Page 35 of The Vixen

It could be another trick.

But I don’t think so. As he pulls out, his fingers run up and down my spine. He kisses the middle of my back before lying down beside me.

Neither of us speak. Part of me wishes he would go.

The other part…

I keep my head turned from him and wait. Wait for him to leave. Wait for him to touch my back again.

Maybe even apologize.

Say he forgives me.

But it’s me who breaks the silence. “Are we even?”

No response. I bite my lip; curl the sheet into my palm.

Minutes.

And minutes.

And then, finally: “I’ll give you two women… If you promise me they won’t be harmed.”

The words should thrill me. I should roll over and look into Sawyer’s eyes just to ensure he’s being serious.

I don’t move.

“You have my word.”

The bed shifts as Sawyer gets up, followed by the soft shuffling sounds of him getting dressed.

When he’s at the door, he pauses. Looks back. “I’m not lying when I call you beautiful.”

His hand lingers on the frame a touch longer before he leaves. At least an hour passes before I find it in me to clean up his mess.

CHAPTER 9

SAWYER

In the morning, Luna comes to retrieve me. But she isn’t alone.

I’m staring at the ceiling when the door bursts open. A frequent nightmare flashes: boots stomping, wood splintering, someone yelling ‘FBI.’

I sit up, half tempted to raise my hands, but when I see which meaty neanderthal has accompanied my handler, I can’t even bother with the joke.

Thorne strides into the room, giant arms swinging like sledgehammers. When he glares at me, I try to gauge if it has anything to do with last night.

“I was wondering when I’d see your beefy face again.” I sit back on my hands. “I thought for sure you’d come visit me at the mines. I made tea and everything.”

The big guy’s face reddens as his hands ball into fists, while Luna seems content on ignoring us both. Her attention locks onthe crumpled paper I’ve since flattened and laid on the dingy table.

“Where’s your collar,Dreg?” Thorne spits like it was me who took it off. Or he just really wanted the chance to call me Dreg.

“She didn’t let you visit, did she?” I tip my head toward Luna. “Why do you think that is?”

“Because she knew I would kill you, and we aren’t finished with you yet. But don’t worry, Dreg… Your time is coming.”

“But not today?”