Page 28

CHAPTER 27

W ilder

Tick tock.

Tick tock.

Tick. Tock.

The house was quiet, other than two distinct noises, the sounds conflicting. One being the single antique I’d allowed inside the beach house.

A clock.

It wasn’t just any clock, but a creative piece designed by a Scandinavian artist. I’d thought the intricate pattern of marquetry gorgeous, the twenty-thousand-dollar price tag a mere pittance in my mind. But while the heavy wind from a building storm pushed waves of water against the shore in a hard thud, the dichotomy of nature and time ticking away kept my rapt attention. However, the thoughts the sounds fueled were potentially hazardous to anyone who crossed me.

I lifted my glass in salute to the angry, brutal images ticking against what was left of my decency. In accepting the fact I’d shifted from maintaining control to needing to act on my desire for revenge, I felt more freedom than I had in a long time.

Years.

And why?

The answer was simple.

The decent human being I’d crafted myself into wasn’t innate to my system. I’d functioned but hadn’t truly lived.

At least not in the way I had during my early twenties. Those had been the days. I’d finally embraced every dawn, almost instantly smiling because of the plans I’d orchestrated for the day.

Murder and mayhem.

Maybe the two words were far too simple for the truth behind my actions.

I allowed memories to remain firmly planted in the forefront of my mind. How I’d enjoyed the mindset needed, the planning, the stalking, and the final determination of the victim’s judgment. I’d certainly missed those days.

I’d spent my time while Cassandra had slept peacefully, calling in a favor with an old, retired police chief who’d been on duty during the years my father had been actively stalking and killing women. He’d confirmed a few pieces of the puzzle, including the fact the bastard had used a few young men to help in his endeavor. Only my father hadn’t allowed any of them to live to tell the tale. The retired detective had sent me a few pieces of information that he’d archived, the gruesome details not for the faint of heart. He’d been none too pleased I’d reminded him he owed me a favor either.

What I hadn’t shared with him was the real reason for my inquiry. That was my personal business.

With a slight celebration shoved aside, I savored the slight burn of the powerful scotch. There was nothing so exquisite as a fine liquor.

Well, almost.

A crackle of electricity brought a smile to my face.

I was no longer alone.

“Sleep well?”

“You kidnapped me. You fucking tossed me over your shoulder as if you owned me, threw a goddamn hood over my face, wrapped my wrists in rope, and stole me away from my life.”

Cassandra’s tone was even, devoid of the expected anger.

Just matter of fact.

But there was a darkness buried deep within that called to me. As always.

She remained a few feet behind me, a cautionary tale of concern and longing. The beautiful woman simply wasn’t certain which emotion to allow into the forefront.

“That’s only partially correct. Yes, I removed you from your home, but I also ensured you had a safe haven.”

“Safety or no safety, the fact remains that you removed me from my home. In most parts of the world what you did was illegal. No matter the danger manifested by those insisting on inflicting harm, you remain the single most dangerous element in my life.”

“I’ve done many illegal things in my life, Cassandra. Are you suggesting you’re going to have me arrested?”

The way she narrowed her eyes was enticing enough my cock twitched in response.

I tipped my head just enough to catch sight of her. She remained barefoot as I’d found her inside her home, the thin skirt and soft blouse she’d been wearing only slightly disheveled. With her hair slightly tousled from her continued fight of the inevitable, she was out of her element, unable to control the environment around her.

“You should be taken to task for your sins.”

“Perhaps you’re right, but certainly not for the reason you hope.” Even her choice of words was invigorating.

Her laugh had a sour tinge. “You are insufferable. You think you can do anything you want without consequences.”

“Yes, I do because that’s the way of my world.”

“I have no words,” she huffed. “Why the beach house? I would have anticipated you taking me to some fortress. You do have dozens of men to protect you. Yes?”

“While I have security measures in place, soldiers are unneeded. As long as you obey my rules.”

“Rules. You’re that powerful and strong that you can take on bad men?” She laughed. “You really think you are.”

“I am.” It had been risky taking her away from her office and her friends. At some point, questions would be asked, fingers pointed. Hopefully, at that point the hunt would be concluded. However, keeping her safely tucked away could prove to be difficult.

