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CHAPTER 1

“I t is beautiful to hear how even the demons inside me have started singing your name.”

-Akshay Vasu

Cassandra

“The fucker is going to walk. I feel it.” I was angry, enraged at the systematic approach to handling vicious crimes, the idiot defense attorney and the entire system as a whole. I took hate-filled strides down the long, dark corridor, fuming the entire time.

Horrific and very evil images floated into the darkest reaches of my mind. They were as gory as those produced as evidence of the bastard’s method of slaughter, only the difference was the sophisticated killer was the subject of every horrific image.

If only I could kill the son of a bitch myself.

“Just stay cool, Miss Prosecuting Attorney,” Cash said over the phone. My conniving bestie always spouted off the nameplate on my door when trying to calm me down. As of late, that had been every other day. I’d never prosecuted such an infuriating case in my life.

“I am cool!” My insistence made him cough. “Okay, fine. I’m not cool at all. How could that idiot of a defense attorney think we tainted evidence? Does the bastard not know about my reputation?” Huffing, I slipped my fingers through my hair, nearly ripping out several strands as my engagement ring caught in the long locks. Yanking, I rolled my eyes, seeing hair falling from my fingers.

I hated the ring. Right now, there was very little I liked.

“Just breathe,” he reminded me. “This ain’t over with yet. You have rock solid evidence, two witnesses, an escaped victim willing to talk even though she’s terrified, and four police officers who will corroborate the non-tainted evidence. You got this. We just need to smile and wait as the defense attorney tries to spin the press. Then we swoop in and beat his ass.”

“Maybe literally, the worthless prick.” How could a murderer be painted as a mystery man, sexy and enthralling? Oh, yes, the damn press. I moved around the corner, finally noticing just how late it was. “I mean, how can you glorify a man who selects their victims then stalks them for days, weeks, including invading their homes? At night, for God’s sake. He even leaves them a little souvenir of his visit. A rose. An expensive chocolate nugget. That’s right before he strikes, raping and killing them? It’s insane.” If I mentioned his methods of torture again, I might go mad.

“I know. I get it. The jury will too.”

“Sure, they will. If we can ever get to trial.”

There was no one else working in the building, it seemed. I was late, caught off guard by the defense attorney’s call. My boyfriend… correction, my fiancé would be none too thrilled that I was arriving almost an hour after we’d agreed. I’d taken a cab, paying the guy extra to rush me here, but the damn traffic had been horrible.

Usual Chicago traffic.

My brilliant friend chuckled. Cash Reynolds was not only second chair in the terrible case I was attempting to prosecute, he was also one of my best friends. At least he could tolerate my raging mood swings. Being a prosecutor could do that to you.

I noticed David’s door was partially open. I only hoped the restaurant had held our reservations for a tiny bit longer. If not… I rolled my eyes and made my way to his office. David Foster was meticulous with everything in his life. Once upon a time I’d found the trait endearing.

“We start early tomorrow and hit the ground running.”

“Tomorrow is Saturday, oh, boss woman. Unless you’re suddenly become a slave laborer, you might want to rethink forcing me into the office bright and early in the morning.”

“Oh, shit.” I opened the door, expecting David’s intense scowl or his typical berating words.

What I found instead was picturesque. At least compared to brothels and old boys’ clubs.

Something dark and dangerous stirred in my loins, making its way like a poisonous spider into my brain.

“Well, shit,” I growled again.

“You just said that. I get it,” Cash said.

My friend had warned me. Correction, my three besties had all but begged me to toss David to the curb. I guess I should have listened. Right now, my mind had shifted into another plane, something that included throwing a violent tantrum while another part of me was suddenly still inside.

That usually meant the female demon inside of me was ready to crawl out of her lair. When she did, people suffered, although until this moment the brunt of her wrath had been directed toward criminals.

Not tonight.

“Cash, I need to go. I’ll talk to you later.” I shoved my phone into my purse, doing my best to shove the instant haze from my eyes. I was amazed at the singsong sound to my voice.

There was nothing like seeing your fiancé balls-deep in a woman’s asshole.

Or hearing her moaning how good his cock felt violating her forbidden hole.

