Page 27

CHAPTER 26

C assandra

“Where are you?”

Cash’s voice had an echo. Or maybe the tinny sound was coming from thoughts rumbling through my mind. “What did you say?”

“Where are you?” Now his voice had a dark insistence.

“On my way home, Cash. Why? There’s no sense in coming into the office now. It’s almost seven.” Twilight had already settled in. I’d been caught in traffic coming home, which had left me in a foul mood. “Are you calling about the latest victim?”

He moaned. “Her death tosses some kinks into the case, but it could be a copycat. I don’t know at this point. That’s not why I’m calling, Cass.”

“You sound all serious. That’s not like you. Did you break up with that hot new guy of yours?” I laughed.

He didn’t.

“You haven’t heard.”

“Heard what?”

He exhaled. “I know you and David didn’t get along, but…”

“But what? The man threatened me just yesterday, for God’s sake. When I left the diner, he was right there telling me he was going to ruin my fucking career. He even had his hand around my throat. It’s a nightmare. I can’t really talk about it, but I believe he’ll do what he said. I don’t care what happens to that slimy piece of shit.”

“Why would he do that?”

“He thinks I had him fired. I didn’t. I had nothing to do with letting the cat out of the bag he’d been having an affair with his boss.”

“Not just his boss. With half the older women in town according to the papers. But I wouldn’t go around spouting off how much you hate him or wish him ill.”

“That fucking bastard. I could kill him! Forget ill will.” I was horrified. To think I’d… God. When was it that I’d slept with him last?

Or maybe I wasn’t. A rush of images nearly drove me off the road. They were bloody and violent, full of revenge.

“Someone else beat you to it.”

I was forced to do a hard brake to keep from careening into the car in front of me. “What did you say?”

“David Foster was found dead in his condo early this morning. The police aren’t providing any details, but the detective I’m working with on the Monahan case mentioned it was messy.”

Stunned, my mind immediately went into a fog. As horns started honking, I was forced to pull over. I was only a few blocks from my house, but I wasn’t certain I could make it without getting into an accident. “He’s dead?”

“Yeah. Did anyone see what happened between the two of you?”

“I don’t think so. I mean… wait. Do you actually think I killed him?”

Cash huffed. “Of course not, but the police might want to talk to you.”

“Why? I haven’t been with the man in over four months.”

“I’m just warning you. If anyone witnessed the two of you talking then there might be undue conclusions made.”

Warning me. If the police only knew the terrible things that had run through my mind after he’d made the accusation. I rubbed my neck, remembering the helpless feeling. At that moment, I’d thought about a dozen ways I’d wanted to kill him, including driving a knife through his eyeball. What if the fucker had already released the information? I’d be the prime suspect.

“If you hear anything from your detective friend that they want to talk to me, you will let me know. Right?”

“What did that man have on you?”

“Let’s just say something that would alter my future.” I fisted my hand around the steering wheel. This was a real nightmare. All I could think about was that Wilder had come to my rescue all over again.

“Okay, girl, but I don’t like what you’re telling me. I guess I should say I’m sorry,” he said with a half laugh.

“I’m not.” I shoved my fist into my mouth for a few seconds to keep from screaming. The ugly truth was that I was thrilled the man was dead. Did that make me a horrible person? “That was terrible of me.”

“If he tried to strangle you, then I agree with you.”

I closed my eyes, trying to remember if there’d actually been any good times shared with David since the very beginning. “Thanks. I don’t know what to say.”

“What aren’t you telling me?”

“Nothing important right now, Cash. I think I need some time to process this.” I needed time to talk to Wilder. I’d been certain I was being followed almost all day the day before. If Wilder had been watching me… no, if the dangerous man had been stalking me then he would have seen the entire confrontation.

And if history was continuing to repeat itself, that could mean Wilder had done what his mind had been trained to do after years of abuse.

Protect the innocent, in this case me.

“I get it, but you shouldn’t be alone right now. Do you want me to drop by later?”

“No! I mean honestly, I’m tired and I think I’m going to run a long hot bath and drink a bottle of wine.”

“Hmmm… All alone? Is that a good idea?”

“Tonight it’s a great idea. Has Mr. Monahan said anything to you about this mystery man he insists was killing the women?”

“He doesn’t know the guy’s identity. Drew insists he was contacted online. So he says. But so far, there’s no proof of that. I think you have enough on your plate right now, my friend. Go home. Get that glass of wine. But tomorrow you’re going to tell me all about your date with Wilder Blackwell and confess your sins. That’s an interesting twist as to the bachelor you claimed.”

“Ugh. Penny must have told you and I didn’t claim him.”

“Penny didn’t need to say a word. The two of you were photographed together at the auction. You being a big spender and all. You looked stunning, I might add. He wasn’t so bad himself.”

Shit. “It was an interesting night.”

“Interesting bad or interesting good? Or aren’t you going to tell me?”

“The jury is still out.”

