, all while making eye contact. Why won’t she look away?

Stop fucking staring at me!

“I’m not going to kill you either,” I finally say once she finishes her food.

“Well, I ain’t letting you rape me,” she rushes out, narrowing her beautiful eyes at me.

Fuck she’s so beautiful.

“Jesus fuck.” My head hurts. How can she go from thanking me, to torturing and murdering her, to rape? Something is seriously wrong with her. “I’m not going to hurt you or do anything to you.” Taking the empty water bottle from her, I toss it into the trash.

“Okay,” she mutters. “Then, uh, why am I here?” Finally, she glances around, unsure of herself. She looks nervous, and I find myself not liking it. I don’t want her to feel nervous around me. Everyone always does. If not for my size, then for the mask I wear or from not talking. Plus, she hadn’t been nervous before now, so there shouldn’t be a reason.

“I’m not sure,” I tell her the truth. Looking over at the clock, it reads one in the morning. I don’t feel tired, but I imagine she must be. “Come on, get under the covers.”

“I am NOT sleeping with you.” She glares. “I need to leave anyway. Since you know, you aren’t going to hurt me as you said.”