Page 23

Luke

Somebody Told Me by Motionless in White

T he rain beats rhythmically against the windshield of my Audi. I know the car is flashy and slightly ridiculous, but I’ve worked damn hard to get where I am so I intend to show off a little. The black leather interior looks crisp and pristine inside the rumbling sports car. I made sure to get my car detailed in preparation for tonight. I want—no, I need—to show Liv that we’re meant to be.

It’s fun being her stalker, playing with her, and having her run from me. She’s seemed to enjoy the games we’ve been playing too. My girl likes the chase. But I also need her to realize that we’re meant to be more than that. She’s meant to be mine just as I’m meant to be hers. I’ve never felt more sure of anything in my life. I just have to convince her.

Tonight there’s no games, no masks, no bullshit. I get to show off my girl like the damn jewel she is.

The phone in the cup holder buzzes again. After we planted Celeste’s phone in Brody’s possession, Garett did some tech genius shit in order to route all new incoming texts to duplicate to this burner cell. This way I can keep an eye on things … including getting insight into what my sweet siren is thinking. She’s been texting Celeste all day about this date I have planned. It’s cute how nervous she is considering we stabbed someone together just nights ago. I like that she’s nervous for our date, it means she cares about this.

Pulling up to the sidewalk outside her tiny little cottage, I put the car into park. The moment that I do, I look up and catch her standing outside, waiting. I quickly snap a picture and send it off before shoving the burner into the center console and swinging my car door open. I step out into the rain, open my umbrella, and am immediately struck by the beauty of the goddess in front of me. She’s wearing some tight little black dress that seems to be made of strips of stretchy fabric wrapped around her delicious curves. It shows off her ample breasts. Damn, she has perfect tits. I can’t wait to rip that skimpy little dress off her and cover her beautiful breasts in bite marks.

The urge to cover her in possessive marks is so strong that the thought has my cock twitching in my slacks. I want her covered in colorful impressions of where I’ve touched her and claimed her as mine. Bite marks, hand prints, hickeys, welts—you name it. I want to see her covered in them.

As I walk up her sidewalk, I can feel my heart pumping over time in my chest. I’m never nervous for dates, but this whole situation is … unusual. I’m simultaneously worried about my date with Liv tonight and showing her that we’re meant to be so much more than the games we’ve been playing, while also keeping an eye through my phone on my little pet back home. I’ve left my sunglasses on, hiding my face and nervous insecurity from her. I take in her entire look—her pink curls are styled perfectly, her makeup is sexy and sophisticated, and her outfit is stunning. She’s still covered in tattoos and piercings that give off a ‘don’t fuck with me’ vibe but she clearly tried to dress up for this evening. And that fact has me feeling like I’m walking on fucking air.

“You look almost too good to take out. I’m half tempted to take you inside and skip dinner,” I quip as I ascend the steps up to her covered porch where she’s standing and slightly peer up from under the umbrella to meet her gaze. I’d get rid of the cumbersome thing but I don’t want her to have to worry about her hair.

“I believe you promised me a nice dinner first,” she quips right back at me and I can’t help the smirk from pulling at my lips. Always my fiery little love.

Holding out a hand to her, I offer her a place underneath the open umbrella. “We better get going then.”

My heart beats erratically. Will she take my hand? Is she ready to accept this—accept us? Is she ready to not just be my prey, but to be mine ? Does she want the man beneath the mask?

Her thin fingers gently glide into my hand. She’s so soft and smooth. Her warmth immediately floods my cold skin and I can’t help but curl my hand around hers.

She allows me to guide her down the steps, putting her trust in me, as we walk toward my car. Her high shoes clank against the sidewalk and the sound is so unlike her that it sends prickles down my skin. I’m used to seeing her in combat boots. I like her best in no shoes and no clothing but I couldn’t take her out like that. I hope she’s not uncomfortable now though. Her comfort is far more important than trying to impress me or some shit. I’ll just have to keep an eye on her and carry her if needed.

