Thunderstruck (Ramsey Security #1)

"What style was the house? Was it one story or two?"

"Two. It was a modern style house. Nothing on the walls. No rugs on the ground. The staff had to remove their shoes before leaving the front hall. Locke didn't want dirt and noise in his home."

"How many people worked for him in the house?"

I let myself dig further into the darkness. "Mister Pain and Mister Punishment lived at the house. They were always around. Mistress Agony lived there too, and she was in charge of me. She also organized Locke's schedule. There was a maid who cooked my meals and told Locke when I didn't eat what I was given. As evil and creepy as Locke is, his employees worship him. I think he saved them from bad lives, and they view him as a sort of sick messiah. I don't know really though. They didn't talk to me. They just bossed me around."

"Why were you in California when you escaped? Did you travel far to get there?"

"He was in Los Angeles for business, I think. I wasn't told. Mistress Agony gave me a spiked drink. I woke up in a different house. I didn't know I was in LA until I ran."

"Could you describe the house you were in?"

"Not really. It was big and sterile."

"Does Locke have pets?"

I open my eyes and frown. "He's a clean freak who doesn't allow anyone to wear cologne or perfume and makes everyone walk around in socks so they won't make noise. Do you really think he'd have a pet?"

Troy smirks. "You're very sexy when you get angry. Remember that when you want to get my engine revving in the future."

I narrow my eyes at him, but my hateful expression only makes him smile wider.

"Locke is hiding away in his hole, but we'll find and kill him. It's only a matter of time. I know the team is working leads, and I trust they want him dead. Despite that, I still want to find something to speed up the process."

Saying nothing, I close my eyes and instantly see Locke's face as clearly as if he was standing in front of me. I open my eyes. The real view is beautiful with Troy studying me. His eyes lack the smugness of a man with power over me. His blue eyes are soft and hint at a hunger I can't feed.

"It's been a long day for you," he nearly whispers. "You deserve a reward."

"A bag of Hershey Kisses?"

Troy smiles. "Sure, but something even more special. I'm going to let you squeeze my guns."

Troy shows me his muscled biceps, and I realize he's serious about me squeezing them. Laughing despite my bad mood, I shake my head when he nudges my foot.

"You know you want to."

"I really don't."

Troy leans forward until his lips are only inches from mine. I stare into his eyes and think about kissing him. The gesture seems so easily. Just lean forward, press my lips against his, and let him do the rest. Except I feel Locke on my skin, and his voice echoes in my head.

"Don't let that bastard keep you from enjoying all these muscles," Troy whispers.

Smiling slightly, I lift my hand. "Fine. Let me get a feel."

Troy flexes his bicep for me, and I run my fingers over the hard flesh. The heat radiating from his tanned skin surprises me.

"How long should I fondle you?" I whisper, avoiding his gaze.

"You've had a stressful day, so take your time."

Laughing, I finally meet his gaze. "You push me too hard."

"I need you to get healthy."

"What if I never do?"

"I don't believe in failure."

Removing my fingers from his arm, I set my hands in my lap. "I was never a strong person."

"I doubt you knew one way or another how strong you were. Most people live comfy lives where they're never tested. You've been tested and survived. Don't let Locke's bullshit distract you from the reality of what happened. He needed a staff of monsters to keep you caged, yet you freed yourself. You're stronger than he is, and you'll outlive him."

Time stops. Locke's voice disappears, and Troy's take its place. Locke's face fades, leaving only the handsome man inches from me. The past has no power, and the future is meaningless. I only know this moment with this man.

Troy wants to kiss me. I feel him closing the distance between us, yet he never moves. Our gazes locked together erase all the worries. No one can touch us right now.

The ringing of his phone startles me, but Troy ignores it at first. He doesn't want to let go of this moment. Yet I feel my confidence fading already. We're back in this apartment. The TV still replays the deadly highway scene from earlier. I remain Locke's captive, unable to leave my home without worry.

However, for a short refuge of time, Troy and I were free.





20


~~~

Darla

There's No Saying No

Troy says Minka is on her way upstairs. We stand near the door, waiting silently. After such a strange, yet exciting day, I don't know what to say. Our goodbye feels momentous, even though I'll see him in the morning.

"I'm glad you didn't take the pill today," Troy says, studying my face.

"I can't promise I won't take it tonight or tomorrow or any other day."