It was funny how my first thought was about how many times he’d refused to fuck me in the ass. He’d called it a disgusting act. Now, he was…

Don’t watch. Turn away.

My inner voice obviously didn’t know me well enough.

Almost instantly there were vile thoughts racing through my devious mind. There were few perks in my profession, but after being forced to face that my fiancé, who’d only three days before had asked for my hand in marriage after confessing his undying love, was cheating on me, I was glad to have learned all the ways to gut a man.

Instead of acting on my inner darkness, I grabbed my phone and took three very provocative pictures. It was interesting how neither my ex-pig nor the woman he was fucking had realized they were no longer alone.

I finally had to clear my throat.

“Well, I guess the engagement is off.” I was quite proud of the lilt in my voice.

Now the shock rushed in, both parties jerking up from his very expensive exotic wooden desk. I remembered how the two of us had searched several prominent furniture stores until he’d found the right piece that conveyed his power.

At least his limp dick appeared ashamed even if the anger blooming across his face didn’t.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” David demanded. Meanwhile, the other woman was doing her best to hide her face as she scampered to grab her clothes from the floor.

“Let’s see. Oh, yes. We had a date. Remember?” I folded my arms.

The bastard had the audacity to check his watch, the piece of jewelry I’d given him for Christmas he’d called his favorite gift ever. “You’re late.”

“Oh, so I’m late and you fuck…” Hold on now. I’d thought for certain he was fucking his assistant but seeing the owner of the Fortune 500 publishing company, a distinguished woman fifteen years older than David with a husband prominent in the senate was… comical.

I burst into laughter. At least I could continue having a good laugh while I tossed what few clothes he’d left at my condo out onto the street.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he quickly said while zipping his trousers.

“Nope. You’re right about that. But I’m glad I managed to catch a fascinating if not disappointing main feature. You know what? I’ll see myself out. There’s nothing of interest here other than trash.” I spun on my heels, determined to leave and wait until I made it back to my condo, which was two dozen blocks away to burst into… a fit of anger. There would be no tears shed over Mr. Limp Dick.

Unfortunately, David made the mistake of traipsing behind me when I headed into the hall.

“You’re going to keep your mouth shut about this.”

“Fuck you.” At least I could laugh while I continued walking.

“I mean it, Cass. If you don’t, I’ll make you pay.”

“Make me pay? Whoa. You think you’re in a position to demand anything from me?” I twirled around, allowing the venom to reach the surface. Up until that very second, I hadn’t thought about how much damage I could do to his career if I allowed this twisted affair out in the public. He’d be ruined, tossed out like the trash he was.

“I’m warning you.”

The man was serious. I’d spent two good years with the pig, and he thought he could treat me this way after cheating on me? “You’re warning me. You are kidding me. Right?”

He took a deep breath before grinning, closing the distance, but he should know better than to think I would back down.

“If you dare try and expose our relationship, I will release the pictures of your kinky adventures.”

I laughed in his face. “Nice try, David, but you seem to forget I was wearing a mask during those adventures. Funny how one of them included you and oh, my gosh, you weren’t wearing one. I’ll leave you with that thought. Have a nice life fucking your mother.”

Unfortunately, his threat put the fear of God into me.

I’d made a huge mistake letting him in on a dirty little secret that had helped me pay my way through law school. That had been when I’d mistakenly thought he was the one. God, I’d been so stupid. But I’d been careful with the pictures. I locked everything down.

Still, if there was a single chance he could expose me, my career would be over.

At this point, I didn’t care. Another sweeping set of violent images coursed through my mind, only the starring actor was my ex instead of the man I was trying to put behind bars. Damn if I didn’t have a killer’s instinct.

And desires.

I headed toward the elevator, refusing to look behind me even as tears welled in my eyes. I was known for being tough as nails. I’d been threatened countless times. I’d been forced to have a police officer remain just outside my home for fear of physical violence. I’d been mugged in college. Nothing had dragged me down.

But this… him. I was shocked how much his infidelity hurt.