I open the door and tactfully look away while still holding her hand as she lowers herself into the low bucket seats of my Audi. Once she is settled and her seatbelt is secure, I flash her a smile and close the door.

“Nice car,” she states as I push the button and the loud engine purrs to life.

Navigating easily through her neighborhood, which I’ve driven through many times since my obsession began, I let her have pieces of the man beneath the monster. “I grew up dirt poor. Like barely enough money to survive—poor. I always promised myself that when I grew up I’d make enough money to buy myself a stupid expensive car. I know it sounds silly,” I maneuver the car effortlessly toward downtown, “but when I bought this car it felt like a promise I had to keep. Like I could look back and let that poor, hungry little kid know that he didn’t need to worry anymore.”

She looks pale and flustered. Shit . I was trying to be open and let her see more of me. I want to show her that the broken, jagged pieces of our souls are made to fit together. I felt it the first time I saw her—there’s a part of me that craves her, needs her. And I know that if she’d just fucking let me in and stop being so damn scared, she’d feel it too. I’ll be her masked monster for as long as she needs until she’s ready to admit that fate has brought us together. I’m just hoping that this date would be a good first step toward my ultimate goal.

They will both be mine, even if I have to drag them kicking and screaming the entire fucking way.

“Shit. Sorry. Maybe that was an overshare for a first date,” I mumble as I rev the engine angrily.

“No! Shit,” she stumbles over her words as a slight flush turns her tanned cheeks the most delicious shade of ruby red. “I’m sorry. I’m just not used to people being so open and vulnerable.” Her hand reaches out, finding my own. She squeezes reassuringly and if I had any doubts before about any of this, they’re immediately put to rest. “It’s nice. I grew up with just my dad. And he’s great, don’t get me wrong, but things weren’t always easy. I know what it’s like to just want to grow up and be able to do better.”

I know, Flower. I know almost everything about you but please keep talking.

I bring our clasped hands up to my lips and lay a sweet kiss to her fingers; the same fingers that were covered in blood for me not that long ago. “Two broken souls looking for a brighter tomorrow, huh?”

She flashes me a sweet little smile. “Yeah, something like that I guess.” There’s an awkward pause for a moment before she finally asks, “So I know you’re a lawyer, and I’m sure that keeps you busy, but what do you like to do for fun?”

Keeping your best friend as my captive to use whenever and however I please, in between stalking you. That answer would probably push her away; I better stick to half-truths.

“Hunting,” I tell her, which technically isn’t a lie.

Before she can ask more questions that I really can’t answer without ruining the date, we pull up to the curb outside the restaurant. She goes to undo her buckle but I shoot my hand out, covering hers.

“Do not move,” I instruct her before undoing my own buckle. She looks a bit stunned, but she obeys. Good .

Rounding the car, I open her door and try my best to not laugh at the heated look on her face. She doesn’t like being told what to do. My lovely girl likes to claim she’s a switch, but she’s very dominant. She only likes to give up control if it means she’s going to get something very good out of it. Luckily for her, I’m very much interested in pulling as much pleasure as I can from this sweet little Flower. Lowering myself into the car, I gently unlatch the belt for her. This close to her, I can smell the scent of her perfume. It’s some type of dark floral that masks the normal scent of her honey and lavender. I don’t like it. I want her to smell like her natural self. I’ll have to sneak into her home later and dispose of it.

I’ve brought her to one of my favorite little Italian restaurants downtown. The food is incredible, the atmosphere is soft and quiet, but it’s not pretentious and annoying. It’s a family owned place that’s been here for years. I used to grab takeout from here on a regular basis. The image of walking in here with both my girls wrapped on my arms flashes across my mind and fills me with intense warmth. I can’t wait to have them both completely. I know I won’t be able to take Celeste out on the town here, not with everyone assuming she’s dead, but once we’re far from here, I intend to spoil them both constantly like they deserve.

