Free Arranged for Pleasure by Lacey Thorn Page B

heard in his voice?
    “But we can’t do anything right now. I told you to be patient, to wait for me to come for you. I just managed to get her and now you turn up. You could have been followed.”
    So, he hadn’t known Juliana escaped? And it sounded as if he wasn’t happy about it.
    “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” Juliana whined. “The door was open.” She giggled, sounding eerily like a young girl. “That silly girl didn’t realize I was there. She was more intent on stealing. So I slipped out while she was going about her business.”
    “It wasn’t a good idea. They’ll be looking for you now. Most likely here. I told you not to go after that girl. I told you to be patient. You never listen, Juliana. That’s why you were sent away to begin with. You’re too impetuous. You don’t stop and think.”
    “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Please don’t be mad at me.”
    “I’ll always watch over you, protect you.”
    “I know. I love you. You’ll always be there for me.”
    “Are you ready to play?”
    “Yes, please. Oh, yes.”
    Kat’s eyes flared wide. They were coming in. The doorknob wiggled just before the door pushed wide. A wedge of light increased as the door widened, and Juliana Marino was silhouetted in it.
    “You’re awake,” she said, and the smile that lit her face made Kat’s blood run cold. There was evil there, pure evil, and it scared her as nothing else ever could.
    “You must be Juliana,” Kat replied. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
    Juliana laughed. “I’m sure you have. I bet your friend still dreams about me.”
    “Killing you maybe,” Kat stated, watching the flare of anger that filled Juliana’s eyes. “She’s good at killing crazy Marinos.”
    “My brother was nothing like me.”
    Interesting how being compared to Raymond seemed to piss Juliana off.
    “No?” Kat taunted. “Hmmmm, you’re right. He was actually so much better. I mean he hid his crazy, didn’t he?”
    “Shut up!” Juliana yelled at her.
    “She’s only trying to get to you. Calm down.”
    Kat’s jaw dropped open. Now she knew what was off about the masculine voice. It was Juliana talking. Holy crap, she was crazier than any of them had realized.
    “I want to taste her blood. I want to touch her and make her feel pain,” Juliana cried.
    “Patience, my love. Patience.”
    It was terrifying to watch Juliana have a conversation with herself. Not only did her voice change, but her entire face and bearing. As Juliana, she seemed young, eager. As whoever else she was, there was confidence, maturity. It scared Kat to death. Her only chance was to keep Juliana here and not let the other one take over. She had a feeling that would be very bad.
    Kat wiggled her legs just a bit, making sure they were ready if Juliana charged at her, because Kat planned to keep talking until she did. If she could knock Juliana out or at least really hurt her with a well-placed kick, it would give the guys more time to get here and help her. There was no doubt in Kat’s mind they would be looking for her, and she wouldn’t give up until they found her. But how long had she been out?
    Juliana took a step into the room, and Kat spoke up again.
    “He was a decorated detective. Everyone liked him. Funny, isn’t it? How everyone loved him, and he’s the one who had you sent away.” Kat laughed. “You’re nothing compared to your brother. Nothing.”
    “Shut up!” Juliana screamed. “You don’t know anything.” She turned back into the other persona.
    “Calm down, Juliana. She’s just trying to get to you.”
    Kat gritted her teeth. “What’s the matter, Juliana? Are you afraid of me? Can’t handle me yourself? Another reason your brother was so much better. He could fight his own battles. He didn’t need anyone else’s help.”
    “Raymond was stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! He deserved to die!”
    “She’s just baiting you. Calm down.”
    Juliana lifted her hands to hold her head.