Cruel Obsession Read online

  I walk around the SUV to the passenger side and open the door. Taking her body into my arms, I cradle her protectively against my chest. She weighs hardly anything, and I don’t like it, not one fucking bit. I’ll need to plump her up a bit before I consider fucking her. The last thing I want is to break her. Right then, an image of my sweet little Dove broken—her beautiful face stricken with pain—fills my mind.

  I can’t let that happen, ever.

  The sun has just started rising, illuminating the house with an orange glow as I carry her inside. The floor creaks as I walk up the porch, unlocking the front door of the house. Gripping onto her a little tighter, I manage to punch in the code to the keypad leading downstairs. There’s a loud beep, and then the door opens.

  I walk inside and close it behind me before descending the stairs. The basement is expansive, with a full-sized kitchen, master bedroom, living room, a library, a gym, and a master suite with a jetted tub and a full floor to ceiling shower. When I had this place redone, I wanted to be sure that Dove would be comfortable here, especially if we have to stay for a while, which at this time looks that way.

  Heading straight to the bedroom, I deposit her gently on the silk sheets and brush a few strands of dark brown hair off her face. Angelic. Part of me feels like this is nothing but a dream, that there’s no way she’s here, and mine to do with as I please.

  I let my gaze move lower and stop on the exposed skin of her abdomen where her shirt has ridden up. Smooth, creamy white flesh taunts me, and I drag two knuckles over it, reveling in the warmth and pleasure it ignites deep inside me.

  I’ve wanted this forever… for as long as I can remember. I just want her. The thick rod between my legs twitches, and I nearly chuckle. He, too, has wanted this forever, and soon enough, he’ll get a taste, but for now, we’ll both have to do with my hand.

  Forcing myself to move away from the bed, I walk out into the living room and make my way back upstairs. Going back out to the car, I gather all the bags I packed, then I get the travel crate out of the back that has Max in it. He starts meowing as soon as he sees me.

  “I’ll get you out in a minute,” I say, realizing then that I just talked to a cat.

  I carry everything downstairs in two trips, before double and triple-checking all the locks. When I get back into the bedroom, Dove still hasn’t moved. Not that I expected her too. I gave her quite a strong sedative. I wouldn’t be surprised if she sleeps for the rest of the day.

  Allowing myself to touch her face one last time, I cradle her cheek and press a kiss to the crown of her forehead before breaking away to take a shower.

  Pulling out some clean towels, I walk into the bathroom and strip out of my clothing before turning the shower on. As soon as the room starts to fill with steam, I step beneath the spray. Leaning against the tile, I let the water beat down on my tired muscles.

  My cock is still harder than steel, and my balls are aching, begging me for release. The image of her in my bed doesn’t help matters and only makes me crave the warmth of her body more. Taking myself into my hand, I give the rod a hard stroke, causing a hiss of pleasure to slip past my lips. Repeating the stroke, a little harder this time, I rub my thumb over the slit at the head of my cock.

  Fuck. Letting my eyes drift closed, I envision my hand as Dove’s pussy, my hips thrusting forward, my cock moving in and out of her furiously, claiming her like I’ve always wanted to. Squeezing myself a little harder, I picture her clenching around me, her lips parted, her cheeks red, and her beautiful eyes frenzied with heat. Thrusting into my hand a little harder and faster at the image, it doesn’t take long before I explode.

  Ropes of sticky come leave my cock and land against the tile before the water washes it away. I barely keep myself standing upright, the orgasm rocking me straight to the core. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve allowed my mind to wander like this, to use Dove as an image to jack off to. I’ve seen her naked on camera so often, I know every curve of her nude body, but I’ve never got the chance to feel them, never got to touch her soft skin.

  It’s almost too tempting now, I have her here with me, and I’m no longer forced to hold back. Soon enough, I’ll be giving us both the pleasure we desperately deserve.

  Finishing up my shower, I wash my body and hair and then rinse.

