Tales of Darkness & Sin - Pepper Winters Page 0,97

skin of my calf and goosebumps rose all over my body. Swallowing, I averted my eyes from his.

“This should heal on its own. It’s only twisted.” He fell silent, regarding me in a way that made me feel too warm. He straightened without warning. “Sleep now. I’ll check on you tomorrow and tell Igor you can’t work tomorrow.”

Before I could fully register his words, he was gone.

Stunned, I lay back and then everything overwhelmed me. The attack. How Killer had beaten the man to death. The bargain.

I cried myself to sleep.

I spent the next day at home, wondering if Killer would stop by, half wishing he wouldn’t, half eager for his appearance. I was lonely. Not just since I’d come to Florida. Living in a golden cage like I did made it difficult to meet new people, much less men. Killer’s attention, no matter how immoral and terrifying, thrilled me.

A knock startled me out of my reverie. I limped toward the door, but before I could look through the peephole, Killer’s voice boomed. “It’s me.”

I unlocked the door and opened it. He towered over me, holding a bag with takeout. “Food.”

I backed away, making room for him. He slipped past me and put the bag down on the counter. Slowly I closed my door. His eyes took me in. It was exceedingly hot today so I was only in shorts and a tank top. Again his gaze sent a wave of heat through me. Suddenly shy, I cleared my throat and looked away. “Thanks.”

I limped toward him.

“You like Chinese?”

I nodded then jumped when he nudged my chin up. He registered my puffy eyes. “He’s dead. Not worth a single tear.”

Why was he being this considerate? This gentle? It made me crave more of it.

“Will you eat with me?”

Surprise flickered in his eyes. He wasn’t the only one who was surprised. He gave a sharp nod.

We settled on the sofa and I ate a few bites. He kept looking at me. “What’s your real name?” I blurted eventually when I couldn’t stand the silence anymore.

“Killer.”

“That’s not a name.”

“It’s the name given to me when I was groomed for the cages.”

“Like a caged animal,” I mused.

Something flashed in his dark eyes. Anger, maybe even a flicker of hurt.

“I know what it feels like to live in a cage.”

“Many strict rules in your world?”

I searched his face, wondering how much he knew about me. Did he know who I was? Who my cousin was? “Yeah.”

I allowed my eyes to take him in, his muscles and the harsh lines of his face. “I’ve been thinking about your offer…” I trailed off. Was I losing my mind? But did I really have any other option if I wanted revenge? He’d said he could be gentle if necessary. Would he be with me?

He narrowed his eyes. “My offer stands. I don’t barter.”

“I know,” I whispered, digging my nails into the sofa. “I…I accept.”

The second the words were out of my mouth, a wave of shame washed over me. I’d been brought up traditionally. Bartering my virginity away was the worst crime in my world.

Silence fell over us. Killer regarded me closely, a hint of triumph in his eyes.

He had won, but I would too, once he killed Pasquale for me.

He leaned closer and I held my breath, thinking he wasn’t going to waste any time, but he only let his gaze trail over my body, the hint of a smirk on his face. He touched my ribs, his thumb at the underside of my breast. I shivered. “Not today. Your ribs need to heal before I fuck you.” The smirk got wider. “I can’t wait, Little One.”

It made me furious how he used this pet name to taunt me, but I had accepted and I wouldn’t back out now.

After he left, I still sat motionless on the sofa, shocked that I’d really agreed to his offer. What had I done?

Three days later, my ribs weren’t as tender anymore. They still hurt when I put too much pressure on them, but I wanted to get the bargain over as soon as possible before I freaked out completely. I had considered returning to New York every second of the day, but my wish for revenge was too strong, stronger even than my pride.

If I was being honest, a flicker of curiosity played into my decision. I had always been shielded from male attention and once I returned home, I’d have to wait until my wedding night to be