I couldn’t do a damn thing.
Penn was a ruthless machine, utterly unstoppable. He was no longer the surly liar who’d enchanted me but a cold, merciless killer.
Greg grunted, curling up, protecting every part he could. “Stop! Fucking stop!”
Hot tears came from nowhere, brimming with betrayal and exhaustion. They spilled over, distorting the room, tickling my cheeks as Greg spat red saliva on the hardwood.
Penn didn’t move back, but he didn’t strike either. Greg’s blood covered his knuckles. His stance defensive and possessive. His intentions of winning blaring all around him.
He’d been in a fight before this one. He’d been hurt before he hurt Greg. Why? How? By who? Yet more questions landing on the unanswered hillside I already had.
I’d seen Penn in many moods over the past few weeks—sarcastic, protective, combative, and seducing. But I’d never seen him channel the wish of a murderer. He glowered at Greg with no compassion or belief he was even human.
Planting his foot on Greg’s sternum, he pointed a finger in his face. “Go near Elle again, and you don’t survive.”
My chains jingled as I inched closer. I didn’t know if I wanted to pull Penn away or check that Greg wasn’t seriously hurt. I didn’t want to be close to either of them.
Deciding they were both idiots and it was my turn to rule, I pushed Penn out of the way, yanked off the despicable engagement ring, and threw it on Greg’s chest. “You can take that awful diamond back.” The minute I was free from that shackle, I dangled the chain between my wrists over Greg’s face. “Now, enough fighting. Where are the keys to the padlock?”
Penn blinked away his violent stupor, focusing on the cuffs around my wrist and ankle before focusing on the tossed away engagement ring.
His eyes turned black. “He fucking chained you.” His fingers dug into my shoulder, holding me tight as he inspected me. His gaze flew over the gold negligée, down my chest, legs, and toes then spun me around and repeated.
His voice wobbled with fury. “He fucking tied you up, bruised you, forced his ring on you, and made you dress in whatever he damn well pleased?” He laughed with an iceberg in his throat. “He fucking kissed you? Oh, hell. Fucking. No.”
Shoving me away, he launched himself on Greg for the second time.
Greg, to his credit, managed to land a decent head shot, rolling away and clambering to all fours. “Get off me, you son of a bitch.”
Penn shook his head free from stars, dazed for a second. A second was all Greg needed to feed off adrenaline and stand.
“She’s mine, asshole.” He leapt on Penn.
Chaos erupted. Elbows. Knees. Fists and curses. They were no longer two men but one mass of punching arms and striking kicks. Their centrifugal force shoved furniture this way and that, their bodies crashing into a side table and sending a swan-shaped lamp smashing to the floor.
Greg tackled Penn into the couch.
Penn struck the back of Greg’s head, getting free.
While Greg shook away the pain, Penn kicked him straight in his ribs then delivered a lightning-fast punch to his belly.
With fists up and biceps bulging, Greg attempted to strike again but Penn was too nimble. He landed a perfect uppercut to Greg’s jaw all while quiet fury rippled off him.
His experience in fights was alarming. His past was the perfect training course for such systematical punishments, reminding me I knew nothing about him or how far into lawlessness he’d fallen.
He’d mentally disconnected. Focused entirely on winning.
“Stop! Both of you!” I screamed.
It didn’t do any good.
They attacked with vigor born from survival.
The sound of a roaring vehicle outside wrenched my head up just in time to see the black Range Rover I knew so well hurtle down the driveway and slam to a stop. The windows revealed David leaping out with the engine still roaring, charging toward the cabin with his gun free from its holster.
“Quit it! Right now!” I darted to where Penn and Greg rolled. Someone’s leg struck out, hitting my cuffed ankle.
I tumbled to my knees, a pained gasp falling.
Penn made eye contact with me just as his fist slammed into Greg’s temple. “Shit.”
Greg toppled sideways, his eyes rolling in the back of his head. Out cold.
