"You can't just... you can't just SAY that."
"Why not? It's true. I've been patient for months. I'm done being patient."
"This is insane!" I'm on my feet again, backing away. "I'm not a—athingyou can just take because you decided you want me!"
"I'm aware. Which is why I'm compensating you."
I laugh, unable to believe it. "Compensate. Right. How much does kidnapping pay these days?"
"Fifty thousand dollars."
I stop laughing.
"Wire transfer," he continues. "Untraceable if you prefer. Or check. Full amount paid upon successful completion of the five days."
"Fifty... you're offering me fifty thousand dollars?"
"Yes."
"To pretend to be your girlfriend."
"Yes."
"For five days."
"Correct."
"You think this is normal."
"I think it's a mutually beneficial arrangement. You need money—student loans, correct? This would clear that debt and give you time to find better employment."
My face goes white. "How do you know about my student loans?"
"Background check. I ran it eight months ago." He says it like it's perfectly reasonable. "I needed to know if you were safe. If anyone was taking advantage of you. If you needed help."
"Eight months?" My voice is faint. "You've been stalking me for eight months?"
"Eleven months, actually. But I only ran the background check eight months ago. It seemed prudent."
"Prudent. Right. Of course." I press my hands to my face. This is a nightmare. This has to be a nightmare.
"You have until morning to decide," he says, standing. "But know this—I'm going to Severny Harbor for Christmas. And you're coming with me. The only question is whether you come willingly and collect fifty thousand dollars, or whether I have to keep you sedated for the duration."
"You wouldn't—"
"I would prefer not to. But I will do what's necessary."
He walks to the door. It opens for him with a soft beep. Biometric scan. Like he said.
He pauses in the doorway. "There's food in the mini fridge. Water on the nightstand. Chamomile tea in the drawer. I know you drink it before bed. Your belongings are in the closet. If you need anything else, press the call button by the bed."
"I need my freedom."
"After Christmas." He looks back at me. "Five days, Jemma. Then you get to choose."
"Choose what?"
"Whether you want to stay."