“And you’re also without a doubt the most arrogant man I’ve ever met.” She’d walked closer, finally flanking my side. I wasn’t surprised when she placed her hand around my glass, not only allowing our fingers to touch, but also taking a few precious seconds to brush a single finger back and forth across my knuckle.

“I am. I see no issue with accepting both one’s foibles as well as a positive attribute or two.”

“Of course you have so many.” Her eyes never left me as she pulled the glass free, taking her time to bring the dense crystal to her lips. “What is this?” she finally asked, allowing her curiosity to get the better of her.

After opening the file, I allowed her to get a good look at the picture I’d placed on top of just one of the crime scenes. “The very reason my father’s escape should remain top priority in the minds of every division of law enforcement.”

“Where did you get this? This is from Drew Monahan’s case. You can’t have this.”

“Look more closely, Cassandra.”

She acted as if she was going to ignore me, but finally pulled the photograph into her hand, studying it carefully. “This is from your father’s case.”

“Yes, and before you ask, I have friends everywhere, including several who owe me a favor.”

When she shivered, at last I knew she had a better understanding of just how lethal my father truly was. “Just horrible.” Very slowly she lowered the photograph, flipping through the other documentation.

“Yes, he was.”

“You think he’s killing again.”

“Why don’t you tell me? The women my father killed with a single exception weren’t crimes of passion. They were calculated murders to appease the beast inside.”

Her mouth pinched and she purposely turned away. “I don’t need to see any more, Wilder. I know your father is dangerous. I know how serial killers think.”

“Good.” She only believed she did.

I could watch her all day long no matter what she was doing, but there was something extremely sensual about how she closed her eyes, issuing a slight moan just before swallowing the liquid.

As soon as she pulled the glass away, I couldn’t help myself, wrapping one hand around the back of her neck while dropping my head. I captured her mouth much like I’d done before, but for so many reasons, this time was even sweeter. I held her lips in place as I breathed in her sweet perfume. Even the long day of fighting against the wrongs of the world, attempting to implicate my company hadn’t hidden her sweet essence.

The way her body yielded to mine proved her acceptance that she belonged to me.

Or perhaps she was attempting to fool me.

When I finally drove my tongue inside, she stiffened. Her breathing had slowed, her soft moans easily captured as I explored the dark and wet recesses. As usual, my cock swelled, not only from the touch, but also from the thought of what I would do in the darkness of night.

Cassandra wrapped one hand around my shirt, still clinging to the glass with the other. Why did I have the feeling once I abandoned the kiss, she’d follow her instincts, attempting to catch me off guard? Perhaps by slamming the crystal into my head or… perhaps she’d learned even darker methods.

As usual, the thought pushed my cock to full attention. Discovering all her secrets was more than just a delight fulfilled. It was a necessity.

I kept my hold even as I broke the intimate embrace. Her lips were quivering, matching her suddenly trembling body, but her eyes were explicit, even foreboding.

“Nice try, Wilder. Or perhaps I should call you the Stalker.”

She pushed away, laughing from an admission she hoped or perhaps knew would catch me off guard.

And it did.

The moniker was private, no one in the last fifteen years daring to whisper the word synonymous with violence and retaliation.

Cassandra pushed away and I allowed her.

Even though I longed to drown in her scent.

Perhaps I bristled and she noticed. Perhaps I sucked in my breath. I rarely reacted when I heard something I didn’t particularly care for. I’d trained myself that in every situation, a nonreaction was best. But as with all things involving my Lady Butterfly, neither my training nor my personal rules seemed to apply.

At least when presented with a challenge.

She still had my glass in her hand, dancing as she moved to a nonexistent drum of music toward my impressive bar. She didn’t survey the three dozen liquors I’d carefully selected or search for ice when a small but efficient refrigerator was within reach. She simply poured more than a half glass full of my desired libation.

God above, the woman was a testament to my patience and the intensity of my needs.

Unbridled as they were.

As soon as she took another sip, something shifted from deep within. I not only felt another wafting hint of her fear, I could smell it.

“Where did you hear that?” I asked.

“Does it matter?”

“In truth, yes, it does.”

“Don’t toy with me, Wilder. While I have enjoyed the games we’ve played, your exclamation about the danger I’m in and the fact I was taken prisoner puts a damper on your idea of a good time.”

