Page 30 of Devil's Thirst
Even my inner voice whispers the thought, afraid to hope.
I’ve been burned so many times by life that I can’t jump blindly. I can give him a chance to prove himself, but that’s the best I can offer, no matter how tempting it may be to finally not feel so alone.
“Who are you, Isaac?” I ask quietly. His answer threatens to bring me to my knees.
“I’m the man who’s going to keep you safe.”
CHAPTER 16
SANTE
I’m notsure what was better—the feel of her wetness soaking her panties or the words “only you” on her perfect pink lips. And her taste.Jesus Christ,the honey taste of her kiss had me starved for more.
I can’t fathom how no one else has locked down this woman and claimed her. That’s simply more evidence that she was made for me. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.
The trick will be convincing her of the same.
While the walls between us have thinned, they started out thicker than the Great Wall of China. What I’d like to do is toss a stick of C-4 at the damn thing. It’s tempting, but it’d make a holy mess of everything. I have to earn her trust. At least now, I have someplace to start.
I’ve heard of The Society. Amelie’s brother-in-law infiltrated their organization before I left for Sicily. I heard after I left that members were picked off one at a time until nothing was left, but I’ll have to get more specific details. At the time, it wasn’t relevant. I wish I’d paid more attention. I want to know every goddamn thing there is to know about the group and why Amelie is so terrified of them when they’re supposed to be nonexistent.
She’s blaming paranoia, but I don’t buy it.
I watched her every movement for two whole weeks. She didn’t show a single sign of delusional paranoia. Whatever has her running in fear is very real, and if I can’t get her to trust me with the truth, I can’t keep her safe.
Gaining her physical surrender won’t be an issue. Her body is already attuned to mine and primed for submission. But that’s not enough. I need every part of her. If I’m going to lose my fucking mind over a woman, I’m not settling for scraps. I will own all her hopes and fears—her secrets will bemysecrets—and she will be my purpose on this earth. That’s where this madness has taken me. Nothing else seems to exist beyond my need for Amelie.
How ironic that she expects me to run scared.
She couldn’t get rid of me if she wanted to. Granted, I plan to ensure it never comes to that. I’ll lure her in slowly, convincing her to rely on me until she can’t find her way without me. And I won’t feel a lick of guilt because she’ll know the devil at her side when she finally relinquishes her soul.
Until then, however, I have to stick to the plan. That included ending our kiss in a way that left us both wanting. I need her to be fixated on what might come next, unable to focus on anything else.
Maybe then she’ll have a tiny idea of what it’s like to be me.
CHAPTER 17
AMELIE
Officer Malone reachedout midmorning to ask if I could come to the station. He didn’t give a reason for his request except to make sure I didn’t forget anything in the heat of the moment. I’d rather break both my big toes than go down to the police station, but I don’t want to draw any more attention to myself than I already have.
I force a banana into my queasy stomach and trudge to the station. Each step is more cumbersome than the last, and when I finally arrive, I’m certain I’ve made a horrible mistake. However, before I can chicken out and escape, a young officer escorts me through a station packed with cops.
My brain knows none of them are paying me any attention. My fears claw at my heels and hiss in my ears that they’re all watching me. Keeping tabs. I have to train my eyes on the floor in front of me to keep from bolting back out the front door.
“Ms. Brooks, I’m so glad you were able to come by. Please, have a seat.” Officer Malone smiles broadly beside a desk and motions to an empty chair. He’s even more handsome in the light of day. His sandy-brown hair is neatly styled to the side, and his perfectly pressed uniform gives the impression that he takes his job seriously. He seems wholesome and genuine.
I don’t like it, and I don’t even know why.
Hello, paranoia, my old friend.
“Please, call me Amelie.” I return his greeting with a warm smile. I need to convince him that I’m not in any danger and the whole incident was a silly mistake.
“I hope you were able to get some rest last night.”
“I did. If anything, I felt embarrassed for getting worked up over nothing.”
“Not at all.” He holds up a hand to stop me. “That’s what we’re here for. I’d much rather make sure you’re okay than sit around this stuffy station bored all night.”