Love's Predator (Love's Predator Trilogy Book 1) (8 page)

“Oh!” Amber cried happily. “I know all the best places!” She promised Lindsey excitedly. “Just give me a ring when you’re free and I’ll come by and pick you up.”

Kyle pressed a gentle kiss onto Lindsey’s forehead, smiling softly. “Oh you’ll have to tear her away from me first, Amber,” he said.

Amber laughed, believing it was a joke. But Lindsey knew that Kyle had never been more serious. He would never let her leave him, not even to go shopping. She was his prisoner.

A man approached them, a man with long light brown hair, which was tied back behind his ears. He smiled strangely, and Lindsey could not tell if it was a
n overly friendly smile, or a grimace.

The man reached out, surprising Lindsey by taking her hand. He bowed slightly, placing a cold kiss upon her trembling hand. His eyes flashed dangerously, making Lindsey shudder.

“I am very glad to meet your acquaintance, Lindsey,” he gleamed.

Lindsey could tell he was glad to meet her, but not because he was a warm person, she saw straight away this man was different from Amber; he wore a mask, hiding a darkness Lindsey could only sense.

“Kyle,” the man said suddenly. “May I speak with you?”

Without hesitation Kyle gave a sharp nod
and turned to Lindsey. “Stay here my dear,” he ordered gently. Kyle glanced over his shoulder, throwing a smile to the rest of the guests. “Please acquaint yourself with everyone. It means so much to me that you meet all my friends.”

He tightened his grip around her, squeezing to warn her.

Lindsey gave a slow nod and forced a smile. The man cast another odd smile, before quickly sorting his green blazer over his white waistcoat. He turned to follow Kyle, both staying silent until they reached the hallway.

Lindsey
watched them and listened as the front door opened then closed behind. But she did not hear it lock…

As fast as she could, Lindsey started to edge towards the door. However she was stopped abruptly in her tracks when a figure blocked her path. Lindsey looked up, about to make an excuse to try and get past, but then she was
immersed in his warm chocolate eyes, caught by that friendly smile.

The man extended an arm, offering her his hand. Lindsey to
ok it slowly, letting him shake her hand. He was warm to the touch, unlike the man before and his grasp was gentle, as if he thought she was made of glass.

“My name is Alec.”

Lindsey froze, taken back by his rich Russian accent. She blushed heavily, realising they were still holding hands after the long pause.

Alec
laughed lightly, slowly letting her hand go. “Kyle did not say how beautiful you are,” he said in a husky voice.

Lindsey swallowed deeply, composing herself.

“It’s really nice to meet you, Alec,” she said with a smile.

Alec grinned, exposing pearly white teeth. He looked behind him, casting a quick gesture to the silent man with dark purple hair sat on the sofa. “And this is Simon,”
Alec told her. “He seems to be playing shy right now.”

The man stared directly at Lindsey, his cold, blue eyes narrowed. Only then did Lindsey notice he had been watching her the entire time.

“Hello Lindsey,” was all he uttered before turning to Amber.

Lindsey
frowned deeply, bowing her head slightly. Suddenly the air had chilled.

Now that everything was quiet Lindsey took her chance and quickly spoke up. “I’ll be right back,” she promised them, squeezing past Alec. But he caught her arm.

“I have never been to Scotland,” Alec said suddenly.

Lindsey tried to pull away, but she discovered he was just as strong as Kyle.
Roughly, Alec guided her to the armchair, sitting her down. He then stood before her, preventing Lindsey from leaving the chair. Alec’s warm chocolate eyes flickered, full of amusement.

Lindsey wondered what he was up to, but then
there was a noise from the front hallway, followed by the unforgettable voice of Kyle.

Alec smiled down at Lindsey, awaiting her reply still, and yet that look sent Lindsey’s mind in a whirl. Did he know he had just saved her from making a great mistake?

“It’s very beautiful,” Lindsey said at last. “Wet, but the grass is always green.”

Alec laughed playfully, again casting Lindsey that dashing smil
e. But Lindsey’s mind quickly wandered to the cold, pale hand placed upon hers. She looked up to see Kyle towering over her, his icy blue eyes were scanning her carefully.

“Darling, could you please fetch me th
e chocolates from the conservatory?” He asked her politely.

His eyes gleamed, telling Lindsey that she did not really have a choice in the matter at all.
Lindsey forced another smile, giving a quick nod. Rising to her feet, she felt Kyle’s touch slip down, gently grasping below her waist. She moved quickly, her face burning red in reaction to his touch.

Lindsey could tell that this party was not going to be normal.

Chapter Eight

Lindsey sat amongst the group. She was kept by Kyle’s side
, displayed like a trophy on the shelf as the group of strangers conversed about the past and the future. Every now and then they tried to include Lindsey. But all she wanted to do was scream in frustration.

As the day went on, slowly merging into night, more and more guests arrived at the gathering, making it a party. Music echoed around the house and laughter warmed its coldness. Yet Lindsey could not find the party spirit in her heart, not when she wasn’t free. Even when Kyle allowed her to roam the house she felt imprisoned by him.
Everywhere she went, he would appear. His eyes were just as cold and calculating as ever before. There was no escape for Lindsey.

“Do you know where Kyle keeps his keys?”
Lindsey had quietly asked a guest, trying to sound as innocent as possible.