“Yours as well.” Who the fuck had told her the name? No one knew it, perhaps except for my brothers.

“No more games. No more secrets.”

“Why do you think this is a game?”

“Because I know you,” she stated with vehemence.

I laughed while my mind was still attempting to place blame on who’d managed to slip her my nickname. “You don’t know everything.”

“I know you and your brothers were carted around to various foster homes over several years. I know all three of you suffered. I also know your initial case worker was threatened and she’s been recently to keep quiet about what happened to you and your brothers.”

If she’d meant to catch me off guard a second time, she’d succeeded. I tried to hide my anger, but I could tell by the different flash in her eyes she knew she’d succeeded in riling me. “The past needs to stay in the past, Cassandra.”

“Only that’s no longer possible. Is it?”

She was right about that. “You’re safe here, Cassandra. That’s all that matters.”

“Safe.”

“There’s no record of my ownership of this house.” That was true, the single reason I’d decided to take her away from the city.

“I don’t know what to believe any longer, but I’m not going to remain your prisoner, Wilder. I have a job to do and the last I checked, so do you. You can’t keep me here.”

“I can and I will. Right now, the only thing that matters is eliminating the danger in your life. You will not attempt to escape, Lady Butterfly. If you do, I’ll be forced to punish you.”

She laughed as if the entire scenario was one huge joke. “You’re certain your father is a free man, roaming the streets in search of new victims?” Her question was whispered, but I captured every syllable.

“That’s not something I’d make a mistake about, Lady Butterfly. He feeds off fear while gaining trust. He’s playing a game himself.”

“Like his sons.”

“I assure you his game is much worse.”

She lifted her head, staring at the collection of bottles for a solid ten seconds before taking a sip of the drink. I felt her intense shiver from where I stood.

“Then he needs to be caught.”

I laughed, hating the bitter taste in my mouth. “Yes, he does, but it won’t be easy. You need to think like him.” What else was there to say? Simply learning my father was back in the free world didn’t mean I had an answer for solving the problem.

“How are we going to do it?” She turned toward me, now wearing the most determined look on her face I’d ever seen.

“We? You’re not going to have anything to do with his apprehension. It’s too dangerous.”

“Not any more dangerous than spending time with you.” She all but bolted toward me, now standing within inches. I studied the rapid pulse on the side of her neck, ignoring the filthy thoughts that had surfaced moments before.

As I’d come to learn more about the woman I craved to defile, I’d also finally embraced the realization she was the most tenacious person I’d ever met. Perhaps I could even call her a predator, only entirely different than the beast living inside of me.

That didn’t mean her determined behavior wouldn’t drive her into harm’s way.

I didn’t need to touch her soft skin to be burned by the explosive nature of our relationship. What brushing my fingers against hers did was remind me how hungry I became every time I was around her. The thunderbolt of lust coursing through me attacked every muscle. The twitch wasn’t normal nor was the breathlessness I experienced when in her presence.

My control might be slipping, but that didn’t mean the necessity of the situation didn’t weigh heavily on my mind.

She was in danger.

I could feel it in my bones and if some shrink would ask, much like I’d done from the time I could remember being forced into this world.

“Did you read any of the fine print on my father’s case file, my sweet butterfly?” I knew the answer already. Why would she? “Do you know how he chose his victims, luring them into his private cabin? Do you know how he tortured them, using them in sick, repulsive experiments, acting as if he was doing the medical world some good?”

“Monahan. He’s been hunting the women for your father. Hasn’t he?” Her face suddenly turned white.

I had to laugh. “Very perceptive of you and I believe you’re correct. But my guess is Daddy dearest has recruited several individuals to help him with his dirty deeds. You have been researching my entire family. Kudos to your tenaciousness.”

“No. I didn’t think it was necessary to read anything about your father’s case. A colleague was tasked to prosecute Mr. Monahan and asked for my assistance. Your father was supposed to be languishing in prison for his horrible slaughters.”

Horrible slaughters. She had no idea.

“Yes, well, from what it seems, my father is a clever man.”

“Just like his three sons?”

“Is that a question or a personal testament?”

“Perhaps a little of both. Why do you think he’s coming after me, Wilder?” She looked away, sucking in her breath. “The bachelor auction.”

“What about it?”

“We were photographed, our pictures shoved into the local newspaper. It’s likely everywhere since it’s online.”

