CHAPTER 13

Z ach

“Are you certain you’re okay, Zach? Do you need to come to my office?” Jacob had tried to get ahold of me twice. I’d been forced to take the late-night call lest he show up at my house.

“Why in God’s name are you so worried about me?” I asked as I stared out the window of my Charger. “And you’re up late, or did you just crawl out of bed?”

“Come on. First of all, I was certain you were going to kill Brant. Then there was the issue with that customer. Don’t think I didn’t notice. I also knew you’d be awake. This is your bewitching hour.”

I laughed. “You worry too much.”

“I know you too well and the pain you’ve gone through. Are you having nightmares again?”

Now he was bordering on tampering in my life. I closed and rubbed my eyes, hating the rush of fury he didn’t deserve. “They haven’t occurred in almost a year.”

“What about the Obsidian Society? You’re not planning on participating. Are you?” Jacob was very pointed in his questions. Often, I was angry with myself for admitting anything. Yes, he would keep our discussions confidential, but that didn’t mean he hadn’t invaded my privacy more than once.

Although I was forced to admit he had a reason. I’d only admitted my evil deeds when I’d almost killed the wrong man. I’d come this close to carving him up like a tuna fish when I’d realized the mistaken identity. I’d been lucky I’d worn a mask, gloves, and unidentifiable clothes or my ass would be in prison. I’d needed to talk to someone since the rage had nearly consumed me.

And when I didn’t have an outlet, people who’d gotten in the way had often been hurt. If I’d been Jacob, I would have labeled my psychosis as having a split personality and stuck me in an asylum. He’d talked me down, able to return my calm demeanor.

“That’s a company decision, buddy. I told you that.”

“Brant pushing you isn’t helping.”

“He’s a guy on a mission and thinks he can use what he read in a newspaper.”

Jacob sighed. “I get it, but he could possibly cause your company trouble.”

“We can handle it and this has nothing to do with that waitress.” My precious kitty. I was hungry once again.

“Don’t kid a man like me, Zach. I saw the way you looked at that waitress. She’s your type.”

“I didn’t know I had a type.”

He laughed. “You do. Why don’t you just ask her out on a date? Did you ever think of that?”

“Bor-ring. Are you certain you don’t want to partake in what the games have to offer?”

“You forget. I get enough crazy. No pun intended.”

Now I laughed. “Stop worrying. I’m fine. In fact, I’m feeling damn good.”

“O-kay, if you say so, but if the nightmares return, call me.”

“Yes, Doc. I need to run.”

“Take care of yourself, Zach. I don’t want to worry.” Jacob meant he didn’t want to feel pressured to turn me in to the police.

“Will do.” I slid the phone into my jacket and sighed. The nightmares hadn’t returned, but the edginess had. My sweet kitten had affected me. I allowed the word salvation to linger. Maybe she was the one.

Information was often the key to conquering a dynasty.

I’d heard that from a professor many years before. It had been his way of convincing his students to keep their noses to the grindstone. I’d done so only because everything had come easily to me. I’d preferred the perks of being an athlete, including having women fawn all over me.

But even being the top dog had grown boring after a year or so. Mack had been a star quarterback. We’d hit it off immediately. He had his share of groupies as well. We’d considered ourselves the princes of the university.

It was interesting where boredom had taken us. Pranks had led to petty theft, but the acts had barely nurtured our souls and not for very long.

Going after women we had no business attempting to capture had come later.

We’d made it a game, attempting to find a way of luring the most beautiful or the wealthiest woman in town into a brief but passionate love affair. Some of the women had been married. That hadn’t stopped us.

Over the last year of school, we’d been damn lucky we hadn’t gotten shot between the eyes. I’d learned several lessons during that time including the best methods of stalking. That had to do with learning everything about the chosen target. Absolutely everything. That had taken planning and skill. Once I had a name, I’d begun what I’d believed was a brilliant plan.

The easiest aspect involved social media.

That was the moment the Seducer had been born. Mack had used Mr. Big for whatever reason. We’d referred to ourselves that way during our adventures. And they’d been fascinating.

Socialites were often narcissists, needing adoring fans posing as friends to compliment everything about them. Their style of attire. Their latest hairstyle. Their new vacation home. If I ran a security firm, I’d tell those who posted on any form of social media to guard their personal life with due diligence. Few did.

