"These days..."


    He hesitated for a moment before deciding to warn Ste.


    "Ms. Cameron, it''s best if you keep your distance from him-for your own safety."


    At that moment, Joshua''s mind was barely functioning. Sometimes, he didn''t even seem to know what he was doing.


    What separates humans from animals is our sense of right and wrong-our self- control. But right now, Joshua was nothing more than a wild beast,pletely untethered from reason.


    Anyone who got too close was at risk.


    But Ste was different to him. Even so, Harold wasn''t willing to gamble with Ste''s safety.


    What if, when Joshua came back to his senses, he regretted ever hurting her? What then?


    After a pause, Harold continued, "You could lock him in his room. There''s no need to bring him any food-just leave some water."


    "Trust me, Joshua won''t me youter."


    No food meant he''d be too weak to be truly dangerous. That''s how they had handled it before.


    Ste frowned deeply. How was this any way to treat a person? Even if someone was perfectly fine, being locked up for three days on nothing but water would drive anyone mad with hunger.


    Suddenly, she found herself believing everything Joshua had told her. No wonder he said he didn''t have friends, or that he rarely confided in Harold. Harold really wasn''t the most reliable person.


    Still, she kept those thoughts to herself.


    "I understand. Thank you," she replied.


    Harold seemed to think she''d taken his advice to heart. "Ms. Cameron, if you need anything, please don''t hesitate to call me."


    "All right."


    Once she hung up, Ste''s brow remained knitted with worry.


    ying the violin


    was out of the


    question. Even if she managed to get through a piece, who knew if it would help? Besides, she''d draw far too much attention to herselflf Gibson found out things would get even worse.  s<fn7d58> Find the newest release on Find_Novel(.</fn7d58>


    200


    Ste went out and bought two breakfast sandwiches, then stopped by a convenience store for toiletries, some bread, and a few packs of crackers.


    She even made a trip to the pharmacy for medicine. The neighborhood was old, but everything she needed was within reach.


    Passing a hardware store, Ste hesitated, then went inside.


    The owner shot her a knowing look as she picked out a coil of rope and two pairs of handcuffs.


    She didn''t trust Harold much, but if he was this concerned, it spoke volumes about how dangerous Joshua could be.


    Hopefully, she wouldn''t need these things. But if she did, at least she''d be prepared.


    The store owner piped up, "Miss, I''ve also got whips and candles, if you''re interested. Our whips are specially designed not a mark left behind and norisk of real injury. The candles are scented, too, perfect for setting the mood..."  s


    He went on and on, pitching his wares, until Ste began to wonder if she''d wandered into an adult boutique by mistake.


    She forced a polite smile. “Thanks, but I won''t be needing those."


    The owner grinned. "If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.”


    Back in the apartment, Joshua was still fast asleep, his brow furrowed in pain.


    Ste paused in the doorway, watching him lie there so quietly. After a moment, she walked over to his side.


    "Joshua, wake up. You should eat something."


    She had barelye near the bed when he snapped awake. His eyes. were cold empty-tinged with a wild bloodshot glint that made Ste''s heart skip a beat.  s