Free BLIND: A Mastermind Novel by Lydia Michaels

Nicole, to be more realistic—was really playing the part. She toned down her mocking attitude, wanting to see where this was going before she called her friend out on her prank.
     
    You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m ready now.
     
    Good girl. We’ll start with the word, benevolent.
     
    Kind.
     
    Good, Ms. Farrow. Next word. Own.
     
    Car.
     
    Car?
     
    Yes, car. You said the first thing that pops into my head. Most people own a car.
     
    I want you to think about the actual word, not the possessions linked to it. Apply the word to yourself. How does it make you feel?
     
    She chewed her lip. Was this a test? Breathing out an amused puff of laughter, she decided to play the game.
     
    Sexy.
     
    Interesting. Why sexy? Is it that you want to own someone, a part of their soul, or perhaps it’s you who would like to be owned, that irrevocable sense of belonging to one person, treasured, cherished? Exactly what makes the word sexy?
     
    It was an interesting query. She wasn’t sure. Forgetting this was possibly her friend messing with her, she gave the question considerable thought and wrote her honest answer.
     
    He’d have to be quite incredible to accomplish that, knowing how to reach my mind, treat my body, and touch my soul. Any man able to get to that level with me, could definitely have me—own me.
     
    The second she hit send, reality crashed over her and she cursed. Nicole was probably rolling on the floor laughing at that ridiculous answer. Unintentionally wrapped up in the game, she’d betrayed her personal secrets. Her eyes searched for any possible way to revoke the sent message, knowing there wasn’t one. As her humiliation spiked, the computer chimed.
     
    You expressed that beautifully, Ms. Farrow. Indeed, he should be quite a capable male to earn such a gift. The surrender of an intelligent woman is priceless.
     
    Okay, Nicole didn’t talk like that. Something wasn’t adding up here. His next message distracted her worry.
     
    Next word, Ms. Farrow. Claimed.
     
    Hot.
     
    The idea of being claimed makes you hot, Ms. Farrow?
     
    Her body heated, nerves coming to life. This conversation was starting to make her hot, which was a really bad thing if this was Nicole. Her face tightened as she did what she had to do.
     
    Nicole?
     
    I beg your pardon?
     
    Tell me who you are.
     
    Enough messing around. He’d gotten her attention—whoever he was—and now she was intrigued. If he didn’t give her some information she was out.
     
    I am a man with no connection to your personal life. However, that could change once we’ve finished our discussion. I find you quite intriguing. You asked where all the real men are. I assure you, I’m real. I’m also very private. I intend to respect your privacy, as this has only to do with the two of us, and I expect you to respect mine. Should that be something you cannot do, we shall say goodbye now.
     
    Her mind rapidly tossed out possibilities of who this man could be. No one came to mind. It could be anyone . It didn’t even have to be a man.
    No longer thinking it was Nicole, she struggled to come up with an answer. The men at work wouldn’t do this. Maybe it was someone from her past. But this guy seemed intelligent in a way the men she dated never were. She pushed for more information.
     
    Are you saying you’d like to go out?
     
    That depends on you, Ms. Farrow. I’d like to learn a bit more about the woman who wrote that letter. Should your answers please me, we can make further arrangements. I’m very precise in my comforts and tend to be quite demanding. You may not be able to help me. But I’m certain I can help you.
     
    Her body shivered with excitement laced with fear. This could be a serial killer. He knew her name. What the hell was she thinking talking to this guy? You’re thinking he might be the answer to your prayers. She needed to get real. Someone was yanking her chain. Maybe he worked for the column and hacked her email to get