Page 40 of Oh No, My Kidnapper Is Hot!

“You should’ve just said that,” I say.

“Tellin’ you now.”

I roll my eyes. We reach the front door, and Strykerstruggles with the knob while being careful not to drop me.

“You could just put me down, you know. Now that I know there’s cake involved, I’m happy to follow.” I mean. Duh.

“You’re not wearin’ shoes.”

I blink.

“Okay? So turn around and we’ll get them.” I twist to look over his shoulder. I think I left them in the bedroom. He gets the knob turned, and the door swings open.

“No need,” he says.

“What if I need them later? Or, say, right now?” I ask.

“You won’t need them.”

Is this guy’s head made of bricks?

“The road is gravel, Stryker. I’m going to need shoes.”

He steps off the porch.

“Not if I’m carryin’ you, you won’t.”

My eye twitches. I should’ve shot him somewhere worse.

“This is ridiculous. You know that, don’t you? I have legs. Two of them, in fact. And they work just fine.”

“Noticed your legs, darlin’.”

My face heats, and I shove that straight into the denial box.

“Also noticed they only work right if you’re not lookin’ at my eyes… or my lips… or my shoulders.Especiallythe shoulders. Not sure it’s worth the risk, all things considered. Better carry you to be safe.”

This does not fit in the box.

“Do you have a very strong river on the property?” I ask.

“Why would you need that?”

I don’t appreciate the choked laughter in his voice.

“I’m going to need one to throw myself into. We can let the currents take me. It would be a merciful end in light ofthis latest abuse.”

“No chocolate cake in the river,” he points out. Hmm.

“You can take me there after we have cake,” I compromise. He shakes his head. What a jerk.

“Stop pouting,” he bosses. “It’s far too cute.”

Ack! I rearrange my face immediately. He chuckles.

“I think I preferred when you were grouchy and mean,” I inform him. “At least then I knew what to expect.”

“Not much to be grouchy about today,” he tells me, “but I’m sure The Grouch will make an appearance again soon. Got a temper, so he’s never far.”

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