Tainted Love

by Stacy Claflin

  “Relax. I didn’t go all ‘Dad’ on you. You’re not locked up, are you?” He stepped back, and that’s when she noticed he was wearing a dress shirt and a tie. “Look at this place—this isn’t the family’s abandoned shack.”

  She glanced around. White Christmas lights lined the ceiling. Candlelight bounced around the walls covered with cheap-looking paintings. Rose petals were spread across the bed, not doing anything to make the thin, pilling comforter look any better. Pictures of them together were hung around the room.

  “Does this look like a torture chamber?” He cupped her chin. “Although we can go there if you want.”

  Ava pulled away. “What did you do to me while I was sleeping?”

  “Nothing. I was busy setting all this up.” He panned his palms around the room. “I hope you like it. Are you hungry? Dinner’s ready. You have excellent timing.”

  Her stomach rumbled at the thought of food. Then she flashed back to the coffee shop. She shook her head. “Take me home.”

  Mason shook his head. “I want you to give us a chance.”

  “And I want to go home.”

  “You’re not being held against your will.”

  She gave him a double-take.

  “I didn’t restrain you. You can walk out that door any time.”

  Ava jumped to her feet.

  He rose also. “But you won’t get very far without your shoes. I have a car. Give me a chance, then I’ll take you home if you really want.”

  Ava glanced down at her feet. Her blood-red nail polish confirmed she really was barefoot.

  Mason walked around to her side of the bed and held out a hand. “Come on. What’s the harm in dinner and a movie? If we get started now, you might not even miss curfew.”

  Her stomach twisted. Dad had to be so worried. “I need to call my dad and let him know I’m okay.”

  “He’ll know when you show up. Come on.” He inched closer, reaching for her hand.

  She didn’t budge.

  “The sooner we start, the sooner I’ll offer to take you home.”

  Ava stared into his eyes, trying to decide if she believed him. He’d drugged her to bring her here—wherever here was—so what were the chances he’d actually take her home if she did cooperate?

  He grabbed her hand. His was entirely too smooth. “Let’s eat.”

  Her mind raced. She should run for the door. He had said she was free to go. But she’d fare a lot better if she had her shoes. Maybe she should find those first. Play along, then bolt at a more opportune time.

  And hope it wasn’t a trap. She’d deal with that later. Give him a few minutes to make him think he could trust her. Then she’d make her move.

  She followed him until he stopped in front of a closed door. Her heart jumped into her throat. What was behind the door? Beads of sweat broke out along her hairline as she flashed back to Dave’s cabin in the woods. Being locked in a tiny bedroom. Great, she was going to need therapy again. These Cooper men were determined to keep her there.

  Mason tilted his head. “Nervous? Don’t be.” He shoved open the door to reveal a candlelit bathroom. “Take a few minutes to get ready. I have a dress for you to change into. Once you’re set, we can have dinner. I made your favorite.”

  “My favorite?”

  He nodded. “You always ordered the same thing when we went out to eat for family night with Mom and Dad. Go ahead, but don’t take too long.”

  She stepped inside and closed the door, relieved to be out of his presence, even if it was only for a few minutes. And it would only be a few minutes. There was no window. But there were more pictures of them.

  Ava went to the bathroom and wracked her mind for ideas. If she came up with a dozen escape plans, maybe one would work. It wasn’t getting out that worried her as much as getting away. She’d gotten out of Dave’s cabin. But he’d brought her back in.

  If Ava was going to get away, she needed to be sure she could. Mason could’ve been lying about them not being back in the same cabin. Sure, it looked different now, but that didn’t mean anything. She hadn’t seen all of the cabin.

  Or it could be a different one altogether. Who was to say Dave didn’t have a stockpile of cabins?

  Knock, knock!

  “Almost done in there? Don’t want the food to get cold for you.”

  She bit back a retort. “Just a minute!”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  Her stomach turned. At least he was smaller than his dad.

  She could fight him off. And she would.

  But first she needed to pretend to go along with his plan. Find her shoes, her phone. Call for help as she ran. That would be ideal. But she would flee barefoot if she had to.

  Ava finally looked at the dress hanging on the back of the door. It was surprisingly modest. She’d have expected something dark, skin-tight, and low-cut. It was pale pink and flowy. Delicate.

  Seriously? He was trying to turn her into a dainty, fragile lady? She started to laugh, but quickly covered her mouth. At least she knew what role to play. How to stroke his ego and get her to trust him before getting away.

  “How’s it going in there?”

  She grabbed the dress. “Almost done. I love the dress.”

  “You do? I mean, wonderful! How does it look on you?”

  She slid off her clothes. “Like you wouldn’t believe.”

  “Perfect. The table’s set.”

  Ava pulled on the dress and slid two sparkling rose clips sitting next to the sink into her hair.

  Then she opened the door.

  Stakeout

  Nick’s pulse drummed in his ear. They were almost at the cabin. Only about five minutes out, maybe ten, if the terrain kept getting more difficult. The hill was growing steeper with each step, and the thorns thicker.

  Alex whacked more vines. “Doesn’t look like anyone’s been out here in years. Sure we have the right place?”