  When I’m done, I get out and dry off before wrapping the towel around my waist. Walking back into the bedroom, my eyes immediately fall on the sleeping form on the bed. My gaze never wavers as I drop the towel and start getting dressed. Even though I just came, my dick is already stirring back to life again. Shit, I need to get a grip.

  Trying to keep myself occupied and my mind anywhere but on Dove, I unpack the bags I brought and get everything else situated. Once done, I take a seat on the edge of the bed and stare at her. Now I just have to wait for my sleeping beauty to wake up.

  9

  The first thing I notice when I wake is the pain radiating through my head. It feels like someone is trying to pry my skull open. The second thing is the silky sheets my cheek is pressed against, and that alone gives me enough steam to force my heavy lids open.

  For one single moment, all I am is confused, then like a freight train, the events come rushing back to me. All the confusion is shoved aside as fear and panic overtake me.

  Eyes as black as night. The prick of a needle in my neck. Promises of love.

  My stomach churns, and a wave of dizziness slams into me as I scan the room, my gaze darting around, looking for an exit, for him. When I don’t see anyone, I look down at my body and find that I’m still completely clothed.

  Thank god for that.

  There’s no soreness between my legs as I move to the edge of the bed, so I feel confident enough that he didn’t rape me. Lifting my hands to my face, I feel around for any bumps or bleeding. I don’t find any wounds, and I don’t feel any pain besides the soreness in my neck and the splitting headache I have, so I’m thankful for that.

  Overall, I seem to be fine at the moment, but that’s not a complete relief because I have no clue where the hell I am or how I’ll get out of here. On top of that, I don’t even know where my captor is. Or if there is more than one of them.

  Another wave of fear slams into me, threatening to immobilize me. There has to be more than one of them. It’s just not possible that this was done alone. Who can just kidnap someone from their home and take them god knows where without anyone noticing them?

  God, this is so bad, and something tells me it’s not going to get any better.

  Frantically, I get up and start pacing around the room. It’s pretty luxurious, with a large king-sized bed and expensive-looking furniture. Two bedside lamps give the room all its light. It still must be night. Heavy curtains are draped over the windows. Windows...

  Rushing across the room, I grab two fistfuls of the curtains and pull them open. I suck in a sharp breath when I see what’s behind them. Bricks. They’re just bricks. It’s a sham, a damn facade. I check the other window and find the same kind of brick wall behind it. Then the third, as if that one would be any different. Still, there is a small sliver of hope that lives inside me, which is crushed as soon as I pull the last set of curtains away.

  Bile rises in my throat, and I press a hand to my stomach. I think I’m going to be sick. I’m trapped… in some kind of basement. Digging my nails into the palm of my hand, I swallow down the vomit and focus my attention.

  I need to find a way out.

  There are two doors, both are closed, so I have no idea where they lead or what lurks behind them. Taking a deep breath, I walk over to the first one. Fear trickles slowly into my veins. Hesitantly, I reach for the doorknob, my fingers curl around the cold metal, and I turn it. Thinking the door is probably locked, I don’t expect it to open, so when it does, a surprised gasp falls from my lips. I stand there shocked for all of two seconds before I walk out into the huge open space.

  I’m trapped in a god damn, underground apartment, a giant
one at that. My apartment would probably fit three times in this room alone. I try and act like I don’t care, but this place is something else.

  I stare out into the living room, where a large sectional couch, an entertainment center with a TV the size of a small theater screen is.

  A dining area sits in the center of the space, with a table that seats six. A large colorful flower centerpiece ties the room together, giving it a homey feel.

  The entire place leaves me feeling completely confused. It’s almost like someone lives here... It’s far too nice of a place for a prisoner to live in, which makes me wonder if I’m really a prisoner here or something else entirely.

  The kitchen is on the other side of the room, with modern-looking cabinets and stainless-steel appliances. Then it dawns on me. There’s a fully functioning kitchen, and a kitchen means knives, which I can use as a weapon. Carelessly, I rush from the bedroom and into the kitchen. My hands are shaking as I search the counters for a knife block.

