Page 31 of My Grumpy Billionaire Protector

“It has nothing to do with me. I’m as much of a victim here as you are.”

“Oh, you want more power then.”

“That has nothing to do with it!” Shane snaps through gritted teeth. “They were supposed to get your mom, notyou. I am sorry you’re in this mess but stop taking it out on me.”

“You arrogant son of a bitch!”

Shane’s eyes tighten around the edges. “You don’t know me.”

“I don’t care. You’re just as arrogant and cocky as you were back in high school. I can’t believe people actually felt sorry for you when you disappeared. I bet you made up the whole kidnapped thing to make yourself look good.”

“Shut the fuck up.”

I take a step back and release a deep breath. “You know what? It doesn’t even matter. You’re pathetic, and my grandfather is going to figure out a way to save me. When he does, he’s going to make you guys regret ever coming after his family.”

Or at least I hope he will…

Sure, my grandfather and I don’t see eye to eye, especially not since college, but I have to believe that when push comes to shove, he is going to come for me. All I have to do is bide my time and gather as much information as I can. Anything and everything can be considered useful, especially if I know how to get under Shane’s skin. And he looks like he can’t decide whether he wants to strangle me or watch me as I go nuclear.

Either way, it doesn’t matter.

Shane unfolds his arms and shoves his hands into his pockets. “That’s fine. I want to get out of here too, but I’m pretty sure Isaiah already has a plan for if your grandfather goes after him.”

“I can’t decide if you’re brave or stupid.”

“Both.”

I look behind him at the plate of food and grimace. “I bet you put something in the food to keep me calm, so I’m a better-behaved prisoner.”

“You’re not a prisoner, Evie. You’re a guest. Just like I am. Reluctant guests, but guests all the same.”

“Do you lock all of your guests in their rooms?”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Shane tilts his head toward the door and shrugs. “The door is right there, you know.”

“Oh, and I suppose Rambo Barbie and Ken are going to just let me walk right out of here.”

Shane’s lips twitch. “Rambo Barbie and Ken? You really do need to eat something.” He reaches behind his back and holds out the plate, causing my mouth to water in response. “You’re going to need your strength. It’s just food.”

I step toward him, reach for the plate with both hands, and throw it at the wall. It breaks into hundreds of bits that fly in every direction. Shane jumps back, his face twisting in anger. I flinch when a piece nicks my skin, but I refuse to look away until silence descends upon us.

“What the hell is the matter with you?” Shane rakes both hands through his hair. “You’re wasting good food.”

“I don’t care. You’re not going to win over my trust by giving me food and pretending like you’re not going to torture me.”

“Evie, I don’t know how many times I have to tell you that I’m on your side here,” Shane replies with a shake of his head. “Why else would I be in here?”

“You’re trying to lure me into a false sense of security,” I respond, giving him a steely look. “I know how this works.”

“I wasn’t aware you’d been kidnapped before.”

“I’ve seen some documentaries here and there,” I reveal with a lift of my chin. “You’re not going to get the better of me.”

Shane makes a low, strangled noise. “Oh, for Christ’s sake. If you want me to leave you at the mercy of Isaiah and his cronies, I don’t have any problems doing that.”

I square my shoulders and dig my heels into the ground. “Like I give a shit.”

“You’re tougher than Isaiah thought,” Shane acknowledges after a brief pause. “But it doesn’t mean you should underestimate him. He’s been doing this for a long time, and by the looks of things, he’s been planning this for a while. I doubt he’s going to let a little girl like you tear everything down.”

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