Page 66 of Hunt Me

But I needed help. I could avoid the horrible situation only for so long.

After turning off the water, I waited for a few seconds before grabbing a towel. As I stepped out, I noticed my reflection in the mirror. I’d left the door open so there was only a small amount of steam on the glass. I dried off, almost succumbing to tears. That wasn’t going to happen. I was much stronger than that.

I wrapped the thick terrycloth around my chest, shoving in the corners before taking a step toward the counter. I wiped the mirror with my hand, staring at my reflection. My eyes appeared haunted. I’d never been through anything like this in my life. The girl staring back at me was somehow different, as if the bubble her life had been protected by had just popped. I was no fool. However this played out, my life would be in danger.

I dropped my head, controlling my breathing. Doing the right thing no matter how much danger I’d place myself in was all I could do. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself otherwise. A man had died. Murdered. A single sob left my throat.

After leaving the light on, I headed into the bedroom, stopping immediately. Hadn’t I left a light on? A cold shiver trickled down my spine as I swept the room with my eyes.

Click.

When the television shut off, I yelped, backing away from the screen.

A light was flicked on by the bed, immediately drawing my attention. I blinked several times before I registered what I was seeing. As soon as I did, a knot formed in my stomach.

“Hello, Bristol. Are you happy to see me?” His seductive voice was entirely different, this time nothing more than a dark growl.

One of hunger.

One of rage.

And one of possession.

Mikhail.

CHAPTER 17

Bristol

Mikhail Dmitriyev was even more impressive and formidable than before. Perhaps because he sat casually in the plush chair by the bed, studying me with a smile on his face. Wearing dark trousers and a white shirt similar to the first time I’d met him, the difference was he was without a jacket, his sleeves rolled up past his elbows.

He’d loosened his tie, unfastening several buttons on his shirt, and exposed a forbidden hint of his muscular chest. Even in the shadows, he was far too attractive.

The thought annoyed me.

No matter what he might lead me to believe, he wasn’t some innocent man who’d simply lost an employee to a horrible crime.

“What… How did you…” Unable to finish the sentence, I swallowed hard, trying to think about an escape route. Just with what I’d heard on the news report, I knew the man was capable of anything.

He chuckled in response, tipping his head to the side as he studied me. With his one leg crossed over the other, he had an elbow on the arm of the chair, allowing him to rub the tip of his index finger back and forth across his full lips.

“You followed me or had me followed,” I hissed, anger furrowing just beneath the surface. I hiked up the towel, refusing to give him the satisfaction of knowing I was terrified.

I dared to lock eyes with his, the bathroom light creating a slight glow over every inch of his incredible body. The television remote remained in his hand, and I could swear I was able to notice a glint of steel from a weapon. He’d also snagged my phone, placing it on the nightstand near him and several yards away from me.

There’d be no calling for help and Josie’s closest neighbor might not hear me scream given the thick concrete walls. What the hell was he doing here?

I’d been right. He’d quickly learned someone had been at the murder scene. As soon as he’d heard there was a witness, he’d become determined to find them. How had I been found? Fuck.

I was able to see the curve of his angular jaw, his voluptuous lips and his long fingers. He was gorgeous, dangerous, and tonight he appeared like a true threat.

“If you’re asking how I discovered who you are and where I could find you, I assure you that I have extensive connections in several cities. Plus, you were my sister’s bridesmaid. You take a lovely picture, Bristol.”

His sister.

Lilia. How much did she know about her brother’s dangerous persona and why hadn’t she told me? No, why hadn’t she warned me to stay away from him? Had she not noticed us together the night of her wedding? What was I saying? She’d been too googly-eyed over her husband. And to think I’d been jealous.

“That doesn’t give you the right to break in.”