Page 36 of Captured

“If you don’t mind, while I do adore the Rachmaninoff piece I’ve heard you play several times, I would prefer something that is more befitting the moment.” He sat down and immediately crossed one leg over the other, placing his ankle on his knee and splaying his arms across the back of the couch.

He looked entirely too comfortable while I was jumping out of my skin. He wanted something to fit the moment? Well, fuck him. I’d give him just that. As I started to play, I did my best to ignore the fear, the comprehension of the moment. At least being inside the music, I could forget the horror that had become my life if only for a little while.

Only a few seconds in and I closed my eyes, my muscles finally relaxing. I enjoyed feeling lost, the sense of melancholy that the piece provided. That’s what suited my mood perfectly. It was gothic and dark, ominous in the deep bass undertones. Even though I could still feel the effects of the drug, the feeling of playing was similar to the way it had always been. A protection.

A release.

Freedom.

When I was finished, I took several scattered breaths before pulling my hands away. What I hadn’t expected, nor did I want to acknowledge was his rapid appreciation, the intensity of his clapping echoing in the high ceilings.

“A fascinating choice. Requiem by Fauré. I was hoping for something a little more joyful given this is a celebration, but I do understand the choice. Outstanding. How about one more?”

Who was I to be able to deny him? And so I played, this time selecting a Verdi piece I’d learned soon after my mother had been murdered. As I’d done before, I allowed myself to become lost in the moment.

And as he’d done before, when I was finished, his clapping filled the room.

“Exceptional. You truly are a beautiful and vivacious virtuoso.”

“I’m not a virtuoso. I merely enjoy playing the piano.”

He chuckled as he rose to his feet. “Then you underestimate yourself, my sweet angel. Come into the kitchen with me. We’ll have some wine and I’ll start dinner for us. I hope you enjoy pasta.”

“You’re going to have one of your staff members make dinner for us, a feast to feed your captive?” I couldn’t help myself.

His eyes flashed a level of darkness that would scare most people. I was most people and I was absolutely petrified of him and what he could do. However, I doubted he’d do something horrible to me just yet. He had other plans for his little captive.

“While I do have a housekeeper and a full-time grounds person, Emily, I prefer to handle various domestic tasks myself, such as cooking. You might be surprised to learn in addition to various… attributes that I have in the dangerous world in which we live, I am also an accomplished chef. It’s something I take great pride in.”

I wasn’t certain what to say to that. He returned to his level of amusement because of my silence. At least I knew he had hired help. At minimum, they might be able to help me get away from him.

“What about guards?”

He laughed. “Of course I have guards watching my estate here and keeping an eye on the one outside of Boston. They also handle certain aspects of my work as I deem necessary.”

“You’re nothing but a Mafioso.”

“Mmm… That would be my brother at this point, a position I gave up to him.”

He’d allowed me to learn something about his life. That’s why he had so much influence. His entire family likely did. Who the hell was this man? “I bet you’re an award-winning boss too.” I couldn’t help myself, issuing snark after snark. What was I supposed to do?

“You should keep in mind that those I employ are very loyal. They will not take kindly to your attempts to escape or maligning their employer. I’m very good to my people, Emily. I take pride in providing benefits that far exceed those of typical corporate America. That helps keep them extremely devoted. That’s something for you to keep in your mind. Now, come. I’ll open a bottle of wine. I know you prefer red, merlot if I remember. Yes?”

Was he kidding me? Did he want a medal for being employer of the year? He acted as if killing people was just another day at the office.

Maybe that’s why I was so icy cold.

My mouth was drier than when I’d awakened. How deep of a dive had he done into my life and more important, why? Was he a mind reader too? I was sicker than before, the fear spinning in my mind and churning in my stomach. “Yes.”

“Excellent. I much prefer the bolder flavor myself. I believe I have something you’ll enjoy very much.” He shoved his hands into his pockets, nodding toward the door.

I was stiffer than before as I walked down the hallway, guided by him from behind. I was led to the kitchen, the gorgeous space making it obvious that someone in the house enjoyed cooking. The refrigerator, gas ovens, and eight-burner cooktop were all of commercial grade. Once inside, he immediately moved to a small countertop wine cooler that held no more than ten bottles. I would have thought he’d have a wine cellar given the way he talked.

“I assure you I have a much larger selection, but these are my everyday wines.” He moved to a cabinet, pulling down two large crystal stems, fumbling in one of his drawers until he found a wine opener.

The man was uncanny with his abilities, something I would also need to keep in mind.

“Help yourself to a bottle of water in the refrigerator. You need to stay hydrated.”

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