Page 58 of Oh No, My Kidnapper Is Hot!

“What makes you think I have ulterior motives?” I wheeze. He rolls his eyes.

“Do give mesomecredit, will you? I am a professional.”

I look at my teacup, not exactly willing to admit that he’s right. After several minutes of his pointed stare, it occurs to me that I’m being ridiculous. This is exactly what I came here for. I can’t back out now because I’m feeling recalcitrant.

Putting on my brave girl pants, I straighten my shoulders and look him in the eye.

“I’d like you to help me escape,” I say.

“Now, why would you want to do a silly thing like that?” he asks. I grimace, wondering how best to answer.

It would’ve been nice to have had a presentation for him. A powerpoint at least. He seems like a man who would appreciate a good powerpoint. Unfortunately, all I’ve got is me.

“I think you’ve noticed that Stryker and I have… begun to behave quite out of character,” I start.

I narrow my eyes as he chokes on a laugh.

“Sorry, sorry. Yes, I have noticed that a time or two.”

I give a sharp nod.

“I am not totally on board with these new changes.” Or the old ones, for that matter.

Archie’s eyes sharpen on me.

“You haven’t consented?” he asks. Embarrassed, I scratch my ear. Look away.

He stands, chair scraping the tile floor.

“I’ll kill him.”

I turn back to him in alarm.

“No!” I yell, standing as well. He rushes out of theroom, and I hurry to catch up. He makes one turn and heads to the front door – Iknewthe kitchen shouldn’t have been that hard to get to!

“Archie!” I yell, “I consented!” I grab his arm as he reaches for the doorknob.

He freezes.

“You consented?” he confirms, eyeing me skeptically. I nod. My face is on fire, and I have to fight to maintain eye contact.

Eventually, he lowers his arm.

“Alrighty, then!” he exclaims, turning around and pushing me down a hallway to the left, taking me on another roundabout journey back to the kitchen.

We settle into our seats – Archie picking his up off the floor – and he gestures for me to continue my pitch. My leg shakes below the table. My stomach flutters uncomfortably.

Maybe I should’ve just let him kill Stryker.

I chastise myself. Of course I shouldn’t have. Convenient? Yes. Morally acceptable? No.

“As I was saying,” I mumble. Clearing my throat, I continue louder, “I am not on board with this new direction in the grand scheme of things. Not, you know, moment to moment. That’s, um, been satisfactory.” I think even my hair is blushing at this point.

“Only satisfactory, eh? Would you mind filling out a quick survey? The results will go directly to me, to be used at opportune times and in opportune ways.” His grin is evil. Pure evil. I ignore him.

“I would like to exit this roller coaster now, and I can’t do it on my own. I need the help of a creative genius such as yourself.”

“Your nightly escapades aren’t going well then?”

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