34. Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Abel

" T ake her home the long way, not via the beachfront. No one but us gets to see her like this," my brother says, passing Hydessa back to me after I straighten my clothes, and I couldn't agree more. "I'll take care of the body."

I don't need to ask what he's going to do, we have done this enough now that there is a system. We hadn't lied to her, we are killers; we just hunt a particular brand of sick souls. Ones who prey on the weak and the innocent.

I know Hydessa's family hunts the same brand of criminal as we do.

Turning, I make my way slowly toward a section of the rock face that twists out of view, treading as carefully as I can through the water that's now up to my knees. Once past the slight turn, it opens up further before the tunnel starts to slope upward. I have to duck my head at some points, but after a while it levels out again. When the tunnel finally opens up, I continue out and into the forest.

I veer left, taking the long way around the back of the beachfront area and continuing through the trees toward the rental house. As I walk, I can't help but replay the events of the night in my mind.

I've never seen anything as stunningly beautiful as Hydessa exacting justice on Rye. Watching her swing that bat, the blood spraying through the air. It was like watching a masterpiece in motion. The raw, unfiltered rage in her eyes, the way she channeled it into each brutal swing, it was mesmerizing. She was powerful, primal, and utterly breathtaking.

As I navigate the forest, careful not to stumble over roots or rocks, I keep glancing at Hydessa. Her wet hair clings to her face, but even in this disheveled state, she looks ethereal, like a warrior goddess after battle. I feel a surge of protectiveness, a fierce desire to keep her safe.

Finally, the house comes into view, its familiar shape a welcome sight. I approach the door, shifting Hydessa's weight to get the keys. The lock clicks open, and I push inside with my shoulder, stepping into the quiet, dimly lit interior.

Carefully, I make my way up the stairs, my steps light to avoid waking her. The bedroom door creaks slightly as I open it, the room beyond bathed in soft moonlight filtering through the curtains. I lay her gently on the bed, her body sinking into the plush mattress. She barely stirs, a small sigh escaping her lips.

Using the gas hidden in its secret compartment, I make sure she slides deeper into sleep, it will keep her under long enough to do what I need to do..

I kneel beside the bed and begin the delicate task of removing her dress and bikini, my movements slow and careful. Discarding the wet clothes toward the bedroom door, I make a mental note to wash them for her.

Rising, I head to the bathroom, filling a bowl with warm steamy water and soap, then grab a clean washcloth and towel. I return to the bedroom, setting everything on the nightstand.

I sit on the edge of the bed, gently lifting one of her arms and dipping the washcloth into the soapy water. I start to clean her, the cloth gliding over her skin, washing away the events of the night. Her breathing remains steady, and I take my time, wanting to ensure every inch of her is cared for.

When I'm finished, I dry her off with the towel, doing my best to dry her hair without disturbing her yet. I brush a few strands from her face, my fingers lingering. I have never known anyone as beautiful as her, not just her looks, but her personality. That beauty is a beacon to the dark and depraved people in the world and unfortunately something will need to be done to warn others away.

I draw the sheet over her body, standing and picking up the water bowl, towel, and clothes on my way out of the bedroom. Silently, I move through the house with practiced ease, and before long, I have the clothes and towel washing and the bowl rinsed.

Next, I move to a hidden panel underneath the stairs, opening it and retrieving the items there. Closing the panel again, I make my way back up the stairs and into the bedroom. I lay the items out on the bedside table, picking up two of them. I switch one of them on and press the button down at the top.

I did love that outfit on her earlier, and I did say I would never control what she wears or doesn't wear. But everyone would soon know, she belongs to us.