Oh my God. Oh my GOD.
"Stay there." His voice is calm. Steady. "You're still unsteady."
"Stay—STAY?" My voice comes out high and panicked. "You DRUGGED me!"
"Yes."
"YES? Just YES? That's all you have to say?"
"The dosage was carefully calculated. No long-term effects. The headache will fade in an hour."
I stare at him. Try to process. Fail completely.
"Where am I?"
"My home."
"Your—" Deep breath. Another. "I need to leave. Right now."
"I understand why you feel that way."
"Then let me leave!"
"I can't do that. Not yet."
The panic is building. My hands are shaking. "This is kidnapping. This is actual, literal kidnapping."
"Yes."
"You can't just—you can't—" Words are failing me. My social work training is screaming protocols at me. Stay calm. Don't antagonize. Look for exits. "I want to leave."
"I know."
"So let me leave!"
"No."
The finality in that word hits like a slap.
I slide off the bed, putting distance between us. My legs are unsteady but they hold. I back toward the door.
"I'll scream."
"The building has excellent soundproofing."
"I'll call the police."
"With what phone?"
I pat my pockets. Empty. Of course they're empty.
"You took my phone."
"Security precaution."
"SECURITY—" I stop. Breathe. Try to think. "Okay. Okay. I'm leaving. Right now. And if you try to stop me, I will fight. I will make this as difficult as possible."
He nods. "I respect that."