A second later, the front door ricocheted open, and David stood braced with his weapon raised. “Everybody freeze.”
I held up my hands, hating the chains so damn much. “It’s okay, David. I’m fine.”
“Ms. Charlston?” He stomped forward, his finger never pulling away from the trigger. His ex-Marine gaze swept the room, taking in the carnage, and understanding without being told the gist of what’d happened.
His attention latched onto my face where a black eye had formed and tear tracks painted me as exhausted and strung out. His gun pointed away as he came to my side. “Who did that to you?” He swung around as Penn stumbled away from Greg’s unconscious form and stood on wobbly legs. He winced a little as he put weight on his right ankle.
David immediately trained the gun on Penn’s chest.
Penn put his hands up in surrender, but his body still carried the remnants of battle.
David growled, “I knew you looked like a trouble-maker the first time I saw you.”
Penn spat a mouthful of blood by Greg’s prone body. “I don’t care what you think of me.” Stalking toward me, Penn grabbed my hand and wrenched me forward. “Come on, Elle. I’ll take you home.”
Home?
Was he insane?
He needed to go to a hospital. Greg, too. The police would be involved. Not to mention, I never wanted to be alone with him again.
“I’m not going anywhere with you.” I tugged on his hold, looking down at Greg. “Do we need an ambulance?”
Penn chuckled coldly. “Doubt it. He’s better off than he would’ve been if your fucking driver hadn’t turned up.”
David hoisted the gun higher. “Keep talking like that, and we’ll have an issue. Let Ms. Charlston go.”
Penn wrapped tight fingers around the chain joining my wrists. “No, she’s coming with me.”
My bare feet dug into the floor. “No, I’m not. I told you. I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“Yes, you are. We need to talk about this.” He swiped a swollen hand through dirty hair, letting me go. “Tell me where he put the keys and I’ll free you. Then we’re leaving.”
I shook my head. I wouldn’t go with him. I didn’t trust him. I didn’t like him.
I don’t even know him.
But answers...they were the only thing that made sense in this screwed-up reality.
Maybe I should go...
End this like adults.
David fought on my behalf, giving me time to weigh the pros and cons. “Don’t move, either of you.” Moving toward Greg, he ducked and put his finger on his pulse.
Greg didn’t twitch. His legs splayed, arms spread, blood everywhere. It looked like a murder scene.
David muttered, “You’re lucky he’s still alive. Otherwise, I’d shoot you for killing him.”
Penn snorted. “And I suppose that’s fair justice to kill the man who rescued the head of Belle Elle?”
David stood, holstering his weapon with angry jerks. “I was about to rescue her.”
“Yes, but I beat you.” Staying close, Penn didn’t touch me, but his eyes captured mine in a way that sent my tummy mimicking baby birds clumsily learning how to fly. He’d never looked so rough and dangerous but beneath the bloody smears was passion and desperation. “Elle, please. We need to talk.”
I backed up. “Maybe in a few days. Once I’m home, and this is behind us.”
“I don’t have a few days.”
My voice sharpened. “Why not?”
Penn shook his head, a sad smirk on his lips. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
Is he leaving?
Why would he say that?<
br />
Something about the way he shrugged tugged at me to know. He looked resigned. Pissed off and full of injustice but grudgingly accepting whatever he knew that I didn’t.
He knows many things you don’t.
He must’ve thought I was so stupid that day in Central Park when I’d asked where he was on the 19th of June three years ago. He would’ve known I’d refused him and his asshole friend in the alley but got it on with Nameless an hour later.
Was that why he came after me?
Because he thought I was easy?
I shivered, hugging myself. I wanted to know, but mostly, I just wanted this over with. For the first time, I missed the simplicity of my life before sex. I missed knowing what my day would entail: working, hugging my cat, and reading in bed.
There was comfort in blandness. I wanted that comfort back.
“No, Penn. I’m going home.”
His eyebrow rose as if expecting an invitation.