  Opening the drawers, my hope splinters as I only find spoons and forks, but not a single knife. Desperate, I grab a fork just to feel like I have something I could do damage with. With my free hand, I continue to open the drawers hoping maybe something will appear.

  When nothing does, the panic starts to set in again. Oh, god. I’m trapped in this basement, with nothing more than a fork to protect myself with. Running a hand through my hair, I will my out of control heartbeat to slow down.

  Think, Dove, think.

  “Are you looking for something?” That deep voice pierces the fog around my mind, and I whirl around, raising my arm in front of me and pointing the fork in the direction of the voice. My eyes find the nameless guy that took me from my apartment. Inky black hair, and eyes the color of charcoal add to the dark vibe he’s got going on.

  Dragging my gaze down his body, I find he’s wearing nothing more than a pair of low hanging basketball shorts. His broad, muscled chest is on display, and beads of sweat drip down it, leaving a trail behind.

  Why is he sweating? Why am I staring?

  I force myself to look away from his chest. I don’t care what he looks like, he kidnapped me. Peering up into his eyes, I find he’s staring me down, the dark orbs twinkle with a sliver of amusement when he spots the fork in my hand.

  The blood in my veins turns to ice at the darkness I see in his eyes. There is no light, no good, and that scares me almost more than what’s happening because if he has no conscience, no reason to care, then I’m as good as dead.

  “Let me go!” I order, cutting the fork through the air like a knife.

  He grins, literally grins at me like I’m an adorable kitten, instead of a woman willing to do whatever she can to get free.

  “Do you truly think you can hurt me with a fork?” he says, and it feels like a taunt, which only angers me more.

  “There is no thinking about it. If you don’t let me go, I will stab you with this fork.” I make my voice sound strong and tighten my grip on the end. My palms are sweaty, and I’m scared. So damn scared. The last time I was this scared, I was sure that creeper was going to get me, and I refuse to let something bad happen again. If I have to, I’ll save myself.

  He takes a threatening step toward me, and my muscles quake. My brain is telling me to run, ordering me to, but looking at the man before me, there is no way I’ll get around him, and even if I do, I have no idea where I’ll go.

  “Put the fork down before you hurt yourself. I told you I wasn’t going to hurt you, and I meant it.” He speaks gently to me like I’m a child, and I stare at him with confusion. His words don’t match his actions. His voice is a soft whisper and doesn’t match the devil persona he’s giving off. I can only assume this is some sick game to him.

  “Not yet… you’re not hurting me yet, but you will. I’m not stupid. Why else would you kidnap me and lock me in a basement? Let me go, and I won’t call the police. I won’t tell anyone about what happened.”

  “I’m sorry, but I can’t do that, Dove,” he says, frowning and taking another step toward me. He lifts his hand, and I flinch, taking a step back to keep the distance between us.

  “Can’t and won’t aren’t the same thing.” I look over his shoulder, trying to plan out my next move. It’s a mistake and one that’ll cost. He moves with lightning speed toward me. He’s going to kill me. All I can do is gasp as he grabs the wrist with the fork in it and squeezes hard enough to cause me to release it.

  It falls to the floor, the sound of the metal bouncing across the tile fills the space. As if his touch burns my skin, I tug my arm out of his hold. His dark eyes narrow, and he looks at me like he wants to grab my hand again, but he refrains. Who is he? Why does he want me?

  “Please, just let me go, please!” Panic is clawing at my insides.

  Something resembling remorse flashes across his face but is soon replaced with an emotionless mask.

  “Come, I’ll show you around, and if you behave, I’ll let you go into the library.”

  Library? How can he act so normal, like nothing is wrong? Like he isn’t breaking the law? He has got to be out of his damn mind if he thinks I’m following him anywhere.

  Lost in my thoughts, I forget he’s standing here, watching me, staring like he can see deep inside my soul. An involuntary shiver ripples down my back.

