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His cryptic answer is infuriating. Why can’t he just be direct? The only time he is direct is if he is threatening me. I let out a deep breath, and turn my attention out the window. I can feel his eyes burning holes into the back of my head.

A warm hand finds its place on my thigh, and my legs instinctively snap together. He lets out a chuckle. I don’t remove my gaze from the window. His touch is possessive. Deep down, I wish he were touching me in other places.

We drive for about twenty minutes in brutal silence, and we are met with an iron gate. He rolls down his window and enters a code. The gates open smoothly, not making a sound. He creeps his way past the gate, and his car crawls up the steep driveway.

It’s beautiful. The home sits on the edge of a mountainside. It is black and has deep brown wooden accents. It is very modern and dark. Like him, it looks cold. Beautiful, but frigid.

He pulls the car around the side of the home, leading us into a garage that sits beneath the house. I take note of how we got in, just in case I need to know how to get out. After all, I just got in the car with a monster, and he has taken me to his lair.

9

The Masked Man

We park underneath my house in the garage. The house sits on about 50 acres and is the perfect place for me to live. Alone and secluded. The last thing I need is work following me home. I purposefully had my house built on the side of a mountain. That way if anyone fucks with me, I can just hurl them over the edge. I haven’t had to do that yet, but I look forward to the day when I get to.

I step out of my car, smirking to myself underneath my mask. I have her right where I want her, and she came willingly. Fuck. I dismiss the thought from my head, knowing I need to be patient with her. Even though I love chasing her, I don’t want her to run. Not today.

I walk around and escort her out of the car. I offer her my hand, which she doesn’t take; instead, she keeps her arms in front of herself, further closing herself off. I begin walking toward the elevator, and she follows, scanning her surroundings. My little princess is more aware of her surroundings. Good girl.

Once inside, I take us to the first floor. There are three. The top floor is primarily a main suite, while the other two levels feature entertaining and guest rooms. I don’t do much entertaining, though. Lucienis the only other person who knows about my house.

We step inside, and I can see the curiosity in her eyes.

“Is this your home?” She says softly.” Yes.”

“Do you live alone?”

“Yes.”

She nods and walks further into the home. It features a dark theme, characterized by predominantly black and neutral tones. I’m not one for color.

“It’s… dark,” she states the obvious.

I walk around to the bar, “Can I get you a drink? Champagne?”

“Yes, please.”

Even when I’m not looking at her, I can feel her blushing. She enjoys the feeling of fear. I have read every single book she has read since I started following her, which is a lot. All of which are thrillers. Her body craves the thrill, but her mind hasn’t caught up yet.

I bring her glass over and take off for the elevator.

“Where are we going?”

“The master suite.”

She stares at the floor, not moving.

“I’ll wait here.”

I hold the door open with my foot.

“No. You will come with me.”

She rolls her eyes at me.

“You can’t boss me around. I don’t want to go into your room.” She juts out her hip, flipping her hair over her shoulder, offering a view of her delicate skin. Her shoulder is exposed due to the lack of coverage from her silk tank top.

“Do you want to go home?”