Page 74 of Shadowface

I have a theory about the split…that perhaps it’s taking away some of Mikael’s unimpeded anger. That perhaps the split is Mikael’s anger, and I want to see what happens to it.

She nibbles on her bottom lip, twirling a piece of her white locks. My eyes move to her throat as she swallows, and I shove Mikael down to the fiery pits of hell that are the inner workings of my mind to keep him at bay.

His primal instincts for murder are so strong, it’s overwhelming. His constant arousal at the thought of blood…

Feral darkness.

Summer’s hand moves to her throat, seeing my reaction to her. As if she knows instinctively what’s waiting just beneath my skin.

I lean back in my chair and study her reactions. The uptick of her breath, the pulse of her throat. Her eyes narrow, and all I can think about is slicing them out. I’m fully aware these are not my thoughts.

I blink a few times as my vision swirls once more, and I place my glasses back on and again, she’s clear. Mikael starts screaming inside. Luckily, he can’t see her with the same level of clarity I can.

Summer taps her toe and frowns, shaking her head, as if she can see the tug-of-war playing out in my eyes. The facade is over…and I have no reason to hide anymore.

“Summer…” I say carefully and wrap my hands around the back of my head, watching her. The same way I watched her last night.

The intensity that surrounds her is palatable, like a little bomb ready to explode. A smile hints at my lips, but I’m also not sure what she is going to do at this moment.

“You…” she says with venom lacing her voice, “are a liar.”

I rise and carefully step toward her, and she doesn’t flinch. Not a single tell that she’s frightened.

“And what am I lying about, pretty girl?” I enunciate the pretty girl, knowing it will confuse her.

She tilts her head and parts her perfect lips, and I slowly close the distance between us. “You’re lying about everything,” she breathes.

I take a step closer, and she shuts her eyes.

As I suspected, Summer isn’t a rational person. She’s hiding a darkness inside her I understand all too well…and that’s the side I want to see.

The thought of me choosing another victim doesn’t sit well with her. She hates herself for it, and she hates how much she wants me.

“Why did you kill her instead of me?” she says through gritted teeth. She holds her breath as I slide my hand near her ear, pressing her into the door. It’s not fear cascading out of her eyes as I move my hand near the curve of her waist and lock the door.

She leans her head back as I press my other hand near her other ear, caging her in. “Jealousy looks unbelievably sexy on you, baby.”

Her lips part as I lean my head to get a whiff of her. She smells of lilacs and summer wind.

Her eyes open, and I can see now just how distraught she is. The confusion is suffocating her, because it’s clear what she should do, but she can’t do it. The mind control we have over her is too powerful. Her body can’t resist us, even if her brain is telling her to run.

“I hate you,” she breathes. “I hate that I want you. I hate myself when I’m with you.”

I gently grab a piece of her hair, and she hitches a breath. “Don’t lie, Summer,” I tease, pressing my lips to her neck, nuzzling her. “I think you rather enjoy me.”

She shakes her head. “I have no idea who or what you are anymore.”

A burst of emotion overcomes me, and while I maintain control, the lines between me and him are blurred. Nefarious ideas take over my thoughts; his memories of watching her as a young girl infiltrate my mind.

I reach over and tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. “It’s me, Summer. You know who I am.”

My hand moves to her shirt, down to the swell of her breast, appreciating her heartbeat.

She presses her hands over mine, stopping me, as if that would stop me from taking what I want. “Why are you lying to everyone, Lincoln?”

I pull away and her eyes flash, keenly aware of how close she is to me.

“Define lying. I’m curious as to what your definition is.”