Criminals took advantage of that.

Sara Capshaw.

Sweet.

Innocent.

Seductive.

She was far too vulnerable for a man like me. Discovering her real name had been easy. I’d known Tom Willis for years. I wouldn’t consider him a friend, but someone I could count on if and when a favor was required. He’d told me her name, although he knew very little about her as well. Her address was in a decent enough part of town, but certainly nothing to write home about.

I’d spent the better part of an afternoon attempting to discover more about her life.

That had been frustrating as fuck.

What I’d found most interesting about my wild kitty was that while learning her name had been easy, she had almost no social media footprint. She’d set up a Facebook page almost eight years before, but hadn’t posted anything for six. She’d posted a few pictures, but they hadn’t told a single story about her.

I’d finally resorted to using a program designed to allow my brothers and me to hack into almost any computer and discover just about anything about any human alive. We often used the information for blackmail purposes when necessary.

What it couldn’t do was dig past the firewalls of security. That needed to change. However, I had Walker for that if necessary. She was hiding something. I could feel it in my bones. She was also a very cautious young woman.

She’d insisted arrangements be made to pick up her car where it had been towed from. Walker had taken it to her personally. I’d gone against my better judgment and had watched the transaction as it had occurred. I’d been there long enough waiting for her arrival that I’d witnessed the fact she’d taken a cab to the location. She hadn’t even asked a friend to drop her off at the club, which meant no one knew about her extracurricular activities.

I’d also noticed she’d tried to pay the man. Walker had refused or I would have hunted him down myself. She certainly didn’t like handouts. I’d wanted to follow her home, but had convinced myself otherwise. I’d had a meeting that needed my attention anyway. Now, nothing would hold me back from learning every scrap of information about her.

My sweet, wild kitty had almost no money, her small savings account holding a pittance, the girl living from paycheck to paycheck. From what I could tell, she wasn’t extravagant. There was no new car loan, three credit cards that had low balances, but she was tapped out of credit.

It had taken me a little while to discover the reason. She was paying her brother’s way through college. There was no mention why and I could find nothing on her parents. I found that fascinating, but it also raised a red flag.

Although not nearly as much as discovering where she worked for her daytime job.

In the administrative department of the Blackwell Group.

As soon as the discovery had been made, I’d craved the woman even more. She had a darker side, pretending she hadn’t known who I was when in fact, I was her boss. So to speak. The fact she’d kept a portion of her mask in position meant she’d been trying to keep her identity from me. Why?

I was more curious than ever.

My curiosity almost continued to have thoughts on why Jerry had changed his usual behavior. In my experience, he’d either been paid well to threaten her or had been blackmailed to. I’d need to keep an eye on him. No one would ever touch her again.

I’d almost been gleeful in learning the tidbit of information. Her employment record was spotless in the sense she was on paper a very good employee. She’d worked for the company for a little over a year, recently receiving a shitty raise. It barely covered the cost of living.

We paid our people well. I made a mental note to have a discussion with her boss.

I was fucking thrilled at the discovery, now eager to learn even more about Sara and what made her tick. Why the charade other than perhaps she was fearful her second job might get her fired? That was ridiculous. There were several employees who worked two jobs even though we paid very well. Living in Chicago was expensive. With a family in tow, it was difficult to keep food on the table and get ahead in life.

The single photograph held on file was of her driver’s license and it certainly told me nothing. She could be anyone walking the floor. I was more than eager to determine who she was. And what other mask she was hiding under.

My cock was twitching, my balls tightening. Was the sexy dancer playing a game? The rumors were flying about the yearly game. I’d heard a couple myself. It was impossible to keep dark and dangerous news from anyone these days. Everyone wanted their fifteen minutes of fame and after the news article had appeared on the possibility of the Obsidian Society’s existence, it had taken weeks for the gossip to quiet down. Was there a chance she was vying for an invitation? Absolutely.

How devious.

I pulled the Charger down the street, cutting the lights before rolling to a stop over a block away. Her apartment building was a typical brownstone like so many others lining the street. The area was quaint, having been popular in the nineteen twenties. With a few corner bars and other commercial establishments, people often walked to work and to play using the cracked but tree-lined sidewalks.