  “I’m sure there’s a dirt road we weren’t able to find. They might drive in from the other side of the forest. Hard to say, but I’m not giving up.”

  “Should you even be here? Conflict of interest and all that.”

  The unspoken truth hung between them—they both knew all too well about conflict of interest. Nick hated it, but knew it was for the best. “I’m only here to see Ava with my own two eyes once she’s brought out safe and sound.”

  “And to see Mason arrested.”

  “For good this time.”

  Alex nodded then whacked some more vines from the path.

  The cabin came into view. The full moon cast a glow on it, giving them a decent view despite the time of night.

  Nick’s breath hitched.

  Alex lifted a brow, then called it in.

  It took all of Nick’s self-control to stay in place. His firstborn was inside. Her older half-brother was doing who-knew-what to her. Nick had a few ideas, and each of them made his blood boil.

  “Sanchez, Mackey, and Garcia are almost here. We should wait for them.”

  “What have they found?”

  “Nothing useful.”

  Nick gritted his teeth. “Can’t send you in alone.”

  Alex nodded. “I’m going to look around.”

  “And I’ll be close by.”

  Alex put his knife away, pulled out his pistol, then crept toward the tiny building.

  Nick grabbed his gun, ready to stop Mason. He followed Alex, staying back. From where he stood, the cabin looked empty. Dark. No lights shone from the windows. That didn’t mean anything. Mason could’ve put up blackout curtains. Or could’ve simply been on the other side of the house.

  Or not there.

  He shoved that thought from his mind. That wasn’t an option. Ava was inside, end of story. They were about to go in and rescue her, then Nick would bring her home while Mason got arrested again.

 
Then the whole thing would be behind them. At least until the trial. But Mason would be behind bars, and they could all focus on the wedding.

  Just as Alex rounded the other side of the cabin, a voice sounded behind Nick. He pointed in the direction Alex had just gone. Garcia followed him, and the other officers went around the other side. Nick’s stomach knotted. What he wouldn’t give to be with them instead of just watching, waiting.

  It was his baby girl inside with a lunatic.

  Some others from the force arrived. He again pointed toward the cabin, hating more than before the fact that he couldn’t take part. At least he knew Ava was in good hands. He trusted his brothers and sisters in blue with both his life and Ava’s. They knew what was at stake.

  Nick kept his weapon ready as he paced, listening. Waiting.

  Doing nothing.

  Bang!

  His stomach plummeted.

  Then his heart raced. Was his daughter’s attacker down?

  He resisted the urge to bolt around the building.

  Listened. Checked the radio.

  Nothing.

  Silence rang through the air louder than the bullet fired.

  Alex reappeared. The moonlight made it look like he was covered in blood.

  Nick ran to him. “What happened?”

  He shook his head.

  “What does that mean?” Nick exclaimed. Terror tore through him. “Was Ava shot?”

  Alex wiped his face. “The cabin was empty. Well mostly.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “There was a family of raccoons. A rabid one jumped down on me from a rafter. That was the shot you heard. It’s raccoon blood covering me.”

  It took a moment for it to sink in. “She’s not in there?”

  Alex shook his head. “The building has been cleared.”

  “Are you okay?”

  He nodded. “I might need stitches. Probably a rabies shot.”

  “Let’s get you back to the car.” Nick headed for the path they’d cleared.

  Where was his daughter, if not at the cabin?

  Shock

  Ava scowled as Mason scooted her chair in. As soon as he sat across from her she smiled as sweetly as she could muster. “I can’t believe you went to all this trouble for me.”

  “You deserve nothing other than the best.” His gaze roved over her. “And you look angelic. Even better than I pictured when I picked out that dress.”

  She threw up in her mouth a little. “You have great taste.”

  Like the bile on her tongue.

  “Are your arms okay? Those scabs look painful.” He winced as if he actually cared.

  Ava smiled. “It’s nothing.”

  He poured some champagne into her cup, then filled his. “Dish up. I made it all for you.”

  Ava batted her lashes as she swallowed the puke. She scooped some fettuccine Alfredo onto the plate in front of her.

  “You can take more.”

  “I don’t want to stuff myself.”

  His mouth formed a pout. “But it’s for you.”

  “Aren’t you going to have any?”

  “Of course. But dish yourself more.”

  She bit her tongue and piled on more noodles. “This really is enough.”

  He nodded, his pout disappearing, then he piled his plate with the pasta. While he did that, Ava scooped some salad and vegetables next to her fettuccine. He had gone all out. Maybe he really did just want to woo her.

  Mason glanced up at her. She immediately started chewing, pretending she’d already dug in. The aromas made her mouth water and her stomach rumble. As soon as she saw him eat from the same dishes she’d taken her food, she would eat.

  She willed him to take a bite.

  He didn’t touch his fork. “How do you like it?”

  Ava swallowed. “Better than that little Italian place we used to go to.”

  His eyes lit up. “Really?”

  She closed her eyes and moaned. “So much better.”

  The loser was beaming when she opened her eyes. “Wow, and on my first try! Just think how much better it’ll be after I’ve made it a few times.”

