Page 38 of Bloodlust

Hayden can't conceal his smile as he says, "It's unorthodox, yes, but I don't believe traditional methods will work with someone like you." He motions for me to come toward him. "Turn around, Miss Bianco."

Surprisingly, I comply. I close my eyes, flinching as he wraps the cold fabric around my face.

His voice is husky and low as he adds, "If we're going to dig deep, Miss Bianco. I need you to trust me."

"You want to go deep, Doctor?" I breathe, my pulse quickening as he tightens the tie. The force jerks me backward slightly. And I like it.

"It's not a matter ofwant, Miss Bianco," he whispers, hot breath blowing against my cheek. "It's a matter ofneed." I'm unable to reply as my wants and needs spar for hierarchy in my mind. His large, warm hands curl around my shoulders as he leads me out the door. "Listen to my voice, Miss Bianco, and you'll be just fine."

"You can call me Camilla," I breathe, unable to see.

I think he laughs.

"Relax,Camilla," he whispers. "And trust me."

I suck in a sharp breath. "I can't."

"You must," he says playfully. "There are stairs ahead."

I freeze. "If I fall, I'm going to?—"

"Kill me," he cuts in. "Yes, I know."

He seems to know a lot about me.

I can see it.

A key forming.

Chapter 10

Senses

Iwas trained to be perceptive, observant, and completely aware of my surroundings. Guns are useful, but they're reactive. Senses though... They're proactive. They're the most important weapons in my armory. And I needallmy senses on high alert. Atalltimes.

Otherwise?

I am not in control.

"I don't like this," I grunt, my eyelashes scratching against the silk fabric of Hayden's tie as the sound of jackhammers, traffic, and distant conversation floods my ears. "I'm taking it off."

"Stop." He curls his fingers around my right wrist before I can slip off the blindfold. His tight grip relaxes as he adds in a gentler tone, "You can't give up before we even start, Camilla."

"This was a stupid idea," I grumble, pulling my arm away. "I'm going to end up walking into oncoming traffic."

"I can assure you that will not happen," he says with a low chuckle, placing his palm on my upper back, my spine arching at his touch. "Seeing as you're currently my only patient, it would be bad for business if you were to die."

"So, I'm just a payday to you, Doctor?" I cross my arms. "How charming."

"I'm not here to charm you, Camilla," he says, leaning into my ear. "I'm here to help you." My jaw tenses as I try to swallow away a clump of bubbling hope. "So let me help you, okay?" Begrudgingly, I nod. "Excellent. I'm going to be one step behind you at all times, okay? Just listen to the sound of my voice, Camilla. Not the traffic, the horns, the people, only me. Understand?"

"Yes." My chest rises as he creates space between us.

And now I'm alone in thundering darkness. I squeeze my eyes shut tighter, hoping it'll mute the surrounding noises. But it's overwhelming. The clatter, the chatter, the?—

"Take a deep breath for me." His voice slices through the noise, and my body relaxes. "Good, just like that. Now walk." I hesitate before taking a step. "Walk, Camilla," he commands like a soft-spoken Marine. "You'll be fine. I've got you."

I've got you.He used to tell me that all the time.I've got you, baby. I won't let you fall.I believed him. He never lied. He never let me fall or trip or stumble. And occasionally, when I did, he was there to catch me.