“Know what?”
“That I like tea? People usually offer me coffee, assuming it’s what I’d like to drink. Yet you haven't done so.”
I was weird that way, paid attention to little things, and then it would bug me until I couldn't help but ask my questions.
He gave me a soft smile. “Mint.”
“What?”
“Your breath smells like mint. Usually people who drink coffee first thing in the morning smell like coffee beans. You don’t. So I made an assumption, and I see I’m correct.”
“Oh.” I felt like an idiot for even asking, but he just made his way to prepare tea in the kitchen, and then came back with two mugs. He put them in front of us on the coffee table, sat next to me, and put his arm on the back of the couch behind me. His other hand put the blanket on my legs, and I instantly felt warmer.
“Was the e-mail anonymous, or maybe we have some address?”
“No, it was anonymous.”
He nodded and scratched his chin. “That’s what I thought. The situation with you is highly unusual. I’ve never once dealt with someone who’s just received the e-mail. Not to mention a woman too. He’s never touched women or kids.”
“Looks like he made an exception.” My voice was less than enthusiastic, and I finally asked the question I came here for. “Will you help me?”
“Of course.” He even looked slightly offended by my question.
“Thank you. I’m sorry for dragging you into this, but I really have no one else to go to.”
“Sapphire, I’m already deep in the investigation. If anything, I should be grateful to you for even considering me a good choice after last night. The bastard killed most of my clients.” Again, that stupid blush on my cheeks.
“I’m sorry about last night,” I tell him. He frowned, confused. “I shouldn't have left the way I did.”
“Do you want to go out and grab some breakfast?” My stomach chose that moment to growl loudly—I was mortified—but it was no wonder. I hadn't had a bite since dinner last night. “I think that’s a yes. Let me change quickly. I know a perfect place for a good breakfast. That is, if you really want my company.” Some kind of message was in his eyes, something I couldn't read. I nodded, and for a second, I thought disappointment appeared in his gaze, but it was quickly replaced with a smile.
Maybe I was starting to hallucinate from nerves and hunger.
“I’ll be out in a second.”
“What about your brother?”
“What about him?” he snapped, and I moved back slightly. He didn't seem happy with me bringing him up.
“I thought maybe he would like to join us? I think I sort of woke him up,” I said guiltily, but he just shook his head in disapproval.
“He wasn’t asleep. And he won’t be joining us either.” He went back upstairs and I took a deep breath.
What the hell did I get myself into?
And more importantly, why the thought of not seeing his brother again today made me wish for something I couldn't name?
Sociopath
She came over.
She was inside my house, terrified. The darkest part of me felt thrilled. I loved this feeling of power. I knew she received my e-mail and was out of her mind with worry. I was anticipating the things I would do to her body.
Mine.
But the other part of me wanted to hug her and soothe her, to let her know nothing would ever happen to her. She was safe with me.
Well, as much as a woman could be safe with a monster like me.
Sapphire came to Dominic when she was terrified. She had no one else, and probably thought what she did was wrong. Her father was one of the next people on my list, but she wasn't the one to blame.
I would punish her though.
Because she was contemplating sharing her body with another man—a body that belonged to me since the moment I laid eyes on her.
Yes, she would be punished.
Then she would learn that her body was only mine to touch.
Mine.
His lips softly trailed back from my stomach to my breasts and up to my lips again. I could taste myself on him. The idea always repulsed me, but with him, it felt right. My body hummed in satisfaction, as my hands moved lower to unzip his pants. His hands stopped me.
“No,” he said firmly, letting go of my mouth and nibbling on my earlobe.
What?
“Why not?” I squeezed him hard between my thighs; the length of him was driving me crazy.
“I won’t take you, not here. Not the first time.” So, he thought we would have more? His words thrilled me, because I would never refuse him. The connection I had with him made no sense, and probably wasn't normal, but I didn't care.
“Then where?” He froze then fisted his hand in my hair and tugged my head back painfully, making my breath hitch as our eyes held each other’s.