Page 34 of The More the Merrier

As I tell Andre everything I know, she sinks further and further into the couch, trying to make herself smaller.

“So, what now?” he asks once I’ve said my piece. “You’re right. We can’t arrest her. But what else are we going to do with her?”

“I’ve got an idea, but you probably won’t like it.”

Zanya

I suppress a shudder at the words Johannes utters into the phone. If Andre’s not going to like it, I’m not convinced I will.

“We could use someone with her talents.”

There’s a pause when Andre must be responding to his statement. This isn’t quite as bad as I thought. If he has me work for him, I will still be able to do what I need to do.

The sexy younger guy with him, however, does not seem to like what he’s hearing. “Not a fucking chance! What are you thinking? If we caught her, someone else surely will, too!”

I’m a little offended by his declaration. The only reason I got caught is that someone fed me bad information. Yes, I might have been an idiot to work on that bad info, but I’m choosing to ignore that right now. I’m a bloody good thief. I’m about to point out my very valid argument but am once again foiled by Johannes when he tells his boss what Cameron said. He then proceeds to share the rest of his less-than-pleasing plan.

“I’ll give her some training first, as I’m guessing the only reason I did catch her was that she didn’t know about the silent alarm. So, next time we’ll make sure she has correct intel.”

“Uhm-”

I try to interject, but Johannes holds up a finger to silence me as he listens to Andre on the phone. He hums in agreement, then gets a devilish grin on his ridiculously attractive face. That does not bode well for me. The scowl on Cameron’s face matches my mood to a tee.

“That’s perfect. I’ll help her pack a bag and we’ll be back on the property in about an hour.” He hangs up on the call and looks at his friend.

“You heard the plan. I’ve got a spare room in the gatehouse for her, so I can keep an eye on her there, ensure she doesn’t run off, and she’ll be close enough for the training.”

“Wait a damn-!” I again, unsuccessfully try to get a word in. This time I’m stopped by a very fierce gaze from Johannes.

“Watch your mouth, Little Mouse. Little girls do not get to speak like that. I might not be your Daddy, but while you’re under my care I’ll be in charge of your training and discipline. Now, go pack a bag and get some proper shoes on your feet.”

Oh damn. I shouldn’t be turned on right now, should I?

That certainly won’t do. Instead of showing them any of my thoughts or feelings, I choose to go with my armor instead.

“What are you gonna do if I don’t listen to you?” I wanna pull them back the second the words leave my mouth. Only an idiot will ask their kidnapper and potential murderer what they’d do to you if you don’t listen. The words are out now, though, so I straighten my shoulders and look him boldly in the eyes. Even if I have to strain my neck to do so.

“I’ll tell you what, Little Mouse, why don’t you try and see?”

In a huff, I turn around and storm into my bedroom, slamming the door behind me. When the cute Tatty Teddy poster falls off the back of my door, I go to pick it up, but somehow end up tearing it.

Instantly my eyes tear up and I have to swallow down the overwhelming emotions. Carefully folding up my poster, I place it on top of my chest of drawers for safekeeping. When I get back home—goodness knows when—I’ll see about fixing it. For now, I trynotto focus on the clusterfuck that is my life.

This was supposed to be easy. A quick job to buy Rainbow Haven a little more time until I could come up with a more permanent solution. At the very least, we need to get enough to give the kids a decent Christmas. If this is our last year, it might very well be the only decent holiday they ever have.

Now here I am, about to be carted off to live with the scariest motherfucker in all of East London. And, apparently, trained by his henchmen. Sucking up my reserves of courage, I head to the closet and grab a bag. A couple of outfits, knickers and my toiletries are the first to go in.

I hover over the drawer with my special stash, and after a quick pep talk, decide to just take it with me. I’d rather have it and not use it than miss it later. My pacifier, blankie, and one of the outfits I like to wear when I’m having Little night get shoved in under my clothes along with BOB. No way I’m going to share a house with the sexy giant andnotneed BOB around.

A loud pounding against my door gives me a fright, and I let out a little squeal. Before I can call out, the door is smashed in and Johannes is standing there, all puffed up like The Hulk. With my heart in my throat, I look at him, waiting to see what he does next.

“Are you okay?”

“Other than the heart attack you just gave me? Yeah, I’m fine.”

“You screamed,” is the only explanation he gives me.

“You nearly broke down my door with your pounding. And then you did break it down. I’m gonna make a noise.”

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