GABRIEL (Killer Book 2) by Bonny Capps Read Free Book Online Page B

and the only thing that can quiet my mind is pain. Feeling it… inflicting it.
    I look towards the bathroom door and see her standing with a towel clutched around her small body. Wet strands of hair stick to her cheeks and shoulders.
    She clears her throat as her eyes meet mine, “I got the bandages wet.”
    I run my hand over my face as I stand and toss my phone on my dresser, “Lie down. I’ll redress them.”
    She nods as she walks towards the bed, looking over her shoulder momentarily before she drops the towel and lies on her stomach.
    I retrieve my supplies from the medicine cabinet and sit beside her.
    First, I peel off the wet gauze, and I clean the cuts before applying antiseptic.
    Once finished, she crawls under the blanket and pulls it up to her neck. Her weary eyes watch me as I throw away the old bandages and open up my dresser. I feel her gaze burning into me as I remove my clothes and pull on my black, silk pajama pants.
    I crawl in beside her and prop my head up on my hand as I stare down at the back of her head. 
    She jumps when I reach my arm around her and pull at the chain attached to my iron headboard. I quickly clasp it to the collar and she looks at me from over her shoulder.
    “I’ve got to go to work tomorrow. Do you see the windows? There are metal shades that will slide over the glass come tomorrow. This room, like every other room in my home is soundproof. This place could very well survive the apocalypse. So don’t waste your energy trying to escape. There is a mini fridge over there,” I pause as I nod towards it, “It has food in it and drinks.”
    She nods haltingly as she begins to lay her head back down.
    “Hey,” I say, my eyes catching hers once more, “Don’t go through my shit. I normally would never allow a woman to stay with me in here. I’m very particular. I like order, and I will know if you’ve been digging around. Understood?”
    She nods again before lying her head back down.
    There is about a foot between us as I lay my own head on the soft pillow next to hers.
    Only a few minutes slip by before her breathing slows and she is fast asleep.
    My eyes begin to fall shut, but I’m startled when she rolls over and nuzzles her head into my chest. A small grin spreads across her face as her warm body presses against mine. I lift my arm for several seconds, not sure what to do, so I do the only thing that I can muster.
    I wrap my arm around her frail body, cupping my hand over the back of her head. I hold her close until my eyes fall shut.

    When I awake, she is still in my embrace. I carefully lift my arm and slide out of bed without waking her. Stepping into the shower, I lean my head back as the water pours over my face.
    Once finished, I follow my normal routine; brush my teeth and place the tooth paste and toothbrush on the counter – and inch apart exactly, then I shave and position the razor diagonally beside the shaving cream. I apply aftershave – five pats per cheek, and I apply deodorant – ten times beneath each arm.
    I comb my hair neatly and am pleased that I am looking more put together today.
    Opening the closet, I retrieve my clothing for today – a button up, white dress shirt with some stylish, faded jeans and brown boots polished to perfection.
    I spray on my cologne and I’m caught off guard when I see her blue eyes staring at me intently. Placing my wallet, phone and keys in my pocket, I approach her and sit on the edge of the bed. “I’ll be gone for a while. Be good.”
Tilting her head to the side, her eyes implore mine, “What am I supposed to do all day?”
    Smiling, I tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, “I have a full bookshelf over there, and a television there.” I pause, gesturing towards the items, “I’ll be back tonight, and we’ll eat dinner.”
    She blinks several times as she bows her head.
    “Hey,” I whisper, placing a finger under her chin, tilting her head up.
    “I don’t like being alone.” She