Page 229 of The Re-Proposal

Slotter drinks, looking unmoved.

“Do you know what they call Bolton?”

“Ice King, right?”

“His employees call him Ice King. The rest of the business world call him the Grim Reaper. With one word from her, the Grim Reaper didn’t take any souls.”

Slotter’s eyes glint at me. “Impressive.”

My tongue darts out to wet my lips.

“I wonder what he’d be willing to pay if we sent him a pinkie?” Slotter touches my finger.

I curl it back, my heart hammering in fear.

He laughs and swigs his beer again. “Love is such a dangerous thing. Here you are, acting like you’re nothing, and here we are, about to charge your boyfriend a hundred mill for the privilege of seeing you again.” Slotter chuckles. “Ironic, right? We think you’re worth more than you do.”

Slotter’s words pierce me.

We think you’re worth more than you do.

That’s not true.

I’m confident in myself. In my ability to help those in need. In my heart and the love I have to give. In my mission of lifting up as many women as possible. I’m confident in my intelligence, my determination and my humility.

But stick me in a room with a bunch of rich people and I disappear into myself.

It’s so ridiculous now that Slotter laid it out for me.

Cody thinks I’m priceless.

My kidnappers think I’m worth at least a hundred million dollars.

But I don’t see myself the same.

My brain keeps churning.

Until I slam the breaks.

Am I having a self-realization moment in the middle of a kidnapping? Really?

“Think we can call now?” Winifred asks, checking his watch.

Slotter nods. “Someone should have been alerted by now.” He jerks his chin toward a corner of the room that’s far from me. “You make the call. I’ll listen in.” His eyes flicker with mistrust when he shadows Winifred. “So you don’t double cross me.”

While the men walk away, I think fast. If I have any hope of saving myself, I need to find a way outnow.

My eyes surge around the room, looking for a weapon. The pillar behind me has a few loose pipes scattered around the base.

It’s too far away.

But it’s the only option I’ve got.

I keep my gaze on Slotter and Winifred. They’re focused on the flip phone opened before them.

Heart pounding, I ease down in my chair and push my hands as far as they can go. It’s not far enough.

Bits and pieces of their conversation waft to me.

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