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cowering like an abused animal. I guess it serves me right."
    I waited for my heart rate to slow but it didn't. It wouldn't—until he left.
    "I'm sorry." Making no effort to hide his disappointment, he frowned as he started out.
    But overwhelmed by relief, I dropped to the mattress.
    A sudden thought shattered this stint of well-being: When will Dr. Jekyll turn into Mr. Hyde?

4. THE NINTH DAY 
    W e pretended that particular evening never happened. Brandon pretended he didn't say he loved me. He seemed embarrassed, not that I cared either way. I just wanted him to treat me as a human, not a slave.
    I pretended he never raped me, but those vivid assaults had a way of seeping into my memory when I least expected.
    On the ninth day he led me up the basement steps to the first level.
    A shocking, inexplicable spontaneous event.
    He brought me into the sleek modern kitchen. When he fetched his mobile phone to order a pizza, I gaped thinking this had to be a dream.
    I glanced in the living room while he spoke on the phone. His lips formed a reassuring smile, telling me it was okay to go and sit.
    Flames snapped in the hearth as I rested on the sofa. These dancing flames soothed, hypnotized, emanated warmth that caressed my legs.
    "Hey." Brandon strolled in to sit beside me. I sharply exhaled when his hand cupped my knee.
    "Sorry." He withdrew.
    His kindness struck me as weird. He'd switched from violent offender to gentleman, which made me suspicious and doubtful of his sincerity.
    I found him charming when we first met.
    And what an act he'd played.
    Quivering shadows hid his eyes while his full mouth reflected the fire's gleam. It made him attractive in a mysterious way.
    He created this romantic ambience on purpose. Was it part of a planned seduction? If so—why did he rape me before? Why didn't he simply ask me on a date? God, I wished he had instead of violating me in that way. With his movie star looks I would've been more than willing to date him.
    But now? Not so much.
    "What are you thinking?" he asked, his eyes two bluish iridescent slivers. Pretty... but creepy. Gooseflesh invaded my arms.
    "I'm not thinking about anything." I quickly returned my attention to the hearth.
    His sinister, threatening laughter sent a shudder straight through me.
    "Nothing my ass. You were staring at me for five minutes—or longer." His voice lowered to a seductive throaty tone. "You want me to fuck you?"
    "No."
    "Yes you do."
    "And you should stop flattering yourself." I watched the fire, awaited its calming effects. "Even if I liked you, you never gave me a chance to show it. You forced it."
    "Nah. You wanted it. I didn't force anything." He didn't sound convinced and his tone lost its arrogance.
    "You know I didn't. Keep lying to yourself if it helps you sleep... helps you look in the mirror."
    Brandon snorted. "Okay." He got up and marched off.
    Strained silence.
    What's he doing back there?
    Hopefully waiting for the pizza delivery instead of sharpening his handy switchblade.
    Cautiously I peeked past the sofa arm. He leaned against the wall of the foyer, arms raised with fingers clasped. He stared at the ceiling.
    Maybe he wouldn't take it out on me later.
    I was an idiot for bruising his massive ego. I should've kept my mouth shut. I should've lied and said he was right. 
    Wait—I can tell the delivery person. This is the perfect chance to get out. These plans hastened my pulse and gave me hope.
    Of course Brandon wasn't stupid. Not like I was.
    Someone tapped the door but he didn't answer.
    He glowered at me. "If you're thinking of running off when I open this door, just—don't—do—it . Is that clear?"
    My mind went blank.
    Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap.
    "I said—is that clear , Mia? Jesus H Christ. Answer me, goddammit." His face flushed.
    Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap.
    His eyes absolutely blazed. " Mia ," he growled. I'd never seen him so pissed.
    "Yeah."
    "Yeah what ?"
    "I won't try to run off."
    "Good." He flew to the