by Hamel, B. B.
“Just a little,” he admits. “Nothing worth killing a guy over, though.” He chuckles a little.
I smile back tightly. Clearly, that’s not true.
I guess Dean isn’t as good a guy as I thought. Or maybe he’s just getting more and more corrupted, living in this twisted town.
We chat for a few more minutes. I ask him some questions, mostly halfhearted, and he gives me big smiles and reassurances. He’ll help out, ask around, all that stuff. I shake his hand and he leads us out.
I note that Mitch is gone when we leave.
“Thanks for your help,” I say to Dean, shaking his hand one more time.
“Never hesitate to just stop on by,” he says, smiling a smile that means he’s lying.
“I’ll take you up on it.” I steer Emma away and we leave the building.
Out in the car, she turns to me.
“That was him,” she says.
I sigh. “The one at the table?”
She nods sharply. “You saw?”
“He looked at you like his head might explode.” I sigh, chewing my lip. “It’s a little complicated, though.”
“Complicated?”
“That’s Mitch Ware. He’s Dean’s number one guy, a friend from way back.”
“So what? That’s him, I’m totally sure of it.”
I sigh as we start to drive back to my place. “I can’t just go after Mitch like that. Dean is a powerful guy and if I step on his toes…”
“He killed that poor guy!”
I frown at her. “I know that.”
“He’s a murderer and you’re police. Don’t you have to stop him?”
“I wish it were that simple.”
She gapes at me. “It is that simple, though.”
I sigh and drive straight ahead.
“Money is the most important thing around here,” I say softly. “Folks don’t have jobs like they used to. Dean hires people, starts projects, develops land. He’s important to this town, and if I start poking him, if I arrest his best friend…” I shake my head. “People won’t like it.”
“So, what? We let him go?”
I grin at her. “I never said that.”
She sighs. “You’re impossible.”
“I know. Listen, we aren’t giving up on this. I just need to think about it.”
“Fine.” She crosses her arms like a petulant child. “Do whatever you want.”
I laugh softly. “Don’t be like that.”
“Like what?”
“Angry. Disobedient.”
She rolls her eyes. “Is that all you think about?”
“Yes,” I say softly. “It is. That, and punishing you when you’ve done something wrong.”
She bites her lip. “You have a thing about punishments.”
I laugh a little bit as the trees get thicker around us, speeding away from town. I can’t help but feel a little relieved. She didn’t try to run, didn’t give me any problems at all. Part of me thought she was going to scream her head off as soon as we got out of the car.
But maybe I’m reading her all wrong.
We pull down my driveway and I can feel her eyes on me.
“You’re not afraid, are you?”
She shakes her head. “I guess not.”
“Good. That’s good. I don’t want you to be afraid.”
We reach the house and I park my car. I turn to her, not moving right away. She watches me carefully and suddenly, I have an insane idea. I have a stupid idea.
I don’t know why I want it, but I do.
“How about you take a look around my house?” I ask her slowly. “Not just the basement.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Do you trust me?”
“Not at all,” I say softly, leaning toward her. “But I’m curious.”
“About what?”
“About you. And maybe I want to see what it would feel like to have you upstairs.”
Her eyes are like whirlpools, dragging me down deep.
She nods slowly. “Okay. I think I’d like that.”
“Good.” I climb out of the cruiser. She’s right behind me as we walk toward the house, my heart beating fast.
11
Emma
I walk through the house, staying close to him.
I should want to get away. I should grab something, hit him over the head, and run away as fast as possible. I should want to hurt him, at least enough to escape. I know what this is and I know what he wants from me.
I should feel that way, but I don’t. Instead, my heart’s beating fast as I follow him past the basement steps.
“Bathroom there,” he says, pointing. “Office there, extra bedroom there. And here’s my room.” He pauses outside of the door at the end of the hall before pushing it open.
We step into a large, airy room with huge glass windows on two sides. The windows overlook the forest, deep and dark, stretching out in all directions. It suddenly hits me just how secluded we are out here. Pine Grove is in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of an enormous forest. It’s amazing that anyone ever finds this place.
His bed is big and simple and modern, just like the rest of his house. There’s a closet, a bathroom off one side, a dresser, nightstands, and that’s pretty much it. There’s no mess, everything’s in order and very neat, and I can imagine his closet is immaculate.
I can’t say I’m surprised. This is a man that loves control, that thrives on dominating his surroundings. Of course he’d control his own home.
“So, this is it,” I say softly.
“Not what you were expecting?”
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “It’s just… simple.”
“I don’t spend a lot of time in here,” he says, walking over to the windows and looking out. “I sleep in here, get changed in here, but that’s pretty much it.”
“I guess that’s how bedrooms are supposed to be.”
“Exactly. But people let their lives bleed all over the place. They don’t keep things in their proper place, they’re lazy about it, and then…” He trails off, staring out the window.
“Is that why you’re bringing me in here?” I ask him suddenly.
He looks over his shoulder. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t belong in here,” I say, stepping toward him. “I belong down in the basement, in my space. But you’re bringing me here anyway. Is it because you want your life to start bleeding a little bit?”
