Page 40 of Kristoff

“I know. It’s fine. I’ll step out.” I walk past Dr. Morrow and motion for him to follow me to the lobby, and out to the street.

“What’s wrong?” I ask immediately once we’re outside. I wrap my arms around myself to ward off the chill.

“I don't think Kristoff would approve of your dress,” he says and shakes off his coat, draping it over my shoulders.

“Approve?” I shake my head. “What’s wrong, why are you here?” I ask, more demanding, but I’m trying to keep my heart from leaping out of my chest.

“Nothing is wrong. I promise,” he says in that gentle voice of his. How anyone so calm and sweet could work for the Dowidoff family makes no sense to me.

“Then why did you just try to get into The Dungeon? And break up my date?”

“That man was your date?” he asks with raised brows. “He didn’t seem very - well, your type.”

If he means Bobby’s nothing like Kristoff, he’s right. They couldn’t be more different. One believes in consent and limits, while the other just takes what he wants when he wants.

“Kristoff wasn’t my choice, Dr. Morrow,” I remind him.

His lips press firmly into a straight line. “Yes, I know, but you came to care for him anyway.” I didn’t need that reminder. Not tonight.

“If every thing’s okay, why did you track me down?” I push for an answer. It’s cold, and I don’t want Bobby to find another partner.

“Kristoff is in town. He wants to see you,” he says on a long breath.

“So, he sent a messenger?” I laugh. “I have nothing to say to him.” Or everything. I have everything to say, to cry, to feel with him, but I can’t do it. I can’t allow myself to fall into him again. It was wrong, having feelings for him. He was my captor. It was sick and twisted, and now I’m home, I’m free, and I’m not going to fall for him again.

“No, not exactly,” Dr. Morrow says as a black SUV pulls up to the curb beside us. My stomach twists and the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

The back door opens, and Kristoff is sitting there. His expression dark, like he’s not as happy to see me as Dr. Morrow’s tone suggested.

“Magdalena. Get in,” he says and waves me to his side.

I laugh again and slip Dr. Morrow’s coat off me. “I’m not going anywhere with you.” I hand the coat back to the doctor who looks worried now. When I turn back to Kristoff, I can see why. He’s taken one look at my outfit and is climbing out of the car.

“I asked you to get in the car.” Kristoff yanks the coat back from the doctor and throws it over my shoulders.

“No. You told me. And I’m not getting in the fucking car, Kristoff.” I stand my ground but keep the coat. He’ll be easier to deal with if I’m covered up.

“Who are you here with?” he demands and looks back at the entrance to the club.

“No one.” It’s not a complete lie. Bobby and I had planned to play, but we aren’t a couple. He’s probably found someone else to play with by now.

“Then why won’t you get in?” he asks. I don't think anyone has ever told him no and gotten away with it, he seems confused by the concept.

“Because I’m not ready to leave yet, and I don’t want to see you.” I keep my eyes averted from his gaze. Being caught in that dominant glare of his will make my resolve weaken.

“Maybe, Magdalena would agree to meet for dinner, tomorrow night?” Dr. Morrow interjects.

Kristoff glares at him until he steps away.

“Is that it? Are you afraid of me?” He sounds torn up at the idea. I don’t remember him caring much about my fear when he first met me.

“I’m not afraid. I’ve moved on from—” What? Our relationship? Stupid. “I’m moving forward, and I don’t think we have anything to say to each other.”

“You love me,” he states like he’s telling me I’m wearing shoes.

“What?” I can feel the heat in my cheeks and take a step back. “No. I cared for you because you showed me a very small amount of kindness in a really bad situation. After you made my life hell, I’ll add. But no, I don’t love you.”

“You won’t see the doctor I set up for you, or take the money that belongs to you, and you haven’t moved into the apartment. How can I be sure your safe if you won’t do what I tell you?” I see the little tick in his jaw and know he’s getting upset, but he’s holding himself steady.

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