I’d regretted following the letter of the law ever since. While I’d never told anyone, I didn’t need to keep anything secret when spending time with my friends. They’d all experienced at least one vulgar, horrific crime to bring them to the point of crossing every line of decency.

  Raven Intel members had jumped over the wide gorge and I was thankful we had.

  More so now.

  That would help me from second guessing what would need to occur should I discover the identity of the copycat.

  Or the real killer.

  While she continued tempting me, never blinking, the tip of her tongue darting across her bottom lip, I unfastened my belt. Methodically. With forethought. As if we had all the time in the world when my instincts screamed things were about to become explosive.

  When the thick strap was free in my hand, she shuddered visibly.

  “You will never do this again,” she told me, her nose wrinkled from her defiance.

  “I hope I won’t need to, but I won’t hesitate to do so if that means keeping you alive.”

  I delivered a harsh crack across both buttocks, closing my eyes when I heard her instant cry. My throat remained dry, the sight of her lithe body driving me crazy. I brought the belt down four times in rapid succession, the sound crackling in the air.

  She jerked up, pushing her legs together, her gasps for air a clear indication of the pain I was inflicting. I brushed my fingers across her lightly reddened skin, the thought of marking her permanently never far from my mind.

  “Remain in position. I don’t think you want me to start over.”

  She closed her eyes, her fingers now white knuckled, but there was no mistaking the look of determination on her face. Her refusal to allow me to break through her strong defenses was yet another stumbling block.

  The bastard had forced walls to be built from cinder and steel. She’d ceremoniously shut herself off from the world, acting as if she didn’t need anyone. I couldn’t blame her. Basically, I’d done the same thing. But that was no way to live.

  I brought the belt down several additional times, finding it difficult to breathe. Her muffled wails permeated my eardrums as her body undulated with each stroke, continuing to echo long after there was no sound in the room. The fact my vision was suddenly foggy, preventing me from my usual level of concentration remained troublesome. Did the woman have any idea the kind of effect she had on me? Did she realize that the only peace I’d ever found was knowing I’d brought her home?

  And did she have any inkling that by crossing the line, I’d all but dragged us both into harm’s way? What did it matter at this point? I couldn’t seem to get enough of her, the longing far surpassing any concept of being forbidden.

  I continued the spanking, stopping when her bottom had turned an even shade of red, running my aching fingers through my hair then twisting the belt around my hand. Just the sight of her glistening pussy was pushing every boundary. I thrust several fingers inside then rolled my thumb around her clit.

  Her moans of agony shifted to those of pure ecstasy, her long eyelashes skimming across her cheeks creating another round of arousal. My balls were tight as drums, my cock shoved so hard against my zipper I should be the one crying out in pain.

  I was more impatient than ever, wanting nothing more than for her punishment to be over. She clawed at the mirror, one hand skittering across the counter’s surface, knocking the basket of towels to the floor, tossing the bottle of liquid soap to the other side of the counter.

  The clatter no doubt drew attention.

  And I just didn’t care.

  What the hell had I turned into over the years? She believed me to be nothing but a hero but she was wrong. The taste of the forbidden did nothing but drag the darkness sequestered inside of me into the light.

  What few had realized was that I’d become a cruel, heartless, and very sadistic man. I’d hidden it well, managing to perfect my current mask of steel.

  Until she’d returned to my life.

  We were at a tit for tat moment. She’d never fully give up control. Not to a job or to a man.

  Just being able to study her face changed everything. Wants. Needs. My mind was blown from the way I felt about her. While unexpected, my strong sense of possession more than demonstrated the man I’d become.

  I would make her mine.

  Mine to taste.

  Mine to fuck.

  Mine to possess.

  This was just the beginning.

  Her bare skin called to me, the softness adding to the treachery of the moment and perhaps my mental stability.

  Four final strikes across her backside and I couldn’t take it any longer, the need that intense. Yet I wasn’t ready to toss aside the thick strap, instead sliding it between her legs.

  She stiffened, her eyes opening wide while her mouth twisted from another wave of overwhelming desire.

  I wanted her anticipation heightened, her pussy throbbing to have my cock buried inside. If we were anywhere else, I’d require her to call out my name. What the heck. Maybe I would still do so. I’d already admitted I wasn’t a decent man.

  With every breath I took, her scent keeping me intoxicated, I sensed the possibility of losing control. This was just the beginning of stripping away her inhibitions, creating such an intense longing that she would be easily claimed when I came for her.

  What kind of a man was I actually admitting, even if only to myself, that I’d become? Some kind of monster? I guess so since I craved every defiling every inch of her. She pushed up from the counter, arching her back as she tossed her hair from side to side. The feisty attorney was making me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

  Her look of surprise was an indication that she felt the extreme heat pulsing between us, the jolt of current boosting the adrenaline rush. When I attempted to lower my head, she pushed hard against me, another mischievous smile crossing her face.

