I cover her mouth, stopping her scream, and grab her arm, careful not to touch the many scars that have marred her once-flawless skin. I push her up against the vanity—ignoring the pleasure growing inside me.
My essence rips through her, calming the storm brewing inside her, making sure she won’t set the building on fire or do anything else to raise the alarm.
Touch. That’s her weakness. The answer was right in front of me the whole time. She affects me—and I affect her—through touch. That’s why I could compel her Tuesday. I was touching her and linked to her. The only reason it didn’t take was that we were interrupted.
Emerald eyes flash to the door, waiting and watching for MJ to come rushing in.
I smirk. “He’s not coming, Mads,” I whisper, making sure even those with immortal abilities cannot hear me. “None of them are.”
Her attention returns to me as she glares. My hand still covers her soft lips, but I can guess what she’d tell me if she could speak. My essence picks up a mix of defiance and fury inside her. There’s a little fear, though not as much as I would have expected. Her eyes once again dart to the door. She doesn’t believe me. She still thinks he’s coming to rescue her. Her faith and trust in him has reduced what little power I had over her.
Pressing more of my body against her, I lift my hand, revealing my ring. “Do you see this?” I pause, waiting until she looks at it. “This ring is enchanted to hide my essence. The four Protectors have no idea I’m here.”
Her eyes narrow, glaring at me again. She still doesn’t believe me. The anger inside her swells. Actually, it’s more like . . . annoyance.
I shake my head, both frustrated and awed. I’m here, moments away from finally stealing her, yet instead of being scared, she’s pissed. Pissed I ruined her night. A night he created for her.
The thought of him makes rage bubble up inside me, but I hold it back, not wanting to hurt her. It’s time she realizes that this—she and I together—was always going to happen.
“I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to get you alone, all to myself. I’ve watched you almost nonstop since Wednesday morning. Remember the twigs snapping by the bridge that morning? Remember seeing me in the bathroom when you came out of the shower? Remember the ‘wind’ that pushed that worthless excuse of an angel over when she dared insult you?”
Her eyes widen. And in their depths, I can tell she does remember.
“I’ve hardly ever left your side for days. And none of them—including the legendary MJ himself—has known it. They can’t sense me. They won’t help you. They’ll have no idea where I’ve taken you.”
Her body shakes, and she closes her eyes. The fear I’ve been waiting for, hoping to feel, builds inside her.
She finally believes me.
A tear clings to her lashes, but before it can fall and summon rain outside, I wipe it away with my thumb.
As much as I want to relish this moment, I know I can’t. Even with my enchanted ring and my control over her abilities, I’m not foolish enough to believe I have unlimited time here.
I push more of my essence into her. Her eyes pop open, questioning the change. I lock onto her gaze and connect to her mind, hoping this works.
My essence comes back to me. Unlike the time at my house, I’m ready for the darkness that exists with her. Even though I now have total control over Maddy, I still cannot access her memories.
I drop my hand from her mouth, confident she won’t scream anymore. Not unless I want her to.
Mads’s eyes dull, becoming dazed. I speak even softer to her—making sure no one outside this room can hear us.
“You and I are going on a little trip, Mads, but we need to make sure we’re not followed. From now on, your emotions will be suppressed. No matter what you’re feeling, you are not allowed to project it into the environment.”
She nods. “Where are we going?” Her voice is flat, lacking her usual emotion.
It’s working. I can’t resist the urge to smile.
“The only place that makes sense: where it all began.”
“Okay.”
Again I smile at her flat tone.
After what feels like an eternity of waiting, she’s mine.