My chin came up. “Without you.”
I needed time to put aside this awful event with Greg and remember I was in charge, not these men in this tiny cabin.
Me.
“Let’s go.” I looked at David, seeing as Penn hadn’t budged and his jaw worked as if chewing on things he didn’t know if he should say.
David nodded. “Right away.”
I held up my wrists. “Uncuff me and take me home. Please.”
David immediately strode back to Greg, dropping to his haunches and rummaging in the unconscious man’s pockets for keys.
Penn glowered at my bodyguard. “You’re not taking her. Not until we’ve had a chance to talk.”
“Another time, perhaps,” David snapped. “We’re leaving. Right now.”
Penn’s temper morphed into something calculating. Placing himself in my view, he scooped up the metal links between my wrists and tugged gently. “Do you trust me?”
That phrase again.
“No.”
His voice softened. “You’re safe. Just...come into the kitchen.”
“The kitchen? Why?”
“Trust me.” Pulling me forward, I swayed backward for a second, fighting him.
David looked up, unsuccessful on the key hunt, his eyes narrowed on Penn.
David was here. Penn couldn’t hurt me.
When did he ever hurt you? You were alone with him often.
I punched common sense in the mouth.
Allowing Penn to guide me forward, our matching bare feet padded over the cabin’s floor. I wanted to ask why he wasn’t wearing shoes, but if I asked one question, I wouldn’t be able to stop the avalanche.
Penn led me into the kitchen then let me go. He watched me warily as if unsure I’d stay or bolt away from him.
I gave him a slight nod, showing I was relaxed and had no intention of running. Yet.
His lips quirked at the corners, his gaze skating over my body, filling with desire. Clearing his throat, he pulled open a drawer and pushed aside a few utensils until he found what he was looking for.
A meat pulverizer.
I backed away. “What are you going to do with that?”
“Come here, and you’ll see.” Leaning over the bench, Penn pulled out a knife from the same butcher’s block that Greg had taunted me with while I’d cooked lunch.
Dirty pans and plates sat in the sink, ready to be washed. What would Penn think of that? Would he think I’d played house with Greg? Get jealous that I’d cooked him lunch even though it was under duress?
Somehow, I got the feeling Penn wasn’t petty or stupid. He held violence in his palm, ready to unleash it on his enemies but he also allowed kindness.
I took a step closer, warily.
“May I?” He pointed at the chain with the knife.
I swallowed, nodding.
Taking the links, he jammed the knife tip into the loops and placed it on the counter. Twisting the blade, he added pressure until the link refused to bend anymore. Picking up the meat pulverizer, he struck the metal with an awful whack. The noise vibrated through my limbs as well as my ears.
Tossing the pulverizer away, he pulled out the knife and with another twist, broke the link.
The chains fell apart, no longer together but still cuffed to my wrists by soft leather.
“That wasn’t exactly worthwhile. I’m still—”
“Trapped, I know. You have a choice.” He scowled. “Either come home with me where I have a lock picking kit and can undo the cuffs like I would with a key. Or...”
I ignored his comment about going home with him. “Or?”
“Or I use this.” He held up the knife. “I can’t exactly use the same method with the pounder, but the padlocks look flimsy enough to break with a blade.”
David came forward. “The keys won’t be far. Be patient and help me search.”
Penn didn’t look at him, keeping his eyes on me as he said, “By all means look, but she’ll be free before you find them.”
I quipped, “So arrogant.”
He chuckled. “Only just noticed?” Pulling me forward by the dangling chain, I refused to let the shiver of lust infect me. The longer I was in his presence, the more I fought an unwinnable battle between my heart and body.
Penn wasn’t good for me. He was a liar. But my body truly didn't care.
He stepped closer—closer than necessary—and hugged my arm close. “You have to stay still. I have a knife against your delicate skin. Don’t move.”
His voice licked down my spine. My nipples that had no right to be a part of this conversation tingled.