The hostess leads us to a round table in a darkened back corner. There’s a candle and a small vase with a rose on top of the crisp white table cloth. It’s exactly what I requested when I made the reservation. I pull out her chair as I guide her to sit and push her in before taking my own seat. Others cast glaces at us, probably jealous of the feisty and sexy little piece of arm candy across from me. She turns heads anywhere she goes with her colorful and confident attitude.

“So, what is it you do for a living then?” I ask her as if I don’t already know. I know almost everything about her. I have done my research. I am not the kind of man who likes to rush into things without all the facts.

“I work at a tattoo shop. I’m the piercing girl.” The way she says it with such softness as if she’s embarrassed makes my blood boil.

I snap my eyes up to meet hers with a subtle smirk. “Really? You put holes in people for a living?”

I’m so enraptured in the seductive creature across from me that I don’t even notice the waitress approaching the table until her hand lands lightly on my shoulder. I look up at the waitress who flashes me a seductive smile and throws her bleach blonde hair over her shoulder.

Why the fuck is this woman touching me?

The waitress welcomes me to the restaurant and asks if I’ve been here before, but I’m not really listening, my eyes are trained on the woman across from me. Her eyes are focused on her lap. She looks uncomfortable. I definitely do not like that. Is she seriously insecure? Doesn’t she understand that she’s not just someone I’m interested in? She is my obsession .

When the waitress asks what type of wine I’m interested in for the table, I can’t take Liv’s silence a moment longer. “I’m usually a fan of red, but I’m just here to impress you, Flower, so what do you want?”

That finally gets her attention. Her beautiful emerald eyes snap up to meet mine. They’re hypnotic and enchanting just like the rest of her. “What?”

“The girl asked if we want wine.” I hold her uncertain gaze, showing her that I am here for her and only her. “So what do you want, red or white?”

She breaks our stare to look up at the waitress. A smile pulls at my girl’s face, telling me that she appreciates whatever expression the bimbo is making.

“I like red,” she states. Of course I already know that she prefers her wine pink, sparkling, and cheap, but I do appreciate the effort she’s making to impress me. It makes me puff out my chest a little.

“Merlot it is then,” I state without so much as a glance at our waitress.

I can’t take my eyes off the girl in front of me. She’s perfection. When our waitress returns, we order and I can’t help but be entranced with the siren across from me. Her voice is soothing and lyrical. She’s the intoxicating mix of colorful and dark, soft and deep, calm and chaotic. The more I learn about her, the more time I spend with her, the more I am enamored with the contradictory nature that is her perfection. She has me completely under her spell.

“Flower?” she asks and I’m startled out of the trance she put me under.

It takes me a second to figure out that she’s referring to the nickname. “You don’t like it?” I ask as I take a sip of the wine.

“I do,” she states but there’s a slight hesitancy in her tone. “But why?”

I can’t tell her the truth. I can’t tell her that the taste of her pussy reminds me of the flowers of spring. She’s like a breath of fresh fucking air; the promise of new beginnings and a new life. That’d be really fucking weird to say to her on our first date.

“You’re sweet, colorful, and pretty,” I finally manage to say and regret it instantly.

What a fucking line, you idiot.

“But I get the feeling you also have thorns,” I add.

Fuck, that’s worse. Shit, I’m blowing this.

“I like it.” She takes another sip of wine. “And I like you.”

I can’t help the bright smile that spreads across my face. She likes me. I mean, I know she does, but hearing her say it has my insides churning with anticipation. I’m glad she likes me, but I need her to admit that she doesn’t just like me. I need to hear her say that she’s ready to be mine. I don’t just want her interest; I want all of her, forever.

“I like you too, Flower. In fact, this is the first date I’ve been on in, oh, I don’t even know how long.”

I’m not lying. Dating feels … unnecessary at this point. It’s all frills before fucking. It’s fake and irrelevant. But I wanted to show her that she means more than that to me. She is everything.

“More of a fuck ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy?” she snarks.

