Page 27 of Red Captive

“Leniencies? What are you talking about? Can you get to the point, so that I can finish my food?”

“This kind of food isn’t good for us. It isn’t nutrient-dense. It’s calorie-laden garbage.”

“I’ll let the kitchen staff know that you think their efforts are garbage. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.”

I picture Tara’s sad face. How she wouldn’t even look at me yesterday. He’s right; I shouldn’t call food garbage. It’s wrong of me.

I sigh. “Please don’t do that. I would hate to hurt their feelings. This is coming out all wrong. I have this thing about eating healthy. Understand that I have my reasons.”

“I understand alright.” He takes another bite of his food. I wait while he chews and swallows; even that is altogether too sexy. I hate him. Why is he being such a dick?

Instead of explaining himself, he dips several fries into ketchup and stuffs them into his mouth as well. He ignores me.

“I feel like there’s more to that statement. I’d like to hear it, if you don’t mind.” I fold my arms. I can’t wait to hear this.

He swallows and licks his lips. Then Steel turns those dark eyes on me. They’re framed by thick lashes.

Makes me dislike him more.

He pops his shoulders in a casual shrug that has me seething. “It’s clear that you care about your figure and that you take excellent care of yourself.” The words themselves are leaning toward a compliment; it’s just the way they are delivered, and the look on his face tells me that they’re anything but. “I’d go so far as to say that you use your good looks to get what you want in life. The thought of jeopardizing that by putting on a few pounds is abhorrent to you. I mean, you’re selling yourself, after all. It might not fly if you’re overweight. So, I ultimately understand why you won’t eat a perfectly good burger.”

“That’s not it at all. Not even close.” My face feels hot I’m so angry.

He gives me a look like I’m full of it.

I blurt the first thing that comes to mind because I know it’ll piss him off. “So, you’re attracted to me and hate that fact. You’d love it if I put on a few pounds. You’d love it even more if I died of a freaking heart attack, wouldn’t you?”

“I have no problem with a woman having a little meat on her bones.” He gives me the once-over, his jaw tightening. “I prefer it, actually. Most men do. If you want my opinion, you’re a little on the lean side. Not my type at all. So, no, I’m not attracted to you. If you died, I’d be done with this shitty assignment, so you might be onto something there. Although, it hadn’t crossed my mind before now. Eat, don’t eat. I don’t care.”

I act like a child when I grab the burger and pour the fries on the tray. Then I remove the top bun, the part with all the sauce. I make this growly noise that tells me I’ve been hanging out with shifters too much. I put what’s left of the food on the plate and stomp back into my room, slamming the door. Again, acting like a child. I’m not proud of myself, but he’s just… He’s…an asshole. I’m pretty sure his levels of sexiness are going to drop very soon. They have to. I’m counting on it. You can’t be such a huge asshole and keep looking like that. It’s not possible. It’s not fair, and it’s wrong in every way.

I wasn’t attracted to my ex at all until I got to know him. It was one of those situations where a personbecomessexy. I’ve met good-looking people who became decidedly ugly once they opened their mouths. I’ve never experienced this before. Not once. I’m in the dark about what to do here. I have no idea. I am attracted to a dick. One who hates me. He happens to be my babysitter. I’m being held captive by this man…this person who has decided he hates me without even knowing me. It’s never happened to me before. I always thought I was a likable person.

Unless he is nice deep, deep, deep down and I’m picking up on that. Then it makes sense that I would find him attractive. If so, he hides it really well. I don’t know what to make of him or of this whole situation. His words play through my head.“I have no problem with a woman with a little meat on her bones…I prefer it, actually. Most men do.”He said that I’m too lean.

I’mnottoo lean.

I go and stand in front of the mirror. I turn to the side. I still have breasts. I’ve always had breasts. I take after my mom. I look just like she used to look before…before things took a turn. I also have a butt, but I work really hard on my glutes every day of my life.

Otherwise, I am lean. Leaner than when I left home. I’ve continued to eat the way I normally do, but since becoming a Tribute, my exercise levels have doubled. At first, it was in order to survive. In order to make Sky’s Edge. I guess I’m used to it now. After coming to Mistveil, I was hitting the gym every day and running with Rex or Bear or one of the other guards several days a week. I’m leaner. Still toned but definitely leaner. Toolean? Maybe. Healthy? Yes, I am, and I’ll take it. Health is taken for granted. It’s everything.

Screw that asshole. I’d rather be too lean than like my mother. I feel instant regret at the thought. I’m a horrible, terrible person for thinking like that. She isn’t to blame.

I sit hard on the chair, feeling so fucking sad that I don’t know what to do with myself. Then I force myself to eat the damned food. It doesn’t take long for me to finish. Mental and physical wellness are my top priority. They have to be. I need to be there for my family, even if it means staying on this island. Even if it means never seeing them ever again.

I sniff, trying hard not to cry. I fail, a small sob escaping as the tears fall.

9

Steel

Five days later…

Someone knocks and tries to enter the apartment immediately. The doorknob turns and then turns again.

I know exactly who it is.

There is a hard knock, followed by, “It’s me. Let me in!”