Page 12 of Golden Burn

I pull the tie around my waist tighter when I notice Ford watching me cautiously. He doesn’t seem impressed.Right back at you, buddy.

I chug back a glass of water as elegantly as I can and then wait for whatever the hell this meeting is about. Are we discussing the terms ofmy kidnapping? Do I need to sign some documents before they sell me to a Russian mobster?

If I keep making jokes, maybe I won’t break down into a puddle of tears.

The awkward tension in the room has reached catastrophic levels by the time Dominic breaks it. He stands and moves to a nearby table, retrieves something, and brings it back. He sits and places a manila folder filled with a stack of documents tucked inside next to the tray of tea and milk.

I stare blankly at it, my heart beating harder than an automated firearm.

“What is this?” I ask, pleased that my voice is steady, demanding.

“Firstly, on behalf of Odin and the Bolt Group, we want to acknowledge that the recent events have been extremely distressing for yourself, and that from now on, your safety and comfort will be our number one priority.”

I almost cackle with laughter. But I fear a permanent frown has taken full control of my face. This is a joke, right? Mysafety?

“Everything will be explained,” Dominic says, his voice taking on the same tone he had in the airplane when he was trying to keep me calm and cooperative. This seems to be his role amongst the three. The lawyer. The negotiator. I don’t like it. It means he’s smart, prepared. It means he’s going to be ten steps ahead of me.

“Is there something in there about taking me back home?” I ask.

“No.”

“So… I’m staying.”

“Yes.”

My patience snaps. Just like that. “No.” I stand, Ford mirrors me. He’s so freaking big I feel my adrenaline waver. Ignoring him, I fixmy stare on Dominic. “You can’t keep me here. This is illegal. I will not be forced to be a sex slave!”

Dominic balks. “Harriet, please sit down.” I stay standing despite his request. “I will explain everything.”

I open my mouth, a shout or a scream, ready on the tip of my tongue. But before I can heave in a breath, I’m cut off.

“Sit down, Ms Lewis,” Bolt demands.

I flinch, like I’ve been zapped by a live wire. If that husky voice wasn’t attached to my own kidnapper, I would comply just so he could call me a good girl.

But my brain wants me to rebel.

To disobey.

I stay standing as I watch Odin enter from afar—wide shoulders, tapered waist, long legs and a gorgeous neck. Dressed head to toe in clothes that require an obscene amount of money. He strides through the space like he owns, not only the apartment, but the entire building.

God, why did he have to be so… alluring?

Odin reaches the edge of the living room and raises one brow. “Comply or fight,” he reminds me. “You have the same choice now. If you comply, we can all have something to eat while we discuss the terms of your presence. Or you can fight and spend the meeting sitting on my lap.”

My core clenches.

No. Bad girl!

I lift my chin despite the shake in my shoulders. “As long as nobody touches me.”

“Fine,” Odin waves a hand. “You might change your mind in a second.”

He whistles, and the familiar sound of claws on tiles fills the space. Juniper rushes out of the hallway and over to my side.

A smile splits my face. But I drop my chin so Odin can’t see it. He doesn’t notice anyway, as he strides off, leaving me to greet Juniper.

Dominic catches my attention as he stands, his expression stern. He gestures to the couch. “Please. Sit.” I do as he asks. Juniper finds a spot to sit at my feet. “Thank you, Harriet.”

---