I might need to tame some of the brat in her. The thought has my cock twitching behind my zipper. She’d look so good bound up and at my mercy. I’m going to thoroughly enjoy ruining her.

The waitress brings out our food, slightly flashing me a side of tit while she’s at it. I growl in annoyance at her rude gesture. We’re here clearly on a date and this little bitch is ruining it. Luckily, my Flower seems to observe my irritation and smirks. At least one of us is entertained by this nonsense.

The waitress finally fucking leaves, giving me the space I need to seduce my prize. She twirls her pasta before taking a bite and groaning in delight. The noise makes my cock thicken in my slacks. I bring my hand beneath the table and pull on the tip of my aching dick to release some of the building tension. I want to fuck her so damn badly. I want to lay her on the table and feast on her dripping cunt until she screams loud enough for both Heaven and Hell to hear who her pleasure belongs to.

“If you keep making noises like that Flower, we will have to take our food to go,” I growl.

Her cheeks flush the most delicious shade of red and I’m immediately struck by her beauty. She looks down at her lap, trying to play shy. I know she’s not shy; I’ve seen the way she fucks. She’s definitely not shy.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, drawing my attention from the seductive creature across from me. It’s an alert from my security system. Fuck . I quickly open the app and scan through the screens until I see her. My little pet is entering a room she’s most definitely not supposed to be in.

She will definitely be getting a punishment for this.

Liv clears her throat before asking me something, but I can barely hear her over the blood rushing to my ears when I think of what my pet might find in there. I’m certain I locked the gun safe, but I’m not sure I turned off the monitors.

When I look up, Liv is staring at me. Cool simmering rage is apparent in her features. Shit, how long was I looking at my phone?

“Sorry, what?” I mumble.

“Nevermind,” she grumbles before shoving more food in between her beautiful lips.

I chance a glimpse back down to my phone. Celeste is still in the control room. Damn it . I pick at my food, uncertain about how to fix this. Liv is pissed, I’m pissed, and Celeste might be discovering all my secrets as we speak. I’ve told her a lot of truths, but I’ve left out everything about Liv. I felt that might be too hard for her to come to terms with on top of everything else. Now, I might not have a choice but to tell her my entire plan. This is not how I planned to have this night progress. I hate when things don’t go according to plan. I drum my fingers against my thigh in annoyance.

When the waitress comes and offers to box up our food, I immediately agree. I need to go home and deal with that problem; which unfortunately means that my sweet Flower will have to wait for another night to have my cock shoved down her throat.

“And will you be needing anything else this evening, sir?” the waitress asks as she hands me the check and our to-go boxes. “My number maybe? I get off in an hour and could use a drink.”

Add this fucking bitch to the list of things that have gone wrong tonight.

“Jessica, is it?” I ask as an idea pops into my head

“Yes, sir,” she croons as her lithe fingers dance up the seam of my button down. I want to twist the fingers from their sockets and shove them down her stuck-up throat. No one, and I mean no one , makes my girl feel like less than she is.

“What I need from you … is an apology.” Liv’s beautiful emerald eyes shoot straight to mine. Her pupils are blown wide and her mouth hangs open in surprise. The urge to shove my entire length in between those perfectly pouty lips is so strong. She’d choke on my cock so sweetly. “You were exceptionally rude to my beautiful date. So you can either apologize to her and get the fuck out of my sight, or I can speak to your manager, who happens to be a good friend of mine, and inform him about your abysmal customer service abilities.”

Liv snorts slightly and attempts to cover it with her hand over her mouth. I mourn the loss of seeing her beautiful, full lips. They’re painted a pretty pink color tonight that would look so good smeared on my length. A small smirk pulls at the corner of my lips at her amusement. Bitchy Barbie slowly turns to face me, looking thoroughly disgusted. She refuses to make eye contact with either of us as I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms and looking thoroughly smug.

“Well?” Liv asks her. “I am waiting for my apology.”

“Sorry,” Barbie mumbles quickly before storming off.

