But in the aftermath, regret washes over me as I realize what I just did.
I’m torn between two realities, one I don’t want to consider, and the other even darker.
For now, the second thought wins.
“You aren’t going to hurt him.”
Eros drops his gaze back to mine, warm fingers grazing my cheek. “I wouldn’t do that.”
There’s a hint of humor in his voice, and it unnerves me, because I remember what he said about Riccardo. He offered to kill him, and when I laughed, he said he wasn’t joking.
I can’t deny that this man is unhinged in a lot of ways I’ve conveniently ignored up until this point. But I won’t let this one go.
“Promise me.” My voice wavers.
“Promise you what?”
“That you won’t hurt him.”
He stares at me for so long, I’m not sure he’ll actually do it. But to my relief, he gives in.
“On my life.” He kisses the words against my lips. “I won’t hurt him.”
17
ROMEO
[ENTRY 005] — UNSCHEDULED BACKUP
> Trigger: fucking her relentlessly.
> Status: system destabilizing.
> Data: extracted vocalization of my name.
> Risk: exposure imminent.
> Action: scale claiming parameters.
It’s notlike I didn’t already know I was deranged, but this is a new level of twisted, even for me. Fucking Gabi is one thing. Torturing confessions out of her is another.
I’m leaving her breadcrumbs like it’s a full-time job and she’s clocking in overtime, talking herself out of the truth. She’s made the connections, but she’s still clinging to the illusion like armor.
Letting her have that alternate reality was always the plan, as if it makes this situation any less fucked up. But as I toss her over my shoulder and carry her off as my cum-filled captive, I’m living in my own delusion—one in which I don’t have to stop this insanity.
We pass through a staged cemetery, and Gabi’s head swivels as I carry her past a couple fucking over one of the headstones.
“Where are we going?” Her voice jostles as she bounces with every step.
“Somewhere I can finish you off.”
She shivers against me, getting off on my threat like the little deviant she is. I’m convinced that if there is a higher power, he created her to test me. First, he cursed me with an incurable attraction for this singular woman. Then he gave her desires custom-made to appeal to my depraved nature.
Hunting her: check.
Scaring her: check.
Marking her: triple check.
