Page 218 of Red Marked

Bastard!

I need to get out of this house.

I can’t run. I can’t try to shift. He’d come after me.

I need to let Flint know that I’m in trouble. I need to find a way.

“What about my things?” I say. “They’re all still at the hotel. Don’t we need to fetch them?”

His eyes go wide. “Shit. You’re right, babe. You need your clothes.” He runs a hand over his mouth. “Moreover, your boss will start asking questions if your stuff just sits there.” He looks like he’s thinking it through.

My heart picks up.

“I do need my things.” I nod a few times. “And yes. He might start to wonder why I haven’t picked my bag up.”

His eyes narrow. “Wait a minute. How would he know?”

“There is a chance he’ll notice. You don’t want to take a chance, do you?”

“You’re right.” He nods a few times, still in thought.

Yes!

“I’ll go and get them.” He’s already moving. “I’ll fetch your bags, and then I’ll come back and cook. The wine will keep a little longer.”

He opens the hall closet and takes out a roll of duct tape. A bag of cable ties. A coil of rope.

Serial killer in aisle number six.

What the hell?

“What are you doing?” I can’t take my eyes off the items in his hands.

“I’ll fetch your things, darling. You rest here. I can see how tired you are.”

“I’m not tired. I’d like to come with you.” I stand up. “I promise I’ll behave.”

“I might be a lot of things, babe, but I’m not an idiot.” He starts uncoiling the rope. “I know you want to warn that goon somehow, but that’s not happening. Now, be a good girl. I need to tie you up. Then I’ll put you on our bed so you’re comfortable.” He winks at me.

I shake my head. “Please don’t do this, Jett.”

“I love you, Star. So much. You need to understand that. That’s what this is.” He holds up the rope. “This is love. I’m doing this to keep you alive and with me, where you belong.”

Holy fucking shit.

I back up as he steps forward.

“Star. Don’t do this. Come on.”

I turn and run.

He hits me from behind before I’ve taken three steps. His weight slams into my back, and the floor comes up, and then he’s on top of me with his knees on either side of my hips.

I open my mouth to scream, and he grabs a fistful of my hair and cracks my head against the floorboards.

The room spins, and I groan.

“Why, Star? Why?” He’s breathing hard. “I don’t like hurting you.”