Page 62 of Corrupt Game

My stomach growled, and I was surprised he’d heard it in the crowded space.

“Lunch time,” he declared, dragging me over to one of the food vender’s booths.

Ravenous and thrilled to be feeding myself, I devoured everything he put in front of me.

“That wasn’t very ladylike.” A burp came out, and I giggled.

“You’re excused.” His bow was greatly exaggerated. “Ready to head back?”

“Yes.” Surprisingly, I was ready to go back and relax. The chance to stretch my legs had been amazing.

“Thank you for everything.” Impulsively, I leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek. Embarrassed at my action, I faced the window until we arrived at the condo.

All of the things we’d bought were magically in my room by the time I arrived.

Mr. Holdt followed me to the doorway.

“I’ll be on the couch if you’d like to join me.” He disappeared, and I sank to the bed in shock.

Overwhelmed by all of the nice gestures, I sat there trying to decide how a man that showed so much consideration could murder someone in cold blood?

***

Sunday afternoon after a quiet nap on the couch, Mr. Rossi arrived.

“Your car is ready, sir.” He stood simply to one side. As if reminding me that escape wasn’t possible.

I was torn between wanting to find my brother’s killer and basking in a very relaxing weekend. While I didn’t appreciate the manner in which it had come about, it was the first time I had truly completely relaxed in several years.

Normally, I was rushing from project to project, doing homework and working. The only downtime I allowed myself was a few short hours on weekends to catch up on a TV show here and there.

I had never actually taken a vacation or felt comfortable enough when in foster care to not be on the alert or let my guard down.

How could I consider letting my guard down when this man was a killer?

Andy. I couldn’t forget my goal. I couldn’t become so comfortable that I let him win.

The guilt built up inside of me reared its ugly head when there were moments that I didn’t think hard enough to snoop or leave. I needed answers, but now I wondered if Andy’s death was the only question.

I sighed.

At the same time, this was the first moment I could remember when I hadn’t felt the need to go, go, go.

How had he managed to slip past my guard? He made me feel safe and relaxed while torturing me at the same time?

Escorted back into the basement, the lights were left on until ten pm that night.

Shrouded in complete darkness once again, no words came over the intercom to comfort me. The need to have a release was diminished because I was so sad he hadn’t touched me, but at the same time, I was truly happy.

I was unsure if that was a good thing or not. I had never been this happy before. It was an emotion that I couldn’t place.

I drifted off, not caring to think about it anymore. Tomorrow was time enough to worry about those details.

Chapter 20: Ian

It was time to bring her up from the basement. I wanted to see how she did in a more normal environment. Would she obey? Or would we have to start all over?

There was one little thing that we had to take care of before she was released into the world—a butt plug.