  After allowing a single growl to erupt, I slid my fingers over her shoulder and down her arm, lowering my gaze as I continued my exploration. The simple evocative touch kept her breathing ragged, every sound she made the purr of a kitten. I jerked her leg up and to the side, catching her off guard when I pressed her knee against the edge of the counter. She laughed nervously, her fingernails becoming a weapon when she reached behind her. As soon as she scratched my skin, I pressed the tip of my cock between her legs.

  “Is that what you want, to hurt me? To stop me?” I nuzzled into her neck, whispering the words.

  “I don’t know.”

  “I think you do.” I bit her earlobe before swirling the tip of my tongue in the shell. She shuddered in my hold, her eyelids now half closed.

  “Do I?”

  “You’re also not very good at lying.” I pulled out, slamming into her again. She was driven into the edge of the counter, the rough action stealing her breath. But she wasn’t bothered in the least.

  “Then just do it.”

  “Right here?” I shifted back and forth, further seating my dick deep inside.

  “Yes. Right here. Right now. Before I lose my mind.” She gripped my thigh, somehow managing to pull me even closer.

  I dragged my tongue down the long line of her neck. “Now, we wouldn’t want that. Would we?”

  “Nope. We would not.” She wiggled against me, enough so friction was created. I was the one about to lose my mind.

  “Then I guess I’ll show you the true meaning of the word passion.”

  My words allowed her to throw away the remainder of her fear, arching her back as she rolled her long fingers up both arms. “About time. Fuck me. Just… fuck me.”

  With a husky laugh erupting. I wrapped my hand around her throat, lifting her head before plunging my aching cock deep inside. She was required to watch me as I took her, deflowering whatever was left of her innocence. She would remember this moment long after I was gone.

  Until the next time.

  Would I keep her with me or simply tag along in the shadows of her life? I hated lying to her, but not until I had confirmation, I’d keep the sanctity of the group. Why was it that I continued to remind myself of the need? It didn’t make any sense other than both Hudson and Kendrick had brought women into the fold.

  Enough so Kendrick had introduced me to my kick-ass assistant.

  With my dick throbbing, I shoved aside all aspects of business. It could wait until later. Until I’d had my fill.

  The feel of her muscles clamping around my shaft tore at the bastard inside of me. I wanted to fuck her with all the ferocity of a beast, but she’d managed to awaken what little goodness I had inside of me. Damn her for enticing me the way she had. Damn her for making me want to feel again, to experience the joy of sharing something so private and intimate.

  When I pulled out, I dug my fingers into her neck, marveling at how every inch of fear had been tossed aside, the defiance and fire in her eyes fueling the raging inferno.

  I thrust harder, pinning her against the counter. I demanded more of her, my actions becoming predatory. The need to consume her continued to increase as she scratched all the way down my chest, her breathing as ragged as mine. As my chest heaved, I plunged into her savagely, taking what I wanted, her moans gasoline tossed on the flames.

  But even this wasn’t enough. Pulling completely out, I spun her around to face me, longing to have her body molded against mine.

  “Are you growing bored?” she whispered.

  “Not possible around you.”

  Easing my hand away from her throat, I lowered down, thirsting for the taste of her mouth. There was such an innocence about her even though she exuded more power than most women. The fact I was sullying her, taking what I wanted didn’t seem to bother her in the least. I captured her mouth and the feel of her soft lips against mine was even better than before.

  She was no timid woman, her tongue sweeping back and forth, exploring the man who was taking her. Even as I took full control, dominating her tongue, she matched the ferocity, her soft mews becoming sweet music between us. I rocked my hips, shifting the angle as I drove as deep inside of her as possible.

  Alexia’s hands fluttered over my shoulders, her fingers tangling in my hair, tugging as if trying to keep me from breaking free from our embrace. However, the bastard inside of me took over. I wanted to see her, to watch the way her eyes changed as I filled her with my seed. When I pulled away, she gasped, still clawing for me.

  I pulled one arm over her head then the other, pressing my palms against hers, interlocking our fingers. As I rocked my hips in a continuous motion, she bucked hard against my hold, fighting to lift her head.

  “You’re not in control.”

  She laughed softly, even nipping my lower lip. “Are you so certain about that?”

  Her eyes were dilated, her mouth twisting in frustration. The feeling of being inside of her was incredible, pushing every boundary. I could do this for hours, fucking her relentlessly and still I wouldn’t be satisfied. As her pussy muscles clenched and released several times, I realized she was close to another orgasm.

  I lowered my head, breathing across her strong jaw before whispering in her ear, “Come for me.”

  Her entire body shook underneath me, her heart beating as rapidly as mine.

  “Oh. Mmm…” Her eyes remained glassy, every sound she made lingering in my eardrums. I thrust harder, driving into her womb. I need to feel her eruption, her juice slickening my cock.

  As she tossed her head from side to side, her body undulating under mine, I gave the command again.

  “Come now.” The moment her entire body spasmed, her pussy muscles clenching around the thick invasion, I threw my head back, unable to stop the increasing needs, the deep swell of longing that refused to be denied. As my balls swelled, I realized I’d lost all control. I erupted deep inside of her, relishing the feel of her even more. The hard thudding of my heart was as loud as her cries of satisfaction.