I took my time climbing out. I’d already cased the building by looking over the blueprints. There was a back entrance. That was perfect for remaining in the shadows. It was late, after three in the morning, very few people on the street given it was a weekday.

Wearing all black, I crossed the street, not worried in the least someone would look out their window and see a man approaching the building. I glanced up at the third-floor window overlooking the street. Her window. My wild kitty was home, leaving the club around midnight. I could already sense her presence. Besides, she wasn’t a party girl. All the lights were off, which meant she was safely tucked away for a short slumber.

I headed down the alleyway, making my way to the back door. There was a single security camera located inside the front main door. But nothing around back. I should warn her that the building she lived in wasn’t secure.

The lock itself was state of the art, but I’d learned a long time ago how to pick any lock and was damn good at doing so. Once inside, I grabbed my leather gloves, slipping into them as I peered down the short corridor to the laundry room. The older building creaked and cracked, but there was no other sound.

After tugging the mask from my back pocket, I grinned. I’d rather be wearing something more garish, but tonight was about blending in with the shadows. If my wild kitty was interested in the game, there would be plenty of time to share my dark world with her.

I took the stairs two at a time, mindful of any sounds. Although I could hear a muffled set of voices as if coming from a television in one of the apartments, there was nothing to be alarmed about. Her door had two locks. Smart girl. But it took me only a minute longer and I was inside.

Once I was, I breathed in the various scents in the small but tidy space. I gathered a whiff of the perfume she’d been wearing the night at the club. There were also hints of vanilla and perhaps lavender.

I moved through the living room. Given my eyes were already accustomed to the dark and the moon’s glow was flowing through the half open blinds, I could easily make out her space. She had a couch and a chair and just by running my hands over the surface, I could tell they were secondhand.

She had a few pictures on the walls, all of which were copies of art. The few photographs were grouped together. I moved closer, studying each. All four captured moments in her life, but only during the past few years. She was standing with a young boy who’d suddenly grown a head taller than she was. That had to be her brother.

There were no pictures of friends or her parents. I found that interesting.

I turned and headed toward the kitchen, passing a small table and four chairs. The stack of mail drew my attention. Almost every piece was a bill of some kind. A couple had been ripped open. They were past due by at least three months. One of them was a medical bill, the amount in excess of eighty thousand dollars.

A strange feeling of needing to protect her kicked in. I didn’t know the girl at all, yet I wanted to make it all better for her. There was a small notebook on the table as well, a pen with a chewed-on cap placed right beside it. I lifted the pad, grateful there was just enough light streaming in through the windows to be able to read the bold, dark writing. On one page was a budget, an abysmal one at that. The apartment was still expensive, the electricity through the roof. Between the kid’s tuition, rent, the medical bills, her credit card payments, and a single loan, she was mired in debt. That just wouldn’t do.

I flipped to another page, another smile rolling across my face. I’d been right. She’d made notes on the possible existence of the Obsidian Society. Most were thoughts, some based in the article she’d obviously read. Others were conjectures. And questions for herself about how she could receive an invitation.

How adorable.

Perhaps I should feel concerned, but I was delighted instead. She was determined to better herself. Maybe I would indeed offer her a chance. Why the hell not? She’d become my plaything after all.

I returned the notebook and scanned the room again. The beautiful girl lived frugally and had for a long time. Where the hell were her parents and the rest of her family? I made a mental note to try to find out.

Sighing, I retreated to the kitchen, the small area equipped nicely. When I opened the refrigerator door, I should feel as if I was invading her personal space, but I was more than curious as to the items she kept.

Healthy food including fruits and vegetables. Plus cheese. The girl liked her cheese. I moved to the cabinets, finding mismatched glasses, a decent set of plates and mugs, and a few cereals including Cap’n Crunch. Seeing the box made me smile.

When I noticed a hidden stash of Snickers bars, my cock ached all over again. Everyone had a little secret or two, something they felt embarrassed about letting anyone else know. I’d found a couple of Wild Kitty’s.

Satisfied, I was eager to spend time with her. I headed down the darkened hallway, slowly pushing open the partially closed first door with a single finger. Inside held all the appearances of a boy’s room, complete with trophies and pictures of the kid in softball and baseball uniforms. Unlike his sister, the brother had dozens of photos, many pinned to a large bulletin board.