He smiles almost sadly and turns to face me. “Maybe that’s right,” he says after a moment. “Or maybe it’s simpler than that.”
“Why then?”
He walks toward me, smirking now. I back up, eyes a little wide, moving away from him. The look on his face is almost terrifying.
The backs of my legs run up against his bed and it’s too late as I stumble back against it. I end up on my ass and he doesn’t stop as he crawls on top of me, pinning me back, pinning me down against the comforter.
“Maybe I just wanted to fuck you in my bed,” he whispers and kisses me hard.
I can’t help but let the thrill run through me as I kiss him back. This is what I wanted, I know, but still. To hear him say it out loud…
Well, it’s still scary. His body, his cock, it drives me wild. I know he’s dangerous, I know there’s a reason I should run away, I just don’t really care.
We kiss like that for what feels like a long time, although it’s maybe a minute or two. I lose myself in him so easily, and that’s the most terrifying thing of all.
He runs his fingers through my hair, kissing me softly, almost reverentially. I didn’t know he could be so gentle and sweet, and I don’t know where it’s coming from.
But the passion is starting to build. I know he’s not going to stay gentle for very long. He gave me gentle once already.
He pulls back, kneeling on the floor. He helps me pull my top off, unhooks my bra, and kisses my neck as I slide my bra onto the floor. He kisses my chest, teases my nipples, and pins me back d
own on the bed while he unbuttons my jeans.
I groan as he tugs them off. He pulls his shirt up over his head, tossing it onto the pile of clothes, and kisses my stomach, my chest, my inner thighs. His mouth finds my pussy and I groan as he kisses me over my panties before sliding them down to tease my soaked pussy.
I groan and run my hands through his hair. His mouth feels incredible as he sucks and licks my clit, slow at first, but getting faster. He slides two fingers inside my pussy and I roll my hips in response, wanting everything, every feeling, every emotion.
I groan as his tongue and teeth and lips suck and lick my clit. I’m losing it now and I know I can’t hold back, but he’s moving me so masterfully, so easily.
He slides my panties off and I sit up as he finishes undressing. I watch his belt come off, his jeans slide down, his boxer briefs drop to the floor. I reach out for his huge cock and take him in both hands, stroking his length and looking up to kiss him as he bends down.
He pushes me back onto the bed and spreads my legs wide. I bite my lips as he moves between me, his cock teasing my pussy slowly, his lips on my neck before he plunges himself deep inside.
I groan as the pleasure and pain lance through my spine. I dig my nails into his back and he seems to like it, grunting softly in my ear. He starts to move, rolling his hips, sliding his cock around my tight pussy before sliding out and thrusting back in.
I bite onto his shoulder as he starts to fuck me. He leans back, grunting again, eyes flashing passion and pain and desire. I throw my head back, hair spilling all around me, as he starts to fuck me faster.
I was right, he’s not being as gentle this time. I don’t want him to be gentle. I want him to fuck me, take me rough, show me what he wants and how he wants it.
He sits up on his knees and grabs my hips as he fucks me harder. I groan and roll my hips, pushing back against him, not afraid to take him even harder. It feels good and it hurts and he looks so incredible, his body muscular and tense and perfect, his eyes so full of passion that I can barely stand to meet them.
“God damn, girl,” he whispers in my ear. “Your fucking pussy is still just as tight and delicious. You know how beautiful you are, getting fucked like this?”
“I love it,” I whisper to him.
“I know you do. I know you love it. You want me to make you sweat, fill you up, fuck you deep and rough and make you moan my name. That’s what you need, my Emma.”
“Yes, Rhett,” I moan. “Fuck me. Go ahead. Take what you want.”
That seems to drive him wild. He thrusts into me harder, my breasts bouncing and he teases my nipple with his teeth. I groan, gripping the sheets, grabbing his hair, digging my fingers into his back.
We’re sweating and working. He rolls me over and makes me straddle him, my back arching as I slide down his thick cock. I felt self-conscious the first time I rode him like this but for some reason, I don’t even think twice as I roll my hips and let him thrust up inside of me to my rhythm.
I feel so free and wild and I keep moving up and down, riding his thick cock, letting him fill me up and stretch me out past my limits. It feels so incredible to be taken by a man like this, his body so muscular and strong.
He spanks my ass hard and grabs my hair, grunting in my ear. “You’re all mine, Emma,” he whispers. “This tight little cunt is all mine. This sweet ass is all mine. These pink perky nipples are all mine. Every inch of you is mine.”
He fucks me harder, pulling me tight against him. He spanks my ass again, again, and it feels so good and hurts so sweet. I roll my back and buck against him, moaning the whole time, sweat rolling down my pale skin.
He rolls me off him suddenly, practically with a roar. He pushes me onto all fours, spreading my legs wide. He grabs my hips and mounts me from behind, sliding himself nice and deep into my tight pussy. I gasp, gripping the sheets, and he slaps my ass hard as he thrusts up inside of me.
He fucks me hard and doesn’t hold back. I moan, head thrown back as he grabs my hair and pulls it. My breasts get pushed together and I can feel him, thrusting deeper and fucking me rough, pleasure and pain and intense desire all mingling inside of me, threatening to spill over into everything else.
