Twisted Desire by Laura Dunaway Page A

would be good to have someone trained to talk to. I’m not good at this stuff. I feel like whatever I say isn’t the right thing. You made a mistake leaving the cabin, yes, but once again, what Rico did wasn’t your fault, in any way. It’s his, one hundred percent. You will hopefully see that one day because it’s the absolute truth.”

    “I wish Roman wouldn’t have taken me in the first place,” I responded, anger surging through me. I was an innocent pawn in some insane game he was playing, and it was complete bullshit. How in the hell was I going to help him win this sadistic game?

    “What are you thinking?” Tag asked, breaking through my thoughts. “Your eyes suddenly got very cold and angry.”

    I turned away and started twisting my hair around my finger furiously. “Just that I was taken for Roman’s selfish reasons. He has no concern for me and my life. It still astounds me he took me for some retaliation, whatever that means. If he wouldn’t have kidnapped me, I never would have been attacked, Tag. This actually is all Roman’s fault, that bastard.”

    “You’re right.”

    My eyes shot to his, not expecting that. “I am?”

    “Yes, Penny. Roman is to blame in all of this, but Rico is too, no question. If Roman hadn’t taken you in his stupid game, you never would’ve been around Rico. It’s a sick and twisted game, and I’m sorry, querida.”

    His face had turned completely vulnerable and tender. I couldn’t resist asking what had been bothering me since I’d been on the stupid boat. “Why do you work for him, Tag?”

    I saw his Adam’s apple bulge out as he swallowed, making me instantly regret asking. It didn’t matter anyway. It wasn’t my business. I’d be wise to remember he was one of them, one of Roman’s men. He worked for the man who stole my life from me.

    “It’s complicated,” he answered.  

    “That’s all right, you don’t have to answer me.”  

    “It’s not that, Penny, it’s just—“

    I stood up and walked toward the bathroom, suddenly needing space. “Seriously, forget I asked. Excuse me.” I closed the bathroom door and leaned against the tiny counter, rubbing my eyes.

    It made no sense that he was one of them. He had so much good inside; I felt it more and more the more I was around him. How did he get mixed up in a drug cartel, and why was he still there? He had so much to offer. He needed to escape and start over.

    But I’d never tell him. It wasn’t my problem.

    Then why did I care, more than I was willing to admit?

    I used the bathroom and brushed my teeth, knowing I couldn’t hide out much longer. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and walked out, stopping mid-step when I saw him.

    He was laid out on my bed, hands over his chest and his eyes closed. His breathing wasn’t deep and even so I knew he wasn’t asleep, but when he didn’t open his eyes, I took advantage and stared. I had been enamored with his looks from the first time I saw him, and that hadn’t changed, even after what Rico did.

    His eyelashes were long, dark, and thick, and his lips were full and strong. I hadn’t kissed him, but I just knew they were. His jaw had more stubble than usual, adding to his already striking look. He hadn’t shaved his head in a little while either by the growth of dark hair coming in, and I found I liked that look better. Maybe he would stop shaving it.

    Out of nowhere, the memory of Rico slamming me onto my back on the bed hit, and I gave a low wail, slipping down to my knees on the floor. His hands were rough against my skin, groping and twisting my breasts, his sour breath in my face. I cried out for him to stop, but he wouldn’t.

    Strong arms came around me, making me bang my fists as hard as I could against the chest in front of me. “NOOOO!” I screamed so loud it stung my throat.

    “Penny! It’s me, it’s Tag. Rico isn’t here. You’re safe.”  

    The arms didn’t move from their hold on me. In fact,