Well, fuck. The odds were only increasing.

“Then I made an excellent decision in taking you. To answer your question, because he’s determined to continue his legacy. That’s exactly what he promised.” I felt the tension increasing, the blood rushing to my brain. The feeling was similar to right before I took a life.

She tried to hide behind the drink, but I could sense her mind was fascinated by the possibilities. “A legacy of death.”

“Yes.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Because his blood is running through our veins.” That was a rather simplistic way of looking at it. My gut told me there was more, but right now, I needed to get through her pretty yet thick skull how much danger she was in.

“Evil isn’t inherited. There isn’t a genetic link.”

“Are you so certain about that? There’s significant genome research that’s been ongoing for years, my sweet butterfly. Why don’t you think back to the heinous men you’ve prosecuted. Are you going to tell me they weren’t evil to the core? Are you also going to insinuate that you didn’t use their pasts against them in the court of law you hold in the highest esteem? Please, tell me if I’m wrong.”

Her mouth twisted and she looked away. “God, you’re insufferable. You’re not wrong, but that doesn’t mean you’re required to follow in your father’s footsteps.”

“Haven’t I told you I’m never wrong? All three of the Blackwell brothers are carbon copies of our father. If you don’t think so, why don’t you ask me about all the disappearances and murders you discovered after visiting the nice caseworker who never lifted a finger to help us.”

She wrinkled her nose.

“That is what you did, right? You tracked her down.”

“Ms. Franklin’s hands were tied. She wanted to help you, Wilder. She tried but wasn’t allowed.” She was trying to convince herself. I didn’t buy it.

“Were they really tied, my butterfly? Are you so certain of that? Why would anyone threaten her now, Cassandra? Have you asked yourself that question? Why bother? You shouldn’t have contacted her.”

She instantly froze, but I could see the wheels turning in her mind.

“I have a job to do.”

“I’m not one of your… clients,” I told her.

“Don’t be a martyr. Besides, you weren’t told about your parents and what happened.” She looked at me curiously. “You’re guessing. You deserve to learn the truth. You’ll never heal if you don’t.”

“No, I was not told anything. I doubt either of my brothers were either. We were kept in brutal silence. When we asked, we were shut out. Imagine three young, helpless boys begging for their mother and told nothing. When we were finally lied to that both our parents were dead, there was no explanation.” I kept my eyes on her. “I don’t need to wallow in the past, Cassandra, but I do need to end the cycle of my father’s abuse.”

After a few seconds, her eyes opened wide. “To end your own. You knew all along. You remember everything that happened that night. Every brutal detail. That’s been haunting you your entire life.”

I took slow and easy strides toward her, retrieving my glass from her hand. “My memories came in bits and pieces, sweet butterfly. However, I remember enough to realize how much danger you’re in.”

“And you’re not?”

“Perhaps I deserve whatever fate the devil has in store for me.”

“And your brothers? Do they deserve to die?”

“For their sins? You bet.” I laughed.

“As I said, stop acting like a martyr. If you’re just like your father, then I wouldn’t be here. You’ve done everything in your power to protect me, not condemn me to the same fate inflicted on the women who trusted your father. Why? Why bother?”

“Perhaps because I care about you more than I’ve cared about anyone.”

“Even more than Patty?” She tilted her head, knowing the blow would hit me hard. It did more than I could express. No other person had managed to pull the rug from under me so many times.

Exhaling, I tried not to remember. “That was a long time ago. The subject is off limits.”

“Everything you’ve done your entire life has revolved around continued revenge for what happened to her. You’re not to blame, Wilder. You tried to protect her just like you’re doing with me.”

“Don’t talk about her!” I hated raising my voice. She didn’t deserve it. I rubbed my jaw, counting to five so I could gain control of my breathing. When I spoke again, I was completely in control. “I’m sorry. I was out of line. I don’t like remembering the past.”

“I understand.”

“Yes, I think you do. Patty was everything I could never be. Decent. Kind. Loving. She steered me away from the darkness, but after she was taken from me, nothing else mattered. Nothing.”

“That doesn’t make you a bad man, Wilder. You did what you could to survive. You made people pay for their sins, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be redeemed.”