I noticed one in particular and pulled the pin holding it to the corkboard. Her brother was in a leg cast all the way to his groin. Now I knew where the medical bills were coming from. My guess was his leg hadn’t healed properly.

I returned the photograph and left the kid’s room the way it was. The second room was a bathroom that hadn’t been used in a while. The third had to be her bedroom. My sweet Sara.

The door was fully open and the moment I stepped into the doorway, my pulse increased. There she was, my wild kitty sleeping under a thick comforter. I moved closer, even holding my breath as I did. It had been one hell of a long time since I’d invaded anyone’s private space. Every nerve ending tingled as I walked around to the other side. Her head was facing the window, the almost luminous light highlighting her serene face.

Hunger swelled within me, a need that I hadn’t felt in a very long time. I should have known one taste would never be enough.

I backed against the wall, enjoying the view. She barely stirred until she murmured in her sleep. Every sound she made was melodic. I leaned my head against the wall, remembering what it felt like to have her in my arms. I wanted nothing more than to drive my cock deep into her all over again.

Sara stirred, kicking off the comforter. I sensed she was experiencing a vivid dream. Much to my pleasure, she was wearing only a tee shirt and thin cotton panties. I stepped from the shadows, unable to keep from moving closer.

The way she tossed her head from side to side indicated an either violent or passionate set of images. I wanted so much to gather her into my arms, holding her tightly and ensuring no one would ever hurt her.

That would come soon enough.

She began to pant, fisting her hands at her sides. When she licked her lips, my balls tightened. A tiny moan slipped past her lips and she lifted her arm, brushing the tips of her fingers down her long neck to her chest where her hand lingered for a few seconds. I thought she was returning to a deeper sleep until she tossed back and forth, lifting one leg and shifting her other.

To my delight, she slipped her fingers under the thin elastic of her panties. I found myself edging even further from the shadows, watching her intently as she rolled her hand up and down the length of her pussy.

I was even rewarded with a sweet scent of her feminine wiles as she fingered herself. My attention was drawn tight as my balls, my desires almost crossing all sense of decency. I could easily make her my captive, securing her to the bed and enjoying a few hours of ravaging her body.

But I’d wait for the right moment.

She’d yet to figure out that with a single taste, she’d sparked something deep and incredible with the beast of my own personal darkness. She was far too precious, too special to waste. I remained by her bedside as she pleasured herself in slumber, moaning every few seconds when her fingers found the right spot.

I envisioned my tongue and cock doing the work, making her feel as beautiful and important as she’d become. Being near her as she pleasured herself was close enough for satisfaction. At least at this point. But I wasn’t a patient man under the best of circumstances. Doing so now was tempting the devil inside of me.

She managed to push her panties down by a couple of inches, exposing just enough that my mouth watered. She was wet, her panties soaked and her fabulous fragrance was increasing. I could easily do this night after night, but soon that wouldn’t be enough.

Her murmurs continued and if my ears weren’t playing tricks on me, I’d say she mentioned my name more than once.

Not the Phantom, but my real name.

A smile broke across my face as she was bringing herself to a spectacular orgasm. Her body stiffened, her lips pursing as they’d done when she was anxious. There was something sinful about being a voyeur at this moment.

Her toes curled as an orgasm swept through her. But almost immediately she slumped back against the pillows, her hand slipping away from her wetness a few seconds later. She finally rolled over on her side, not bothering to yank the covers over herself.

There was a distinct chill in the air, enough so that my protective side continued. As soon as she returned to a fast sleep, I moved even closer, gently tugging the sheets and comforter up to her shoulders.

Her eyes fluttered open once, her long lashes skimming across her shimmering cheeks. She wasn’t awake, the dream continuing. I eased a strand of hair from her face, sliding it behind her ear before allowing myself to brush my gloved fingers down her arm.

She shuddered audibly, but otherwise didn’t move.

If I was truly depraved, I’d leave a camera in her bedroom so I could watch her whenever I wanted from the privacy of my own home. Only that wasn’t good enough for a man like me.

I needed to see her in person.

My sweet Sara believed she was safe, hidden behind a carefully crafted identity.