  She dug her fingers into my hands, her body rocking as she climaxed again, fighting to keep from screaming.

  “Yes… Oh, yes.” As her body began to relax, she blinked several times, the softness of her breath against my face sending vibrations into my muscles.

  I rested my forehead against hers, taking several deep breaths. The scent of sex and sweat filled the air, the taste of her lingering on my tongue. The combination had already driven me crazy and as the moment burned within me, I issued a series of barely audible growls.

  When I released her hands, I pinched her chin between my thumb and forefinger, studying her glassy eyes. “So beautiful.” I kissed her on the lips before backing away.

  We both heard a noise and as if I’d found the gentleman who’d been driven aside during our carnal activity, I covered her body with mine as she clung to me.

  As expected, yet more amusing than if I’d been caught by anyone else, the sight of Carter’s head peeking in through the open door brought laughter from us both.

  Whatever he’d expected to find hadn’t occurred. For the first time since we’d met, my agent was speechless.

  In truth, after all the shit he’d given me over the years, including calls made in the middle of the night bugging me about deadlines, he deserved a little payback.

  “So what was the second reason?” I’d almost forgotten all about her answer to my earlier question.

  “Second reason?”

  “That you just had to find me?” I turned my full attention to her, savoring every second of Alexia being in my arms.

  “Oh, that.” She glanced away, refusing to answer me.

  Oh, hell, no. I gripped her face, forcing her full attention. “You’re not getting off that easily. The second reason. Now. Or I’ll continue the spanking. Your bottom isn’t the exact shade of crimson I’d prefer.” I’d be damned if her face didn’t shift to the same stain as the color on her buttocks.

  “I need a plus one for an event at my office. Well, not exactly my office. The party is in a party facility by the beach, but you get the point.”

  With my eyes narrowed, I’d studied her for a full thirty seconds before she flitted her gaze toward me.

  “Don’t look at me that way.” She tried to shift further into the bathroom and away from the man studying us as if watching some porn movie.

  “You’re asking me on a date.” I never thought I’d see her so uncomfortable.

  “Like I said. I need a plus one. That’s it. My boss is adamant about my attendance and she seemed to be interested in meeting you.”

  “A fan?”

  She shrugged. “Maybe.”

  Laughing, I backed away yet further in front of her so Carter would be forced to bask on my sculpted physique. With my hand held out for a ‘seal the deal’ moment, I noticed she didn’t seem too pleased. “Then I accept. I wouldn’t dare disappoint your boss.”

  Alexia had something on her mind. I could read that easily enough. Perhaps the invitation had been a little too pushy.

  When she grasped my hand, all the color drained from her face. A memory had just resurfaced, one harsh enough the visions caught her off guard. I’d seen them in her eyes, one by one flashing across her field of vision, a parade of the macabre. I’d experienced exactly what she was going through with other victims. One minute they were able to keep the wolves at bay. Then out of the blue they could no longer breathe, their thoughts muddled.

  That’s what she was going through, demons from her past dragging the beautiful woman into her own private hell. Seeing the terror and pain in her eyes was exactly the kick in the teeth I needed to get my ass in gear.

  Chase’s voicemail was a clear indication her instincts were spot on. The two words he’d used had been exacerbated by his tone.

  “Call me.”

  That was next on my agenda, but I already knew what to expect in my gut if nothing else.

  Samuel Wells had a family, a brother to be exact. I didn’t care that there was no concrete proof. My instincts were never wrong. Somewhere in the world, a man with almost identical DNA lived and perhaps continued thriving against all odds.

  Perhaps they didn’t even look alike now, their characteristics, likes, and dislikes entirely different. There’d been thousands of studies performed on siblings over several generations. Sibling competition with criminal activity was nothing new. Neither was utilizing the closeness shared.

  I’d utilized those studies over the years to solve cases, even manipulating the family relationship to my benefit. Hell, I’d even pretended to be a long-lost brother once to catch a murderer. I’d managed to convince the bastard I was his younger sibling. Not by assimilating the man’s dress code or preferences in food and drink.

  But by use of the man’s proclivities against him.

  A BDSM club considered his playground had turned into my hunting ground.

  I’d become skilled in utilizing the studies to my benefit. The goal? Sliding into the person’s mind without them knowing my intentions.

  In this case, Samuel was my playground. I’d need to rely on my instincts, but I’d been there before. But first things first, since Alexia was the target of a monster’s affections.

  People would ask why he hadn’t returned to the metaphorical scene of the crime, finishing the creation he’d begun years before. Every person considered criminally insane had their own reasons for their actions, often dispelling scientific or psychological truths. In knowing what I did about the Python Killer, he’d considered her special, her ability to escape providing a reason for respect.

  That didn’t mean his sadistic needs hadn’t won in the end. In my mind, I could sense she was the perfect victim, the Mona Lisa of his methodology.

  I’d need a foolproof way of protecting her.

  I also needed to finish what I’d started years ago, before falling prey to some ridiculous sense of doing the right thing. Eliminating the threat without concern about if I was crossing the line of right versus wrong.

  Good versus evil.