Page 63 of Break My Rules
‘Coast is clear ;)’
He responds immediately. ‘On my way.’
I try not to think about what he’s told Annabelle—or what I’ll tell Saint. Right now, I have to focus.
I’ll only get one chance at this. I have to make it count.
I go get ready,changing into a more revealing tank top and figure-hugging yoga pants. I put on some chill electronic music, then check the house, looking for the right place.Laundry room… Library…Then I open a door near the kitchen, and find stone stairs, leading down to a wine cellar-slash-general storage room.
Jackpot.
I drag a chair down, and then collect the rest of the supplies from the house. I couldn’t risk packing anything that might spark Saint’s suspicions, but I figured I could find what I needed here, and I was right. I gather laundry line, electrical tape, and grab an old toolbox, too, full of pliers, a hammer, and some ugly rusted nails. I can’t imagine ever using them, but Max doesn’t have to know that. All that matters is that he knows I mean business.
Once everything’s set up, there’s nothing left to do but pace, nervously killing time until I hear a car engine roar into the driveway.
My pulse kicks. It hits me for the first time what a big risk I’m taking. I’ve been so focused on getting Max here, I haven’t stopped to think about what it means, but now I’m alone here in the middle of the countryside, with a man I already know is capable of violence.Evil. If this doesn’t go right…
There’s nobody to save me.
So it just has to go right. I take a deep breath, checking my reflection in a mirror. I tousle my hair, and smudge up my eyeliner a little, trying to look seductive; like a bored girlfriend looking to have a few illicit thrills.
The doorbell sounds.Showtime.
“You made it,” I coo, throwing open the front door. Max is on the front step, looking worse for wear in dark sunglasses and designer jeans. “I was wondering if you chickened out.”
“Of what, darling?” Max smirks, stepping inside. “What Saint doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”
“Right.” I trill a laugh, forcing myself to lean in and kiss him on the cheek. He’s definitely hungover, and still carries the faint scent of booze; eyes bloodshot when he removes his Ray-Bans and looks around. “That was a great party last night,” I add, leading him deeper into the house. “How late did it end?”
“Who said it ended?” Max grins. “They’re still raging, last I checked.”
“But you were able to slip away?” I ask. When I turn to glance back at him, his gaze is fixed firmly on my ass.
Charming.
“Annabelle hit the spa today, something about a diamond facial, so you’ve got me all to yourself…”
“Lucky me,” I chirp. “Can I get you a drink?”
“How about a little hair of the dog?” he asks, squinting a little. “I’ve got to hit the head.”
“Coming right up!”
Max makes his way down the hallway—he’s clearly been here before—so I quickly hurry to the kitchen. Saint mixed us up a pitcher of Bloody Marys this morning, so I pour two fresh glasses, adding extra vodka to Max’s, and garnishing it with some celery so I don’t accidentally mix the drinks up.
Then I pull out the vial that Phillip gave me.
It looks so innocent, a tiny portion of clear liquid, it’s hard to believe that it could have any effect, but Phillip warned me to calculate Max’s weight, and use a precise amount to knock him out. I pause, my mind racing. What if he only takes a sip? What if I can’t keep the act up, and he guesses something’s wrong?
We’re here alone, Saint won’t be back for hours. And I already know how dangerous Max can be…
I dump half the vial into his drink.
“Pity it’s cloudy out,” Max yawns, strolling into the room. I quickly palm the vial, hiding it from sight. “I guess we’ll just have to do that topless sunbathing indoors, hmm?”
“I guess so!” I swirl a spoon around his glass to mix it up, then hand the glass to him. “Extra strong, the way you like it,” I add, lifting my own drink with a smile. “Bottom’s up!”
I take a sip, watching Max chug practically the whole glass.Shit. Is he supposed to consume it that fast? I have no idea, so I force a smile, and hope it kicks in before Max actually wants to fool around. Because if this monster puts his hands on me… I don’t think I can fake it, not even for the plan.