Damien starts to stretch, and I copy his moves, grateful we’re done. His bribe contained shoes, socks, a sports bra, a crop top and fresh leggings. It feels weird to be walking out and about with so much skin exposed, but Damien hasn’t said a word about my scars. Maybe the bandage is pulling attention away from them.
“Running is the perfect way to start your mornings. I think it really sets you up to have a great day since you’ve already accomplished something.”
Damien has been keeping a steady, upbeat chatter all morning. I think he and Dr. Parnard should become best friends. Maybe they can be pen pals?
After a few minutes of stretching, Damien gives me a pat on the back that nearly knocks me over. “Great job, red. Let’s get some breakfast.”
He throws me a devilish grin before beckoning me to follow him inside.
What is happening right now?
I am in the lair of the enemy, and I’m working out and getting breakfast with them? Weirder still, I think I might actually like the company of Magnus, Rosie, and Damien. They’ve been nothing but pleasant.
Am I suffering from Stockholm syndrome?
I don’t think so. I think if I were, I’d start to love my kidnapper. And I think Sin should spend an afternoon walking on Lego.
But before my thoughts can start to spiral again at the grim reality that I’ve been kidnapped, Damien leads me into the dining room.
Rosie and Magnus are already seated, so I take my spot next to Rosie, and Damien sits beside Magnus. Thetable is filled with an assortment of pastries and a pitcher full of what I really hope is coffee.
“Hi, Vivian! Did you have a good run?” Rosie asks as she reaches for the pitcher and pulls it closer. The smell reaches me, confirming that the dark liquid is coffee.
Not all heroes wear capes.
“It was alright. I’m not a big runner. But Damien makes a good tour guide.” I add the second part lest Damien think I’m not thankful for his help.
He winks at me.
“Good morning, my little enigma. I’m sorry to hear you aren’t pleased about Damien’s obsession with honing muscles,” Magnus notes, lifting his cup of coffee at me in greeting.
But before I can respond, Damien interjects, “This has nothing to do with physical appearance. It’s about survival. Red won’t look nearly as delicious if she’s dead.” He levels me with an apologetic smile. “I’m going to need to up your endurance and strength.”
I slump in my seat. While I know Damien has a point, I get the sinking impression that he’s going to make the morning wake-up calls a typical occurrence.
Magnus notes my expression, which may or may not reflect that I’m pouting, before he chimes in, “Not to worry, we have something for you that is sure to make you moan.”
Do I notice how sexually charged his comment is?
Of course.
But I also notice the covert glances he, Damien and Rosie share. They’re up to something.
My cheeks heat, but I push back against my embarrassment. Sassing Conner helped me to deal with his incessant flirtation. So, instead of sinking into my chair, I take a sip of my coffee and let out a small moan. “You’re right. It did make me moan. Thanks.”
Rosie giggles, but Magnus and Damien are both looking at me like they’re hungry. Considering we’re sitting at a table full of food, I’m just going to go ahead and assume they want more pastries.
Rosie chimes in before Magnus gets another opportunity to flirt with me, “The surprise will have to wait until after breakfast. Then I’ll change your bandage.”
“Thank you,” I say, feeling a bit awkward. I’m not used to being fussed over.
“Of course!” Rosie replies, “And if you want to have stuff to do today, we’re each happy to have you tag along with us while we work.”
“Oh – but doesn’t Damien work at the Council’s castle?” I ask, confused. I will not be joining him if that’s the case.
“Guards in the lower rankings have odd rotations. We work for six weeks and then are off for two weeks. So, no work for me other than getting my hands on that body of yours,” Damien answers, wagging his eyebrows at me.
I know I’m blushing, and yet again, I remind myself that I am fully capable of handling flirts. “Thanks, but I can touch myself just fine.”
