Page 59 of Hot for Hostage

If his scowl was anything to go by, he wasn’t thrilled to see me either. “What do you want?”

Boy, he really had the death-glare thing down pat. I could imagine those teenage thugs shaking in their fancy sneakers if Vince looked at them like this.

My legs might’ve trembled a bit.

“Bear’s not allowed in the kitchen,” I forced myself to say, shifting my weight under his glare. “Is it okay if he wanders the house freely for a little? Or maybe he can hang out with you?”

Vince glanced down at Bear, and his lip curled up in a sneer. “No. I don’t like dogs.”

I blinked. Well, at least he was honest. “Oh. Okay, sorry. I’ll just put him in the backyard, if that’s all right?”

Vince was too busy glaring to answer. So, I turned and pulled Bear down the hallway. I might’ve picked up my pace into an awkward half jog, half trot because the sooner we got away from Vince, the sooner I could stop thinking about how he’d seen me naked.

“Wait.” Vince walked up beside us, easily keeping pace as his eyes narrowed. “Why were you in the kitchen?”

I faltered a step, not understanding his suspicion. Was I not allowed to eat food now?

“I want to bake some dog treats for Bear and the shelter,” I said, deciding not to share my plan to make cupcakes for everyone. I couldn’t trust him not to tattle to Davian and ruin the surprise. “Davian said to make myself at home.”

Vince’s frown deepened. “Antonio doesn’t like animals in the kitchen.”

“I just learned that,” I said with a wince. “But it’s okay if I put Bear outside, right?”

If possible, his judging eyes narrowed further. “By himself?”

“Well, yes. He’ll have fun chasing squirrels.”

Vince was a big guy—like football player big, and not one of the skinny ones who ran fast—and he loomed over both of us. That was why I had to choke down a laugh when he looked down at Bear like he was sizing him up.

But then he seemed to come to a decision, because he nodded.

“Fine. I’ll take your dog outside and watch him,” he declared, as if he were granting me a boon.

While I wasn’t one to complain, he’d sure changed his tune quickly. “Really? I thought you didn’t like?—”

“Follow me, dog,” Vince ordered, walking off in the opposite direction without waiting for Bear—who panted happily and looked up at me.

I shrugged.

“Go play with the scary man, Bear.” I gave him a good scratch behind his ear before patting his rump. He took off down the hall. “Thank you, Vince! Have fun, boys.”

I reached the kitchen door before Vince’s startled yelp made me pause.

“Don’tlickme!”

I stifled a laugh with my palm and ducked back into the kitchen. At least it sounded like Bear was warming up to Vince.

Now, if only I could get him to stop stealing Davian’s shoes.

too sweet for a mafia prince?

. . .

Sadie

Sadie’s Guide toHostage-TakingBeing Taken HostageForming a Partnership with Your HostageEmbracing the Hostage Lifestyle, Tip #16: Baking breaks should be mandatory for all hostages.

Walking into the kitchen again was just as magical as the first time, and I even teared up a little at the beautiful sight.

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