The elevator was slow, or maybe my mind was just one big blur. When I finally stepped out into the lobby, I could barely feel my legs. My friends had warned me against marrying the jerk. I should have listened. Somehow, I managed to make it outside without tripping on my own feet.

The air was chilly, and I’d forgotten my coat at the office. I folded my arms, gritting my teeth to keep from screaming as I headed down the sidewalk. Maybe the long walk would help clear my brain.

So I could think about all the terrible things I could and would do to the prick.

I hadn’t taken four steps when a hand grabbed me, jerking me back with enough force I was almost knocked off my feet.

“I’m warning you to leave this alone.”

I’d known David had two sides, but seeing the vicious expression on his face as he dug his fingers into my arm was still a shock.

“Get the fuck off me. You’re the one cheating on me. Remember?”

“Well, if you weren’t so invested in your career then maybe I wouldn’t need to.”

“You’re blaming me?”

He snorted. “You never wanted to do a damn thing but work and read your shitty books. And play on your computer.”

“What about the kink clubs we went to?” I threw back. God. Why was I bothering?

“What about them? You were suddenly embarrassed. There’s nothing adventurous about you. You’re just a worthless cunt. All that flaunting your sexiness in front of the camera was just bullshit.”

I reacted, slapping him across his face with my other hand. While the blow was jarring, he also had quick reflexes, yanking and tossing me against the side of the building.

The pain was like a transformer blowing up. I suddenly couldn’t breathe. When he wrapped his hand around my throat, I was certain he was going to kill me. The dim lights of the building created a series of shadows, David’s stranglehold creating a flash of stars across my periphery of vision. Yet I could swear I noticed a lone figure.

It wasn’t unusual for people to be on the street, but there was something about the hulking mass that captured my attention.

The stranger was coming right at us.

There was no warning, barely any sound as my unknown hero grabbed David by the back of the neck, jerking him off and slamming him against the building with a significant amount of force.

So much so the windows next to the faux brick rattled.

Even though I was rarely intimidated, the size and the bulk of the man who’d saved me was surprising.

David was shocked and possibly hurt enough he didn’t try to move. When he finally came to his senses, throwing a single punch, all the air was ripped from my lungs.

I remained in awe as the stranger lifted David several inches off the concrete, holding him aloft as if he weighed nothing.

If I had to guess, I’d say David’s face was turning bright red given the way he was sputtering. Soon, the ragged sounds turned into whining and begging.

“Didn’t anyone teach you to be nice to women? All women?” My savior’s voice was deep and husky, like rich chocolate when heated and poured.

I shifted forward, cheering the stranger onto victory.

David couldn’t respond other than foaming at the mouth as he flailed his arms and legs.

The stranger cocked his head when David didn’t answer quickly. “You’ve made a nuisance of yourself around this beautiful woman. Perhaps I should teach you a valuable lesson or two.”

“Fuck you,” David managed. “She’s mine.”

“What did you say to me?” The unknown stranger was practically whispering, yet his dark, ominous voice cut through the night air.

“I said get off me.”

I shifted to the side, clearly able to see the murderous intent in the stranger’s eyes.

Without hesitation, my savior bent David’s wrist, the crack as it was shattered jarring.

David was forced to stifle a scream when the man pressed his fingers deeper into David’s neck.

“Now, you’re going to apologize to the stunning woman. Aren’t you?” He pushed even harder.

“Yes,” he choked, pain crisscrossing his face.

“Then go ahead.”

David was obviously in tremendous pain, but when he shifted his gaze in my direction, the same nasty look remained on his face. “Sure. I’m sorry.”

“You know, it doesn’t sound like you mean it. Now, if you’d like to keep the use of your other hand, I suggest you do better. In fact, I know you can do much better. Say it like you mean it.”

“I’m very sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I won’t… I won’t do it again.”

“That’s much better,” the stranger growled. “Now, you’re going to stay away from her. Aren’t you?”

“Yes. Yes! ”

My stomach was in knots, blood rushing to my head. No one had ever gone out of their way to protect me.

“Hmmm… What should I do with you now?” The guy turned his head in my direction as if asking for a recommendation. Was he kidding me?

I should be terrified, racing away as fast as possible, but I was transfixed by the moment.

