Page 64 of Mine

“Yes. Communicate with me.”

“Of the two of us, you’re the one with communication issues.”

“I am also aware of this.”

“You’re also a very apathetic person, do you know that?”

“Yes.”

“Why are you okay with it?”

“I kill people for a living, and I make a lot of money doing it. I’d rather have money than emotions.”

I stab a fork in the air. “I knew your private investigation firm wasn’t just solving mysteries.”

“You’re smart.”

“So, money makes up for living a corrupt, soulless life?”

“Most of the time, yes. Are you done?”

“For now, yes.”

“Good.” He leans back. “May I counter your assessment?”

Well, this is intriguing.

I nod.

“Thank you. One, I treat everyone like staff because I have lost every person whom I’ve ever loved. Therefore, I choose to no longer attach myself to any other human being and not indulge in such weak emotions.

“Two, I demand control because no one can do my job better than I can. Period.

“Three, I have a temper because it serves as a release.

“Lastly, I kidnapped you because I couldn’t take my eyes off you. Because I had a visceral, violent reaction when Carlos spoke to you the way he did. Because the moment you smiled at me, my entire world tilted, and suddenly nothing mattered more than tasting your lips. Are you going to eat your salad, Miss Hart?”

I am stunned speechless.

“Sabine, dear, are you going to eat your salad?”

“Uh—I ... I don’t really like salad.”

Astor nods, rises from the table, and clears the dishes.

“You’re so confusing,” I whisper as he stacks the plates.

“I know.”

I rise to help with the dishes.

“Sit.”

I do. “No staff tonight?”

“No. I wanted to be alone with you tonight.”

As my captor walks out of the room, I exhale and place my hand over my heart, now in a puddle at the bottom of my feet.

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