I could run. Turn around and try to get away. I’m pretty fast. Going for a run is basically my last form of self-care, and I might be able to escape. But if I don’t and he catches me, I think all this talk about having a conversation will be gone, and much worse will happen.
I could scream. I could beg. Or I could go with him and listen to what he has to say.
So far, he hasn’t tried to hurt me. Sure, he broke into my car, but what’s a little grand theft auto between pals? He did catch me elbow-deep in his stuff, his kidnapping bag, and we both know what I was really looking for. He could nail me for that. He probably should.
Instead, a conversation.
“Somewhere public,” I say, meeting his gaze and holding it. My life can’t possibly get worse. What’s the harm in this?
“Scout’s honor.” He tilts his head, eyes narrowing. “Come on, topolina. We can do this the easy way and drive over together, or we can do it the hard way, and I can show you exactly what kind of kink I’m into.” He licks his lips to emphasize his point.
Oh my god.
I could scream. I probably should. I mean, there’s a man threatening me with kinky sex and licking his lips at me in a dark parking lot.
Too bad I’m extremely into it.
I’m apparently both desperate and brainless. Not a great combo.
I look over my shoulder. There’s nobody around. Nobody to help, nobody to care. Not that they would anyway.
I don’t trust myself to reply, so I get in and start the engine, my cheeks burning pink.
Chapter 6
Emily
Simon looks all wrong in my Honda Accord.
For one, he’s too big. The man was built for trucks and SUVs. His legs are cramped, and even though he sits like he doesn’t have a care in the world, he’s still smashed into that old seat.
And for another, he’s a perfect contrast. Where my car’s dingy and beat-up with stains on the dash and rips in the headrest, he’s perfectly put together, his dark, wavy hair pushed back, his body shoved into a suit that probably costs more than I pay for rent in a year, and he looks damn good in it. He drips wealth, from the Rolex to the shiny shoes, while I’m just a broke girl driving a beater that doesn’t do much more than roll.
He takes me to the Viceroy, an incredibly luxurious hotel right in downtown with an old-world feel. The exterior looks like it was built at the turn of the century while the interior is all modern chic with mid-century charm. The bar’s crowded, but when Simon walks toward it, two men stand and vacate their seats. My host sits and gestures for me to join him.
I stare at his lips as he orders our drinks. A Manhattan for him and a gin-and-tonic for me. I don’t know how he knows what I drink, but I don’t complain. I really need it right now. I take greedy drinks when the bartender puts my glass in front of me. He looks back at me, still not talking, and the longer I’m here, the more I want to scream.
I don’t know what this man could possibly want from me, but I’m picturing some pretty horrific stuff.
Like The Most Dangerous Game type stuff where this psychopath hunts me through the streets for sport.
Or maybe he wants to do some kind of sex-slave situation, although I have trouble believing he has any issues there. Women probably throw themselves at him.
The man looks like he was born out of the ocean from a couple of Greek gods and ready to fuck whatever lucky woman he sets his eyes on.
I picture him with nothing but a shell over his dick, and okay, maybe I’m not scared enough at this point.
I’m thoroughly freaking out, when he finally puts me out of my misery. “You’re scared,” he comments, which is putting it mildly. “You don’t need to be. We’re here surrounded by tourists because I wanted to put you at ease. Nothing bad will happen to you tonight. You have my word.”
I take a deep breath and blow it out. “Okay, great. That’s a real comfort coming from a guy that broke into my car and threatened to kidnap me.”
“I believe I threatened to tie you up and spank you.”
My heart does a triple beat and I clutch my cold glass tightly. “Uh, I think you said you’d show me your kink.”
“Whoops. Guess now you know.” He swirls his glass. “Are you going to act like I’m a monster all night? This conversation is going to be painful otherwise.”
I take another long drink. “Just get this over with, okay?”