I burst into laughter. “Redeemed? Do you hear yourself? I killed for you and I’d do it again. I’d murdered several people in cold blood because I deemed their actions unacceptable. What does that make me if not a heinous criminal, Cassandra? Certainly not a hero.”

Her eyes were wild with fury and aggravation, her entire body shaking from her anger with my answers. I wanted to wrap my arms around her, but what good would that do?

“Just stop it! Stop. I can’t take any more of this. You can choose your destiny, Wilder. I don’t need you to protect me. I’ll be just fine. I’m good at what I do. I’m not Patty. I’m never going to be.”

“No, you’re a beautiful, intelligent woman who has no true understanding of evil. You just think you do because you have an excellent track record of capturing the idiots who made a mistake.”

“Maybe I’m starting to learn.”

“Well, guess what? My father doesn’t make mistakes.”

When she held up her index finger, her glare riddled with defiance, I wanted to drag her over my knee for a harsh spanking and fuck her until she screamed out my name. No one had ever pushed my buttons as she continued to do.

“All it takes is a single mistake, Wilder. You father made one and I’m afraid you will as well, only with you, it could be the last one you ever make.”

She backed away, scooting around the end of the couch. She had no idea what kind of monster my father truly was.

“Where do you think you’re going, sweet butterfly?”

“Away from here. I’m leaving and there’s nothing you can do to stop me. I’m sick of playing your stupid games. Masked men. Hunts. It’s not normal. If you want your violence to spiral out of control, have at it. But I won’t bear witness to your demise. I can’t handle it. I won’t.”

“You crave the rush of adrenaline and the desire that you can’t get enough of. You can lie to me, but don’t lie to yourself. That won’t work.”

“Fuck you! You just don’t get it. Do you?” She shook her head several times. “I’m done. If you try and stop me, I will have you arrested.”

“Do not walk out that door, Lady Butterfly. I meant what I said about Daddy dearest. I think you were on the list.”

“Why, because of you? Because he found out we were associated?” She folded her arms, glaring at me with all the hatred she could muster.

“Because of your extracurricular videos.” I hadn’t intended to tell her I knew about them in such an egregious manner. I could tell by the pained look on her face how much I’d hurt her.

She crossed the room, cracking her hand across my face. “How fucking dare you. You broke into my house. You went through my things. You stalked me. You invaded my privacy. You bastard.”

I pressed my hand against my jaw, shifting it back and forth. “Nice shot, sweet butterfly.”

“God, you’re sick, but do you know what’s worse? The fact I’m still attracted to you. More than attracted. I care about you very much. I want to spend time with you. I need to be around you. What the hell does that make me, Wilder? Maybe I am just like you.”

“You’re a beautiful, caring woman and I’m the only man who can protect you and do you want to know why? Because I think like my father.”

“Jesus Christ. There’s no getting through that thick skull of yours, no ability to reason with you. I’m leaving. Where is my goddamn phone?” She held out her hand.

“You’ll get it back, just not right now. At this point, you’re going to need to trust me. I hope that you can. You’re going to stay right here.”

“Trust you? You are out of your mind. You damn asshole. What will you do if I defy you?”

Even though she’d denied our game continuing, it seemed she was still intent on playing. “As I said, if you do then I’ll be forced to punish you.”

Her response was a devious smile as she took several steps away. “Do you know what’s worse than wanting to hate you, Wilder? Craving you as much as I do. Caring about you to the point that… That I might be falling in love with you. Now, that’s crazy.”

Falling in love? I took a deep breath. Maybe the best thing was to let her go.

The ache for her was immediate, the intensity of emotions that I’d buried deeply inside pushing me to an entirely different level of madness.

With tears in her eyes, she hesitated, waiting for me to say something. Anything.

But I wasn’t that kind of man. That had been beaten out of me years before.

My sweet butterfly continued to move backward, shaking her head the entire time. She truly thought she could free herself from my presence and the yearning that she could no longer resist.

I allowed her to get a running head start, appeasing the side of her she’d yet to fully embrace.

However, the danger lurking in the shadows would strike soon enough.

But for a few precious moments, I’d enjoy the chase, the hunt.

The capture.

And the punishment.

Just before she walked out of the room, she spun around to face me. “You tipped your hand when you messaged me on Sugar Babies. That’s when I knew I could no longer trust you.”