Another vivid array of images floated in front of my mind. They were brutal in nature, leaving nothing to the imagination with David as the star victim. After a few luscious seconds, I willed them away.

Some level of rationality kicked in and I cleared my throat. “I don’t think killing him is the best idea.”

A full ten seconds passed as he continued to look at me.

Good God, the man was taller than I’d realized and hot as fuck. His broad shoulders and muscular arms were in direct contrast to the swirls of ink I noticed crawling past the neckline of his crisp cotton shirt. I also noticed the cords in his neck were thick with tension and anger, throbbing just as my pulse had been doing for fifteen minutes.

He also carried more than an air of arrogance. He gave off I-don’t-give-a-fuck vibes like no other man I’d met. Including the most heinous criminals I’d prosecuted. His jawline was chiseled, his cheekbones sculpted, and while I couldn’t see the color of his eyes, they were increasingly piercing.

“Are you alright?” he asked gruffly.

“I’m… okay. I’ll be better after I indulge in a bottle of wine. You can let him go. I think he got the point.” Strange thoughts filtered into my mind. My girlfriends had spent way too much time telling me David was bad for me. I’d ignored them. Why? The guy was a pompous jerk. They’d pushed me into finding a big he-man, the kind of guy who would fight for me.

A man just like they’d described was standing right in front of me.

The mystery hunk finally let David down, once again slowly turning his head. I had no idea what else he’d said to David, but I didn’t care. I was too busy yanking the engagement ring from my finger.

When he pushed David off like he was trash, a small part of me felt victorious. I was a horrible person, but I was grateful the stranger had intervened.

“Here. Go buy yourself a few boxes of condoms.” I tossed the ring in his direction, gleeful when it hit David square in the face and bounced off. “Good luck finding it. It’ll give you practice locating your dick.”

At least I stood my ground while David dropped to his knees, frantically searching for the ring.

My savior finally stepped into the light and I was forced to suck in my breath. He was stunning, his aristocratic features beautiful. Seeing his long, dark, wavy hair and piercing eyes, I was caught off guard to the point I could no longer breathe.

In a suit and a dark cashmere coat, he screamed wealth and danger wrapped up in a sinful package. I wasn’t shocked at my body’s reaction, the intense throbbing between my legs another painful reminder of my former plastic relationship.

“Thank you. But you didn’t need to hurt him.” My voice was almost as husky as his had been.

“Men like that don’t learn until they’re given a reason to.”

“Is that how you handle anyone who acts that way?” I was genuinely curious as well as fully aroused.

He nodded, never blinking as he stared into my eyes. Wow was the only word that came to mind. With deliberate steps, he came forward. Filthy thoughts shifted through my mind as my body flickered to life. I took a deep inhale, his musky, very masculine scent filling my lungs until I was lightheaded.

The stranger said nothing as he rubbed a gloved finger under my chin. When he grasped my jaw, I should feel fear, but I was thoroughly and completely turned on by the possessive action.

“Be safe, little butterfly. He won’t bother you again.”

He sounded as if he knew that for certain.

I was stunned at his words, even more captivated by his handsome features.

When he turned away, immediately heading in the opposite direction, I felt a strange but immediate sense of loss.

Why?

Yes, he’d stepped in to try to protect me, but I didn’t know him. I’d never seen him before. When David threw me a nasty look, even pointing his finger at me, something deep inside me broke. All the anger I’d felt for the man, the frustration from trying to make something of the ugliness we’d shared flooded through me.

David grinned as if this wasn’t over before walking away. Damn the asshole for getting under my skin.

My unknown hero moved onto the street, unlocking the door of a dark Mercedes. I glanced toward David one last time before another snap in my mind created a wave of need.

A need to enjoy.

To experience new things.

A need to drift far away from my comfort zone.

While the explosive discovery was jarring as hell, I wasn’t the kind of woman to go off halfcocked about anything. I thought everything through, determining both sides of an equation.

Which was why the moment I realized I was heading toward the stranger’s vehicle I almost jerked to a halt.

But I didn’t.

Instead, I threw open his passenger door, jumping inside.