“I know you’re working on the case involving the Blackwell brothers, but I still think they’re dangerous.”

“I don’t disagree with you, but everyone has some good in them. Right?”

I could tell Cash was about to burst into laughter. “Tell that to the women who were slaughtered at the hands of a man sworn to heal.”

I pulled into traffic, feeling the heavy beat of my pulse. “I’m almost home, Cash. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

“Good enough. But we are talking.” He laughed as he ended the call.

“Yeah. Yeah.”

I was able to find a parking spot close to the brownstone. As soon as I stepped onto the pavement, I swept the street with my eyes. I hadn’t seen any signs of being followed, but the uncanny feeling I’d had the day before returned.

I grabbed my briefcase and purse, scanning both sides of the sidewalk before walking up the stairs and slipping my key into the lock. Once inside, I locked the door behind me, leaning against it for a few seconds.

David was dead.

Jesus.

Had Wilder become my protector?

I left my things where they were, more interested in the glass of wine than starting on work. As I headed toward the kitchen, I kicked off my shoes and started ripping off my suit jacket. I barely managed to toss it over the back of a stool because all I had eyes for was the already opened bottle of wine.

The moment I stood in front of it, I tensed. I’d remembered there being a solid half a bottle left after I’d had two glasses. There was barely a glass left. Shit. Had I consumed that much the night before? It was entirely possible.

Laughing to myself, I grabbed a clean wineglass, almost bristling. Instead of seven in the cabinet, there were six. I pulled one out slowly, glancing over my shoulder as soon as I did. The creepy-crawlies remained.

With the glass on the counter, I shifted to the dishwasher, slowly opening the front. The wineglass from the night before had been carefully placed in the top rack.

But there wasn’t a second.

And I was very careful with my stemware. There was no way I’d broken one and hadn’t remembered. I closed my eyes briefly, trying to calm my nerves. Maybe I’d left the one from last night in my bedroom. That had to be it. I’d been very distraught after chatting with the stranger. The explanation was plausible.

I forced myself to pour a glass, hating the fact my hand was shaking.

Just like Jeanine’s had been the entire time I’d been with her.

My strange thoughts were bordering on ridiculous.

Since leaving her house, I’d had a feeling she hadn’t told me everything. What could she be hiding and more important, why? And who the hell was threatening her now? The kids were grown and successful, the father wallowing away in prison or already dead. Had it been some fuckup in the police department? That I could believe.

After a few seconds of attempting to calm my nerves, I wrapped my hand around the glass, bringing it to my lips.

A strange sense of foreboding settled into the back of my mind. What if Cain Demarco was alive and had been released from prison, killing again? Shit. He’d be in his sixties, if not older.

That didn’t mean anything.

There were killers at every age.

At this point, I needed to settle my nerves and try to put everything into some perspective. As soon as I headed for the living room, a crackle of energy flowed through me.

Stopping short, I listened for any sounds in the house. There were none. Even the traffic noise was muffled given the kitchen was in the back. I continued to remind myself that the last few days had been unnerving as hell. That was the reason for my uneasiness.

I shook my head, angry with falling prey to what I’d called the victim’s syndrome. Once attacked, victims often saw their attacker everywhere, becoming fearful of living their day-to-day lives.

That wasn’t me.

I was far too strong and resilient.

Then I walked into my living room.

There were some things in life that couldn’t be controlled. Tonight, I had to face one of them.

“Wilder.”

The man sat in one of my comfy chairs, one hand wrapped around the missing wineglass. His legs were crossed, his expression serene. He was wearing all black, including combat-style boots. If it were any other man, I’d be terrified, already screaming, but instead of fear I experienced sheer excitement.

“Lady Butterfly.” His deep voice resonated all through me.

“You broke into my house.”

“Yes.”

“You’re drinking my wine.”

He lifted his glass, tilting his head just slightly. His eyes were shining, almost luminous. “A very nice selection, although I must admit I prefer the vintage from my winery.”

He was just as handsome as ever, perhaps even more so. I should feel violated, but the excitement of seeing him again outweighed all common sense.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

“Is that any way to greet a visitor?”

“Let’s not play any games, Wilder. You need to tell me why you’re here.”

He took a sip of wine, his facial features indicating he was savoring the moment. Christ. I wanted to be angry with him, but how could I at this point? I’d missed him.

I’d hungered for him.

I’d craved what only he could offer.

And I sensed he knew it.

“My sweet Cassandra. I’m here because you need me just like I need you.”

“What changed?”

“We’ll talk about that later.” He swept to his feet, immediately walking toward me.

While there was still only delicious anticipation, I took a step away.

He stopped in his tracks, grinning as if he was aware this was a game. Our game.

“We can talk about that right now. You were following me.”

“Such a demand, butterfly. Not today.”

“But yesterday. And before. You’ve been in my house before. Haven’t you?”

Exhaling, he took another sip of wine and all I could do was watch his sensual movements. When he placed the glass on the end table, I took another step backwards.