  “You’re insane, psychotic.” I cross my arms over my chest, trying to make myself appear big when I feel like a tiny mouse trapped in a trap. “I’m not going anywhere with you. I’m not staying here. Just let me go. Whatever you want, I don’t have it. If it’s money or something, I have none. I have nothing, you chose the wrong girl.”

  His lips twitch as if he wants to smile. “I’ve been called worse in my life, and I’ve most definitely chosen the right girl. I don’t want your money, Dove.” Taking another step, he crowds me. My heart thunders in my chest, and I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from crying out. The coppery tang of blood fills my cheek. He’s close enough for me to touch him now, and his nearness terrifies me almost as much as his distance. When he leans into my face, I catch a whiff of sweat, soap, and just man, “All I want is you, and now I have you. Right where I want you, so relax and let me show you around your new home.”

  “My… my new home?” My lips tremble as I speak, and he pulls back a little, his eyes studying my face. Heat blooms in my cheeks at the inspection.

  “Yes, your new home. I hope you’re happy with the accommodations. I wanted to be sure you are as comfortable as possible. I even brought Max since I know you love him so much.”

  “M-Max?” I’m shocked. Shocked and terrified and confused. The reality of everything sinks in very slowly, and I realize then what I should’ve realized all along. Whoever this guy is, he’s never going to let me go.

  10

  Max must have heard us talking about him because, on cue, he appears in the kitchen. He purrs loudly as he wraps his body around the corner of the cabinet. Dove bends down to pick him up, holding him to her chest protectively. I do my best to understand her fear, but she should know better.

  “If I really wanted to hurt you, I could’ve easily done so when you were knocked out.” I point out the obvious, but it seems to fall on deaf ears.

  Although the whole I’ll stab you with a fork thing was quite adorable and turned me on a little bit. It’s cute that she thinks she can fight me off, that she can escape.

  “I… I can’t stay here. No.” She shakes her head, strands of hair fall onto her face, and she looks up at me with panic in her blue eyes. “I won’t stay here. You can’t make me. I… I’ll scream. I’ll fight you. I will not let you keep me here.”

  Each word is like a lash against my heart. Her words hurt me more than I expected them to. I knew she would want to escape, to fight me, but I never expected her to be so strong-willed. I realize instantly that I need to try a different approach, or I’m going to have to drug her again and tie her to the bed.

  “Would it help you if I told yo
u my name?”

  Her eyes widen, and she looks shocked. “No! I don’t care about your name. I don’t care about any of this. I just…” She pauses and then darts forward, dropping Max in the process to run away from me. Like cats do, he lands on his feet and lets out a hiss as he scurries away.

  Jesus Christ. This is turning out to be a shitshow. Now I’m going to have to do the one thing I don’t want to do. Her panic is out of control, and the only thing that’s going to keep her in line and make her see through the fog is fear.

  I hate the idea of deceiving her like this, of threatening her, but it’s my last option before drugging her again.

  “I tried to be kind, tried to reason with you, but my patience is wearing thin.” My voice drops and turns menacing as I chase after her. Without having a clue as to where she’s going, she runs back into the bedroom, basically trapping herself. Her determination is almost comical. She tries to shut the door behind her, but I block it with my foot.

  “Please…” The anguish in her voice calls to me. It begs for my protection, but there’s no protecting her from me. At least not right now.

  Like a trapped and wounded animal, she rushes around the bed, hiding on the other side. Ha, like a piece of furniture could protect her from me. I’ll rip the fucking thing apart piece by piece. Vibrating with frustration, I try to talk myself off the ledge.

  My gaze collides with hers, and the softest whimper I’ve ever heard escapes her lips as I prowl toward the bed. She doesn’t know how dangerous this is for her. How easy it would be for me to let go and ruin everything.

  There’s nothing to stop me from falling off the edge, no one to hold me back.

  Standing next to the bed, her eyes dart to the door and back to me again. Back and forth, they move like a bouncy ball, and without her even knowing, she’s giving herself away.

  I’m trained to kill, trained to see peoples’ next move. She’s a chessboard, and her face is giving away her next move.