Page 57 of Twisted Little Thing

"No," I finally reply. "I don't want that."

Yuka smiles and nods again. Of course, she has no idea to what I just said no.

"When are you free?"

"Tomorrow," I say. "In the evening."

Yuka's eyes widen with alarm.

"To talk," I add, thinking that it might calm her down.

She rolls her eyes.

"Is six okay?" He wants to know. "I can pick you up."

"Yes, but that won't be necessary –"

"Yes, it will be," he insists.

Okay, whatever. Another ride in his limousine. Things could be worse.

"No hotel this time," I say.

He chuckles. "Alright. I will never take you there again if that is what you want."

"Good."

"I adore you, Nicky," he whispers. "I really do. I never intended to hurt you – and I will make this right again. If you let me, that is."

I choose to ignore Yuka for a moment and allow myself to smile.

"Do you understand?" He wants to know.

And of course, there is only one correct answer. "Yes, Sir."

"What the –?!" Yuka hisses, but I stop her with a wave of my hand.

She would never understand. And she doesn't have to.

"Good girl," he says, causing my heart to jump. "Did you remember your homework?"

"What?"

He cannot be serious.

"The assignment I gave you," he explains. "Did you work on it?"

This must be a joke.

"No, I didn't," I say. "I'm sorry, but I had other things on my mind."

"I know you have," he says. "But I still want you to do it."

I frown. Is he seriously trying to lecture me? Now?

"I think we have other things to talk about first," I reply. "But no, I didn't forget."

"You still have time until tomorrow," he says. "I really wish that you would think about it and do what I asked you to."

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