That only makes my grin widen.
“I mean it.”
I try to keep it under wraps, but it’s hard when he looks so cute, all flustered. The only thing that interrupts our staring contest is my stomach grumbling. I’m a hungry boy, and my body is letting Ansel know.
His lips turn down at the sound, but he doesn’t address it. So I do.
“We should probably eat,” I suggest, and Ansel purses his lips.
“Seriously, stop telling me what to do.”
“I wasn’t telling. I was suggesting.”
“Stop suggesting. Actually, stop talking entirely.”
“Can’t do that. Not unless you stuff my mouth with something. I don’t mind what, either. Could be your cock. I think cum has some nutritional properties.”
Ansel doesn’t reply. He just moves over to a cabinet and pulls it open, revealing some boxes of food. I narrow my gaze, trying to make out what he has stored here, but can’t quite see that well. Probably need to get my eyesight checked. I’m not as young as I used to be. But I am just as spry.
I see Ansel open a box and pull out a few wrapped packages.
He peels one open, shoving something into his mouth and chewing before stepping toward me.
“It’s a granola bar. You want some?” He has some chocolate smeared across his lips, and I wonder if the bar’s melted slightly.
“No eggs and bacon? Maybe a nice breakfast burrito? There’s a place downtown that makes a killer one. Has the best green salsa you’ve ever tasted. Actually, scratch that. We’re probably out of delivery range.”
Ansel cocks his head. “Are you trying to get me to tell you where we are? I’m not stupid, you know.”
My brows draw together. “I didn’t say you were.”
“No, but you’re trying to trick me into telling you our location, which implies you think I’m stupid.”
My, he’s defensive. It makes me want to poke at his prickles to see if they’ll make me bleed. Maybe later. Right now, I need to eat before I get hangry. “Ansel, I was literally thinking about breakfast.”
“So you don’t think I’m an idiot?”
“No,” I say. “I don’t think you’re the best kidnapper, but not because of your intelligence. These things can be taught if you want. I’m a great teacher.”
He shoots me a withering look. “I don’t need a teacher.”
The rope loosens around my wrists. I grab it to stop it from falling to the floor. “You really do. The next guy you kidnap might not be as amenable as I am.”
His eyes flick to the side. “Don’t worry. I’m not planning on kidnapping anyone else. This is a one-time gig.”
Interesting.It’s another tally in the column suggesting Ansel isn’t calling the shots. Why me, though? What’s the end goal here?
Naturally, I don’t ask any of those questions. Ansel’s playing his cards close to his chest, so I am too. “Aw, baby. Does that mean I’m your first and only? I’m flattered. Don’t worry, I’ll treat you nicely.”
Disgust is back on his face. “I doubt you know how to treat anyonenicely.”
I smirk. “Why don’t you come closer and find out?”
“Whatever.” He holds up the other package in his hand. “I thought you were hungry.”
“Starving.” For more than just food, but I’ll settle for that for now. “I am,” I reply and then open my mouth. When he doesn’t get the hint, I suggest, “Feed me.”
He glowers and stomps toward me, ripping open the foil wrapper. But before he can shove it into my mouth, I snap my lips closed.
