Page 41 of Kristoff

“I don’t need any of those things. I’m fine. I have a new job at a photography studio and I’m working on several projects on my own. I don’t need your money or your help.”

“You’ve been here every weekend for two months, playing with someone,” he says in the most jealous tone I’ve ever heard him use.

I smile. “Yes. An old friend.”

“I don't like it,” he admits, and I laugh.

“I’m not your prisoner anymore, Kristoff. You can’t just pull up and demand I do everything you say. This is real life now. I have a life and I’m living it,” I say, taking a long breath. Unless he wants to take me prisoner again. There isn’t anyone on the street to stop him. It’s late and the traffic is slow at this time of night.

The idea of being shuffled into his car shouldn’t make me so damn tingly. But it does.

He takes a deep breath through his nose. “You’re right. Let my driver take you home at least. I’ll get another car.”

“I just got here,” I say.

“You’re done for tonight.” He shrugs. I suppose I should be happy he’s not dragging me off to the car.

“And how do I know your driver won’t just take me to some warehouse and lock me up?” I ask, half joking but mostly not.

His eyes darken. “You don’t. But I give you my word, he’ll drive you home.” He’s asking me to trust him. He abandoned me. If he’d wanted to keep me locked up in his basement, he wouldn't have gone through all the trouble of sending me back to the states in the first place.

Of all the things Kristoff has done to me, lying isn’t one of them.

“You’re not going to leave if I stay, are you?” I already know the answer.

“No, and if you go back inside to have some other man touch you while I’m standing here, I don’t promise that I won’t go in after you,” Kristoff says with a grin. He knows he’s winning.

“That’s why Dr. Morrow went in?” I ask.

“He was afraid I’d lose my temper.” Kristoff comes as close to rolling his eyes as I think he ever would. It’s endearing.

I shake my head. I can’t forget who and what he is.

“Is he your babysitter now?”

“He wanted to come with me to be sure you were healthy. He’s here in an official capacity,” Kristoff assures me, but after seeing Dr. Morrow’s eyes roll, I know the truth. He’s come to keep Kristoff under control. I don’t think any man would have that power, but this doctor seems to have Kristoff’s ear and heart.

I stare at him in silence. He’s changed somehow, the anger I was so used to seeing simmering just below the surface isn’t there anymore. He looks almost vulnerable while I’m deciding what to do.

Giving up, because I know he won’t give in, I agree. “Fine, your driver can take me home. But I do have to go back in to tell Bobby I’m leaving and to grab my purse.” I jerk a thumb at the door.

He raises an eyebrow. “Bobby?” he says the name with a forced American accent and I can’t help but laugh. “This man who plays domination games with you is named Bobby?”

“Domination games?” I ask laughing again.

“Yes, it’s a game here, yes? You play out fantasies and cuddle after?” His description isn’t quite the full reality, but not too far off either.

“It’s fun and safe,” I say to him.

He shrugs. “Get your things and go home. Will you let me have dinner with you tomorrow?”

Will I let him?

I don’t care for the term. He’d told me once I don’t let anything happen where he and I are concerned. That felt more natural than this permissive conversation.

“Dinner? Sure. I can meet you—”

He shakes his head. “No. My driver will pick you up at seven o’clock. Don’t be late, and don’t wear that.” He points to my dress. “Never wear that in public again. Burn the damn thing. I don't like it.”

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