“I’ve enjoyed watching you, discovering what makes you tick.”

A series of sensations swept through me.

“Then you saw what David did yesterday. Didn’t you? You knew he threatened me again.” I sensed I was right the moment his jaw clenched. “You killed him.”

“Do you mean the pig who’d been unfaithful to you for months, long before you discovered his treachery?”

“You were the reason he lost his job.” I should be incensed.

I was titillated instead.

“I did what was necessary to try and keep him away from you. I tried turning a new leaf, but alas, he didn’t listen to my second warning. I don’t allow three strikes, Cassandra. That’s not in my playbook.”

“So you murdered him in cold blood.”

“Yes.”

His easy admittance and his cavalier attitude were abhorrent. Yet so much of me wanted to thank him.

“I can tell you’re happy he’s dead, Lady Butterfly. Isn’t that the truth?”

“You’re crazy.”

“Already established. Answer the question.” He took a long stride toward me. “Tell me how you felt the moment you heard he was dead.”

“I’m an officer of the court. I can’t wish anyone dead.” My skin was prickling, butterflies swarming my stomach.

“Tell me!” His growl penetrated every cell and synapse in my body.

I licked my lips, my breath skipping.

“I just…”

His breathing was as labored as mine, his chest rising and falling.

The vision of David’s dead bloodied and mangled body swirled in my mind. I could almost taste the copper, could almost feel the congealed substance sticking to my fingers. My God. What the hell was wrong with me? What had I become?

His eyes remained imploring, his smile crooked just like my mind.

“Tell. Me.”

“I was happy. I was thrilled to death the fucker who threatened me and used me was dead! Is that what you wanted to hear? Or do you want to know details about how I’d wished I’d been the one to slaughter him? I’d wanted to keep a photograph of the crime scene, maybe pin it to my wall. Does that make you feel better? Does that make me like you? Is that what you were looking for?” I was now panting, struggling with my thoughts and emotions.

How could a decent person feel this way?

As usual, he grinned and shook his head, acknowledging my devious thoughts. “It’s okay. Your secret is safe with me, my little butterfly. It’s normal for anyone to experience such intense feelings and desires. You finally broke free of the chains keeping you prisoner. You’re finally becoming the woman you craved being.”

“Under your tutelage, I assume.”

Wilder laughed. “I was merely your guide.”

Oh, my God. My panties were damp, my pussy throbbing. I was just as sick as he was.

Maybe worse.

I tried to back away but hit the wall instead. “Just go. I don’t want you here.”

“I was worried you’d say that. However, I can’t leave you all alone.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you’re in danger.”

“I can protect myself.”

He closed the distance and I didn’t try to move. Why wasn’t I calling for help? Why wasn’t I sprinting toward the front door? Our fingers collided when he pulled the glass from my hand, the shot of electricity pushing an unwanted moan past my lips.

Every action was methodical, just like a killer’s.

And he was a killer.

Yet he was also a savior.

The strange dichotomy was as arousing as everything else about him. My pulse was increasing as the heat shared between us came close to exploding. I was suddenly suffocated, barely able to breathe.

“When I saw that bastard’s hand around your throat, I had to restrain myself, my butterfly. I did my best to keep control when I hunted him. I did that for you. Not that he deserved it, but I knew how you’d feel.”

“Maybe you don’t.”

He lowered his head, pressing his lips against mine. “Maybe you’re right.”

I managed to turn my head away. “Just go.”

“I can’t do that. As I said, you’re in danger.”

“From whom? You?”

The hint of amusement I’d seen in his eyes faded, an entirely different level of darkness marked with flecks of gold.

“As I said, we’ll talk later.”

I cocked my head, doing my best to double down on learning whatever he was hiding from me. “No. Now.”

The look in his eyes remained the same, but his entire demeanor changed. When he pulled what looked like a black hood from his back pocket, I tried to sidestep him, but he slammed his hand on the wall next to me, using his massive body to keep me in place.

I was instantly hot all over, uncertain what he had intended.

The moment he shoved the hood over my face, I latched onto his shirt. The exhilaration was incredible, yet my mind was trying desperately to process what the hell was going on. I should have the fight or flight feeling, but with him, I wanted his dominance. I’d craved being captured and taken. The realization was disturbing and thrilling. “What are you doing?” The mixture of fear and excitement was palpable. I was breathless, already lightheaded.

“Taking you somewhere safe.”

“Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on. Please! Who are you protecting me from? Some deranged killer?” He tossed me over his shoulder and that’s the moment I began to fight. The single savage crack against my bottom was jarring.

But I wasn’t thinking about the pain, but about the twisted, explosive, and intense rush of excitement.

“Yes, Lady Butterfly. The monster is completely deranged. There is no mistaking his intentions. For you see, the fucker is my father. He’s no longer serving his sentence for murdering my mother. Now he’s entered into the hunt. And you’re his intended next victim.”