Free The Man of my Dreams by Gladys Quintal Page A

of the correct term, but she knew he was one of those people who lacked a conscience and would murder his own grandmother without a second thought.
    Her mind was still a little groggy from the drug and she couldn’t for the life of her think of a way out of this mess. She ate and drank the wine knowing it was not exactly great for the baby growing inside her, but also knowing it was a whole lot better than the alternative. If she angered him in any way, who knew what the repercussions would be?
    Although the food was deliciously prepared, the taste barely registered. It was some kind of meat casseroled with wine and herbs with a sweet potato mash and steamed green beans. It was presented beautifully, as if by a trained chef.
    Think, think! She thought to herself.
    There has to be a way to escape! Maybe pretending to go to the bathroom and climbing out the window? But she was sure he was a lot cleverer than that. God, please let someone help me! She lost composure for a second and swayed a bit. He jumped up.
    “Are you okay?”
    “Just a little woozy,” she replied, gaining composure very quickly and smiling sweetly at him.
    It worked and he smiled, sitting back down again.
    “This meal is delicious," she said. “No one has ever done anything like this for me before.”
    He looked into her eyes intently with that cold, icy stare.
    “I knew you'd be different and would appreciate my efforts,” he smiled that robotic smile of his, looking almost amused.
    “Wait till you see dessert!”
    Dessert consisted of a decadent chocolate cake, dripping with melted chocolate and whipped cream. It really was to die for! Not literally, she was hoping.
    He was a very good cook and the house was spotless. He would make some woman a good husband one day, if it wasn’t for the fact he was completely and utterly unhinged! Such a shame, all the gorgeous ones are either mental or totally imaginary. She felt a twinge of despair but was careful not to let it show on her face.
    She wondered what would happen once the meal was finished. She felt a little as if she was on death row, having one last sensational meal before being sent to the death chamber. There was no doubt that what he had in mind would be anything but normal and possibly end with her murder. Sex, she was sure he wanted that, as she remembered his hands all over her on the couch while she was semi-conscious. But what else was in store? Just what kind of deviant was he to kidnap and drug his dates? Why bother with the special treatment if he was just going to rape and murder her? Or was there some other reason behind the meal, etc? Was it like some sort of ritual? What if she did something wrong and displeased him? She really didn’t want to find out the answer to that question. He looked extremely strong and she knew he could overpower her easily. She would just play along and try not to die straight away, if that was possible. She had no idea what his next move would be.
    “I'll go and draw you a bath, my love, before we retire,” he said smiling that strange, unemotional smile again. “You just relax and I'll be back in a jiffy.”
    She smiled back at him, panicking inside. Bath. Retire. God, how was she going to get out of this? And if she played along and actually had sex with him, would he spare her life? Would she wind up dead afterwards? For now, bending to his will was the only plan she had to save her life. She would do as he wanted and try not to show fear. She didn't want him to snap, although she was quite sure he'd snapped a long time ago!
    He was back in a few minutes and lifted her up in his arms, effortlessly carrying her to the bathroom. The bath was filled with rose petals and the scent of lavender. It seemed as though hundreds of scented candles burned everywhere. He very gently put her down onto a chair and started to unbutton her dress. She tried not to flinch or act scared in any way, but could hear her heart beating. It was so loud in her ears she was