  Ava forced a smile. “Try it.”

  He shook his head. “I want to watch you.”

  Her heart pounded so hard she swore he could hear it across the table. “I don’t want to be selfish.”

  “You aren’t.” He gestured for her to eat.

  Ava’s hands shook. What would he do if she refused? Worse, what would happen if she actually ate some? He could’ve spiked it like the coffee.

  Mason nodded, unblinking.

  “If you insist.” She reached for the fork, still shaky, and twirled some noodles around it.

  He leaned forward, his eyes widening.

  She imagined stabbing him with the fork and making her getaway. Instead, she brought the food to her mouth. Glanced between him and the pasta. Opened her mouth. Her mouth watered again despite her trepidation.

  Mason stared, his lips pursing.

  Ava pretended to bite down, her lips brushing the sauce but not actually getting anything into her mouth. She dropped the fork and it fell to the plate. “Oops! I’m so clumsy.”

  Hopefully she came across as the helpless flower he wanted her to be.

  He raced around the table. “Are you okay?” Before she could answer, he grabbed her napkin and wiped her face and all down her front. “I think I got it all off.”

  It took her a moment to find her voice. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin the dress.”

  Mason looked her over. “You didn’t. It all came off. Sure you’re okay?”

  She nodded. “Just embarrassed.” But actually surprised. He was falling for her ruse.

  He returned to his seat, breathing heavily. Then he ate a bite of the noodles.

  It was safe.

  She scarfed down the ones on her plate, not realizing just how famished she actually was until the food was in her mouth. At least she wouldn’t have to make her escape on an empty stomach.

  Mason watched her with interest as she ate. He took in his food slowly, but he did keep eating.

  After she finished two platefuls—she hadn’t meant to eat that much—she slumped in the chair, allowing her stomach to settle and readjust to not being hungry.

  He set down his fork. “How are you feeling?”

  “Better.”

  “Good.” He gave her a Cheshire Cat grin. “Let me finish mine, then I’ll get dessert.”

  “Sounds wonderful.” She sat up straight and fluttered her lashes, getting back into her part.

  Every time Mason looked down at his plate, Ava looked around. She couldn’t see her belongings or an easy way out. Her only chance of escape appeared to be the front door or the windows by the bed, which were next to the door.

  Thud!

  Something hit the wall behind him.

  She turned to Mason. “What was that?”

  He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Probably just a wild animal. What else could it be when we’re in a cabin the middle of the woods?”

  “You don’t think someone could be trying to break in?”

  “Not at all.” He sipped his champagne and nodded toward hers. “Have some. It’ll help you relax. There aren’t any robbers. Nothing at all to worry about.”

  Other than the fact that he’d drugged her to get her here. And that she couldn’t leave while he was watching with those hungry eyes.

  Ava forced a smile and pretended to take a long sip. “You’re right. This is nice.”

  Another thud sounded behind him, but neither acknowledged it. If someone broke in, it might be to her advantage. She could make her escape while Mason fought off the burglar.

  He finally finished his food then got up and went to the fridge. While his back was turned, Ava swapped champagne glasses so that he got her full on
e. She again glanced around for anything helpful. Whatever he’d done with her things, they weren’t in plain sight.

  Mason brought over a chocolate cake. “I didn’t make this. Hope you aren’t too disappointed.”

  She shook her head. “I’m so full, I doubt I can eat much, anyway.”

  He frowned. “I was hoping we could feed it to each other.”

  Ava kept her disgust from showing on her face. “That sounds like fun.” She rose and sat on his lap. “Let’s do that.”

  His eyes widened. “You want to? I mean, okay.”

  She didn’t wait for him to cut a piece. Instead, she grabbed his fork and took off a big piece.

  Mason’s eyes widened even more. “I’m not so sure—”

  “Open up.” She forced the dessert into his mouth, making sure to get it down his chin. Chocolate crumbled onto his white shirt. She covered her lips with two fingers. “Oops.”

  He glanced down. “Do you know much that cost?”

  “I’m sorry.” Ava kept her tone light. “I thought it’d be fun to feed you. Let me help.” She wiped some cake from his face then grabbed his napkin and rubbed the chocolate creme into his dress shirt.

  “What are you doing?” He jumped up, nearly knocking her over.

  She stood and gave him the most innocent doe eyes she could muster. “I was trying to help. Don’t be mad.”

  His expression softened. “No. I couldn’t be upset with you.”

  Ava brought her hand to her heart. “Oh, good. Do you have another shirt? I feel so bad. Then we could start over. You feed me this time.” She batted her lashes.

  Mason smiled. “Let’s do that.” He held out his chair and gestured for her to sit, which she did. Then he hurried over to a cabinet and pulled a new shirt out of a travel bag. “I’ll be right back.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  He loosened his tie as he made his way to the bathroom, then closed the door behind him.

  Ava leaped from the chair and bolted to the cabinet. Her bag rested next to his, but her shoes weren’t there.

  That would have to do.

  She slid it over her shoulder then made her way to the door, taking just a moment to glance around for her shoes. Not seeing them, she quietly unlocked the door and flung it open.