As I backed away, a sudden feeling of heartache grabbed my system. That was something else highly unusual. With no conscience, no feelings of guilt regarding anything I’d done or would do, I found it interesting she’d captivated an entirely different part of me.

The one that hungered for more than just her physical surrender.

I headed down the hall, fighting the urge to stay. There would be another time, another place, and our connection would become even stronger. After that? She would soon learn what fate had started, I would finish.

The woman was mine and no one else was allowed to touch her ever again.

Sara

Someone was watching me as I slept.

I was certain of it.

As soon as I opened my eyes, I could sense his continued presence. Only he wasn’t in my room where he’d been only minutes before. Blinking several times, I listened for any sounds. There were none. But I knew I was right. The rush of adrenaline from the knowledge was slamming against every concept of rationality.

I had two locks on the door. They were supposedly impenetrable. I also lived on the third floor, with no fire escapes except on the back of the building. The man would need to be an acrobat to obtain access.

Yet my heart hammered in a warning that my privacy had been breached. I felt wetness between my legs and was instantly horrified. Had the unknown man assaulted me? I slid my hand under the covers, half expecting my panties would be ripped to shreds.

They weren’t.

I closed my eyes, trying to dispel all thoughts that someone had been inside. Memories of a dream pressed against my cognitive vortex. A twisted and sinful dream. Oh, God. I’d been told to play with myself by… a masked man.

How was that possible? Had I been drugged and my mystery guest forced me to do so? I shivered to my core from the thought. How disgusting. I listened for noises once again, but everything was quiet. Even living in a crowded apartment building, I was blessed with decent neighbors who rarely played loud music after eleven. They were all working people just like me.

The subtle click of my clock drew my attention to the nightstand. Shit. It was close to four in the morning. I’d be a zombie the next day if I couldn’t go back to sleep. I tried to lie back down, but my mind was rolling with possibilities.

I was also certain his scent lingered in the room, deeply masculine and full of exotic spices. So woodsy that I could envision myself in a dense forest.

Being chased.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

There went my wacko mind again. How long had I endured the sick dreams about a masked man hunting me down? Too long. It was getting out of hand, something I’d even considered talking to a professional about. But I’d kept my deep yearnings as a private little secret only for me.

A richer smell forced me to sit up in bed again. I hadn’t bothered with closing the blinds and now that unnerved the hell out of me. Anyone could be looking in the window. Watching me.

Waiting.

Hungering.

Get a grip. What was he using, a telescope?

My inner voice was right, but I wouldn’t feel settled until I checked the apartment. I threw back the covers, trying to develop the courage to crawl from the warmth. I’d been alone for so long very little scared me, but right now, true terror was just below the surface. Why was I so certain someone had been in my room? Other than the asshole at the club, and they were a dime a dozen, nothing bad had occurred. I felt completely safe in the city. What about Gina? Was she hurt? Had she been trying to warn me?

By the time I stood, goosebumps were building across every inch of naked skin. I felt so utterly vulnerable in bare feet and little clothes, but this was my apartment and no one was going to take my feeling of safety away from me.

I padded to the open door, darting my head into the hallway. Nothing seemed amiss at this point. Maybe I’d start leaving a light on in the living room or kitchen.

Great. Now I was falling into the trap of acting like a victim. Way to go, girl. I shored my shoulders, rubbing my arms since I was chilled to the bone. By the time I reached the end of the hallway, I’d spun a tale of boogeymen and monsters, both of which would be ready to grab me as soon as I stepped foot in the living room.

Nothing of the sort happened.

All was quiet, except for a small tick from the refrigerator’s compressor turning on. I walked closer to the door, reaching out and curling my fingers before being able to test the locks.

They were in place.

A feeling of relief washed over me and I turned around, determined to shove aside my fears.

At that very moment I caught another whiff of a man’s aftershave. I was positive of it. There were hints of cardamon and a dash of cinnamon along with an even deeper, muskier scent.

He’d been here, a stranger. In my mind, a masked man.

I was frozen on the spot for a full minute until I managed to will myself to move.

No man, masked or otherwise, was going to derail my life. Not when I’d come this far. Fuck him. This girl was strong and didn’t need anyone.

Least of all Zachariah Blackwell.