“I won’t move.” I couldn’t really see as he hooked the knife into the small padlock and with a savage corkscrew, smiled triumphantly as the soft sound of something plopping against the floor came a second later.
“Free.” Unwrapping the leather, his fingers feathered over my wrist with affection, protection, and most of all, a request to hear him out. To give him a chance.
The cabin vanished and all that remained was us.
The mystery.
The falsities.
David and Greg.
All gone.
Penn had a magical way of capturing my every sense and keeping me locked in whatever world he created.
Licking his bottom lip, he gently let one wrist go to manhandle the other.
I held my breath as his touch skimmed down my arm then a sharp tug and knife on metal freed me from the second cuff.
Not saying a word, Penn tossed the leather away, looped his fingers around my wrist and guided me from the kitchen, past David who didn’t stop glaring, and toward the fireplace where the chain around my ankle locked to the hook.
His forehead furrowed, contemplating if he should break the chain or not bother and just undo the imprisonment around my ankle.
He chose the more streamlined option.
Ducking to one knee, he looked up as his touch landed on my calf.
I flinched as his breath fluttered the gold negligée and heat erupted between my legs. Black desire coated him as he glanced at my breasts then inserted the knife tip into the tiny padlock and jerked.
The final tether fell away, leaving me unbound by chains but unable to move from his hold. He massaged my ankle, rubbing me gently. “Elle, please. Let me take you home.”
“I—”
David barged into our little moment. “You already know you’re not taking her anywhere.”
Penn ignored him, his chocolate gaze locked with mine. “I’m not taking no for an answer.”
“Like hell you aren’t. We’re calling the police and getting this settled.” David reached for his phone.
Yes, the police.
I had to report Greg. I had to ensure he didn’t try something like this again.
But Penn turned cold, standing from his one knee pose. “Don’t.”
“Don’t tell me what to do.” David stalked away, already punching in the emergency number.
I wanted to ask him where Dad was, if he was okay, but Penn’s
stiffness and the way he inched subtly toward the door made me focus.
He’s nervous.
As well he should be. He was a criminal who’d done time before.
He was right to be worried but not because of what he’d done to Greg. He’d gone a bit far, but he’d done it in my defense.
They can’t arrest him for that. He was the hero in this scenario not the villain.
He rolled his shoulders as if it wasn’t a big deal. “I’m not waiting around for paper pushing idiots. He’s the one who needs to be arrested.” He pointed his chin at Greg still passed out on the floor. “And he’s not going anywhere.”
David scowled. “You knocked him out. The police will want to talk to you, too.”
“Well, I don’t want to talk to them.” Penn marched back toward me and took my hand. “Elle, please. Come with me.”
My conviction wobbled. He looked so young, so pleading, so lost. But he was also the man from the alley.
“I—no, I don’t think—”
Penn heard my uncertainty, my lack of absolution.
His fingers looped with mine, pulling me forward with a sudden burst of power. “Before you say goodbye, just hear me out. That’s all I’m asking.”
The instinct to fight his unwanted coercion made me dig my heels into the floor. “No. Not today. Come to my office in a few days and we’ll—”
“No. It has to be now.” He stormed forward, dragging me behind him with no effort.
David leapt into action, abandoning the phone call where he’d been murmuring details to the police. He grabbed my other hand, using me as the rope in a tug of war. “You’re not taking her, Everett.”
“Goddammit!” Penn threw my arm away, severing all ties. For a second, it looked as if he’d run and never look back.
But then he spun around, seething with restraint, itching to leave. “Fine.” Ever so slowly, he let his tension uncurl, holding his hand out to me like a lover asking me to go on a hot air balloon ride at sunset. “Elle, it would mean a lot to me if you came with me.”
He lowered his head, watching me with hooded eyes. “One conversation. In private. And then you can leave. You have my word.”
David relinquished me, so I stood on my own, no longer trapped by any of the three men currently surrounding me—even though one was still in la-la land.
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