I start to work my hips back against him, desperate and greedy for his big cock. I want every inch, every sensation. “Don’t stop,” I beg him, although I know he won’t. He slaps my ass nice and hard in response, like he’s punishing me for suggesting he might hold back.
I groan as he reaches around my hip to roll his fingers along my clit. He grinds his cock deep inside of me and fucks me. Our bodies writhe together, moans escaping my lips in loud crescendos and I know I can’t take much more of this.
He keeps going, though. I know he won’t show me any mercy and I don’t want any. He keeps going, thrusting hard, deep, and I can feel the orgasm starting to well up inside of me.
“Rhett,” I gasp. “Please.”
He groans, slaps my ass, and I come.
It rolls over me in rushes, in explosions.
I twist and gasp, clenching down, clutching the covers. His cock keeps thrusting, filling me, fucking me. I’m his, all his, mounted and dominated.
I come hard on his big dick as he roars his delight. I feel him thrusting faster and I can tell he’s close. I roll my hips back along him, moaning along with him, in a fever pitch of excitement and desire.
His cum bursts inside of me. I can feel him fill me, spurting deep and hard into my tight little pussy. I groan and need every single drop from his enormous cock as I roll my hips, begging him to fill me up, fill me nice and deep.
We finish in a heap of sweaty sheets, his arms wrapped around my body, his lips up against my throat.
“That’s my girl,” he whispers, holding me tight. “That’s my Emma.”
I kiss him softly. I’m ringing like a bell, my whole body buzzing with need for him.
“That’s my girl,” he whispers again, and I know I’m not going anywhere.
12
Rhett
I wake up in the middle of the night and I can still see her next to me, slowly breathing deep. I watch her sleep, more curious than anything else.
She could’ve gotten away. She could’ve killed me in my sleep, or at least she could’ve tried.
But there she is, still here in my bed, sleeping like this is all totally normal.
God damn. What’s happening to me?
I want a girl in my bed, when she should be locked down in a cage. I want her sleeping with me, where I’m most vulnerable.
I never let them up. I never, ever let them see me vulnerable.
She’s the first.
God damn, she’s the first, and the best.
Fucking shit. I don’t know what’s happening to me.
I let myself fall back on my pillow, staring up at the ceiling. I let myself think about her, about how she makes me feel, and I drift off to sleep again, dreaming about all the girls that have come before her, all the girls that I never let escape.
* * *
I finish cooking her pancakes, flipping them onto a plate, just as she comes padding into the kitchen wearing just my button-down from yesterday.
“Morning,” she says, like it’s totally normal.
“Morning.” I smile at her and put a plate down. She sits at the table and I serve her some coffee.
She eats like it’s something we always do.
I sit across from her, sipping my coffee, watching her closely.
I don’t know what she’s thinking. I thought for sure that she’d run last night, but here she is, still in my house of her own free will. No locks, no cameras. It’s hard to understand, but I refuse to let myself ruin it by overthinking everything.
“We have an errand to run today,” I tell her.
She looks at me. “Really?”
“We’re going to talk to the man you pointed out.”
Her eyes get wide and I can see the fear in her face. “Is that smart?”
“N
o,” I admit. “It’s not, but we’re doing it anyway. Will you help?”
She hesitates. I can tell she didn’t expect this. She watched him murder a man and I’m positive she’s still terrified of him.
But finally she nods. “I’ll help.”
“Good girl,” I say, smiling. “Go get dressed. Your clothes are all still downstairs.”
She nods and slowly stands. “Will you lock the door behind me?” she asks.
I shake my head. “No.”
She smiles, comes around the table, kisses me, and heads downstairs.
I sit there and sigh.
God damn, what is wrong with me? I should just get rid of her, like all the others, instead of trying to solve this case. That would be a lot easier, at least.
She comes back up a few minutes later wearing tight jeans and a loose sweater. She looks gorgeous as she pulls her hair up into a messy bun.
“So, what’s the plan?”
I take a breath and slowly let it out. “Mitch isn’t the kind of guy to get up early.” I check my watch, and it’s just after seven in the morning. The sun is still weak and the birds are still chirping. “I think we can get to his place in a half hour if we leave soon.”
“Okay,” she says. “And then what?”
“Then we break in, tie him up, and beat him until he confesses.”
She stares at me for a second, but she doesn’t look surprised. I don’t know what I expected, but after a few seconds, she nods as if making a decision.
“Okay,” she says. “Let’s go.”
I smirk to her and walk over. She doesn’t back away as I step close, take her hair, and kiss her gently.
“Are you sure, little Emma?” I whisper. “It’s going to be dangerous, and we might hurt this guy.”
“I’m sure,” she says. “I’m tired of sitting around and letting things happen around me. I want… I want to do something.”
“Good,” I whisper, grinning huge. I kiss her one more time, savoring her lips, before letting her go.
I walk back into my room and grab my belt. I slip a gun from my top drawer into the back of my waistband then strap my belt on with a little knife in a sheath attached to the back. Once I’m armed, I put a shirt on and button it down to hide the weapons.