The guest
frowned, looking around briefly before he addressed Lindsey again. “No, sorry,” he murmured and disappeared into the crowd without another word.

Lindsey stared after him, bewildered that this had happened three times in a row.
She even made up a story about leaving something in the car, but she had forgotten where Kyle kept the car keys. But no one seemed to know where Kyle kept the house keys, or mind that every door in the house was locked. Lindsey felt she was the only sane player in some sick game Kyle had invented just for her. She was trapped in his world and she was the only person who wanted out.

Defeated, Lindsey sunk into
the sofa in the conservatory. She covered her face with her hands, taking deep, ragged breaths as she tried to compose herself. Kyle would be angry if he saw her cry in front of all his guests.

“My, is it qui
et in here,” said a husky voice.

Lindsey looked up, quickly wiping the tears from her face with her palms. She
smiled forcibly, watching as Alec closed the door behind him. He made his way over, taking a seat next to her. Lindsey hoped he didn’t see how she trembled.

“You don’t seem to be enjoying the party,” he stated quietly. “Althoug
h,
you
are the talk of the party. The bell of the ball. Have you tired of the limelight?”

Lindsey bowed her head lightly, smiling as she shook her head. “I am just a little tired, after travelling,” she lied, and yet her mind begged her to blurt out the truth. But what would Alec do if she told him? Perhaps he already knew.

“Yes, from Scotland,” Alec smiled.
He glanced over his shoulder but no one was there; everyone was in the living room, where the music played and drink flowed freely.

He turned to Lindsey again, this time he wore a determined smile. “I do not buy this love story, my little Lindsey,” he said bluntly.

Lindsey’s eyes widened, unconsciously giving herself away. She knew that when Alec laughed the illusion Kyle had created of a happy couple was shattered.

“So what is really going on?” Alec pressed eagerly.

Lindsey looked away, avoiding his blazing eyes. But Alec would not leave her alone.

“Lindsey,” he said softly, resting his hand onto hers.

She looked up at him, surprised by how warm he was. Kyle was normally cold. Lindsey felt her cheeks flush and she quickly broke eye contact.

“You are right, Alec,” she admitted quietly. “Things aren’t what they seem.”

Alec shuffled a little, moving in closer. Lindsey glanced behind him, seeing him reach into his pocket. She wondered what he was up to but the fast approaching footsteps startled her.

“He’s holding me captive,” Lindsey said quickly.

Alec’s eyes widened, he went to talk but Lindsey quickly moved.

She jumped to her feet,
projecting herself away from Alec as fast as possible, just in time to see the door swing open. Kyle took up the doorway and his stormy grey eyes sought Lindsey out swiftly. She watched him carefully, wearing an innocent smile.

“Kyle,” she greeted softly.

“Lindsey,” he replied, just as tender. “Come, my dear,” he demanded, reaching out a hand. “I have someone I would very much like you to meet.”

Lindsey did not hesitate, she hurried over and let Kyle claim her small, dainty hand in his and guide her from the room into the kitchen. Kyle glanced back over his shoulder, casting a stran
ge expression towards Alec. Lindsey could not tell if it were a warning glare or a questioning glance. Either way, Alec fell silent.

For the rest of the party
Lindsey could see that Kyle steered her away from Alec, making sure she conversed with every guest apart from him. Every conversation was the same, as if already penned out.

“When did you two meet?”

“How long have you two been dating?”

“When did you know you were in love?”

It was all the same.

By the end of the night Lindsey had tired of the repeated interrogations and she sunk to Kyle’s side. She felt like she was on show, like a bird in a cage; everyone wanted to hear her sin
their favourite song.

“Thank you for coming,” Lindsey heard Kyle say as he escorted the last guest through the door.
The night was finally coming to an end.

The guest turned and smiled, quickly shaking Kyle’s hand. “It was a pleasure,” he replied warmly.
“Have a nice night now.”

And then the man was gone, leaving Lindsey alone with Kyle and Lynn, w
ho was slumped over on the sofa sleeping.

Lindsey watched her, pretending she wasn’t listening to Kyle as he locked the door. Then when his back was turned she looked up, peering through in an attempt to see where Kyle hid the keys. However he quickly spun around, casting her a wicked smile.

Lindsey had been caught.

“And then there were three,” Kyle sniggered.

He approached swiftly, heading straight towards Lindsey with a confidant stride. She looked down, trying to avoid those eyes which burned into her. But Kyle strode to her side and cupped her chin,
forcing her to look at him as he leaned down.

“It’s time for bed, my sweet,” he purred into her ear.

Lindsey felt something begin to tense within her, slowly making her more uncomfortable than ever. It was the same feeling Kyle had invoked within her before. But now the burn within her was more powerful, and Lindsey had no control over the ache welling within her. Kyle was playing her like a musician with an instrument, and he played so very well.

“Come,” he whispered, taking Lindsey’s hand in his.

A shiver trailed up Lindsey’s body, making her go weak at the knees. Hesitantly, she took Kyle’s hand and let him guide her from the room.

Lynn did not even raise her head.

Chapter Nine

Lindsey quickly changed into a snow white, knee length night dress. She loved the feel of the soft, silky fabric on her bare skin, secretly running her hands over her body to feel the silk and her warmth combine. She smiled to herself, remembering when she had once dreamed of wearing such fine clothes, but they had always been out of her price range. Now she could wear them every day, with her own freedom being the ultimate cost.