Good thing she was smart enough to apologize, otherwise things would have turned very ugly for her.

Liv begins to giggle like a sweet school girl. Her laugh is soft and light—so unlike her. It’s intoxicating. I can’t stop the deep chuckle that rumbles from my own chest. She brings the napkin to her eye and dabs at the corner as she tries to maintain her perfectly done makeup.

“Let’s get out of here. What do you say?” I suggest as I rise from my seat and offer her my hand.

“I’d like that,” she replies as she willingly takes my hand.

Maybe this night isn’t a bust after all .

With a hand placed possessively on her lower back, I lead her from the restaurant. If I have anything to say about it, soon there won’t be a time when she’s without me or my marks. I need the entire world to know that she’s mine. Her body, her fear, her lust, her goddamn soul are all mine. And there’s only one person I’d consider sharing her with.

I guide her into the car again, but now I’m feeling excessively protective over my girl. So I lean across her and this time her perfume is less overpowering. She smells like her.

“I can manage myself,” she giggles as I buckle her into the car.

Fuck, the way she giggles is so delicious. I want to bottle that fucking sound and keep it.

I lean one arm across the open door of the car and look down at my girl. “I know. But I want to take care of you, Flower. I get the sense that you don’t really have anyone taking care of you, maybe that needs to change.”

I give her a winning grin before rounding the car. Once I’m in the back and certain I’m out of sight, I pull out my phone.

Me: Hey man, can you do me a favor? In about ten minutes forward this text to this number from our burner number.

I quickly finish off my text to Garett by giving him Liv’s number. He has access to our burner phone through his computer and will send it for me. I hate to cut this night short, but I have a naughty little pet at home that needs me to teach her a lesson about following the rules. My Flower will have to wait for another night for me to fuck her. But I will be fucking her. Not as a masked monster, not as a demon, and not as a stalker. No, when I sink my cock into her tight cunt, I want her looking me in the eye. It’s my name I want her screaming while she creams all over herself in intense pleasure.

We cruise back through town at an easy pace as I blast pop punk through my sound system. It’s a little pop for my taste but I think she’ll enjoy it. At least, I hope she’ll enjoy it. I’ve never cared this much about what someone thinks of me, and the feeling is unsettling. My need to feel as though I’m pleasing her in more ways than just through sex is not something I’m used to with women. But I can’t seem to stop myself from worrying about her and her well-being. It’s fucking exhausting.

I come to an abrupt halt outside her house. She hasn’t checked her phone the entire ride home. That motherfucker better have sent the message. As much as I’d very much love to go into her house and make her come until the point of delirium, I need to make sure that Celeste is secured. If she freaks out and runs, then the entire plan comes crumbling down. Not just for me, but for Garett too. We’ve worked too hard and too long for this revenge; I can’t let it slip through our fingers.

Just as she’s about to turn to me while pushing a lock of her pretty pink hair behind her ear, her phone buzzes.

About fucking time.

Liv looks down and reads the message that has appeared on her screen before blanching. She turns white as a fucking ghost. She may have suspected me before this, but as far as she knows, there’s no way I could be driving the car right in front of her while also sending her text messages as her masked stalker. Good. This should keep her guessing and keep her on her toes a bit longer while we play this fucking game. If she refuses to submit to me completely, then I will play her stupid game of cat and mouse. And when I play a game, I never fucking loose.

“I have to go. Emergency. Sorry,” she mumbles before throwing herself from the car and running back up her walkway.

She doesn’t bother to even turn and look back before she slams the door shut and disappears from my view.

Slipping my phone from my pocket, I pull back up my security app. I watch for a minute before Celeste’s slender form slips through the doorway and she gently closes the door behind her. Her black hair whips across her face as she swiftly scans up and down the hall, making sure she wasn’t caught. Satisfied that her nosey little behavior will remain a secret, she skitters down the hallway into our room.

Oh my sweet little captive, you have no idea how much trouble you’re in.