Two hours later,I stand outside the door of my recalcitrant former ward’s room. Balancing the tray in my hand, I press my finger then place my face in front of the retina scan.
When the door snicks open, I step in. Then I wait sentry in case she tries to bolt, letting it slide closed behind me.
“I hear you’re trying to kill yourself the long way. And over some bullshit that’s not your business, no less.” Shaking my head in mock disappointment.
Listening for the soft click, I watch as Saban lies crossways on the little wrought iron bed with her shapely legs kicking back and forth. They freeze midair at my words.
Turning her face in my direction, she can’t stop the way her gaze drags lazily over my body.
Immediately my body responds as if she’s touched me. My dick lengthens, making me bite back a curse, turning to place the tray on the little table I had Aponi bring in so she can eat at a table.
“What do you care, asshole?” Sitting up, her expression turns mutinous, she crosses her arms over her chest. “You used me for your own sick satisfaction and then abandoned me like trash. Holding me prisoner?—”
She stops when she sees me playing an invisible violin.
“Ugh, I can’t stand you.” Huffing, she turns, giving me her back.
“Hm, I guess you don’t want this butter chicken then.” Taking the cover off the dish I know she loves, I allow the aroma of spices and curry covered in thick cream to fill the small space of the room.
Head dipping, shoulders sagging, she stares at the lounge pants she is wearing.
“I don’t want it.” She grumbles just as her tummy makes a liar out of her.
“Yeah, I figured. I’ll give it to the dogs.” Lying, knowing I may have to take drastic measures if she’s determined to put herself in danger by not eating. It’s been three days, and her cheeks seem hollower. She’s already lost more weight than I like to see on her trek across the African continent trying to escape me.
Anger licks at me thinking how her running from me kept her from taking care of herself.
“It’ll make the dogs sick, maybe even kill them,” she warns me way too fast for a person who prefers cats. Her eyes dart to the dish before forces herself to look away.
“Hogs then.” I take the seat of the replacement chair at the table, not wanting to get too close to her. I need to keep my wits about me with this woman. Crossing a leg over my thigh, I watch her trying to get her to be sensible.
“Give it to them then. Trust me, I don’t want anything from you but to know if there are innocent people down here with me.” She tosses over her shoulder. Turning, she lies back down,doing her best to ignore me. Her tummy protest growling like it’s trying to crawl out of her to take matters into its own hands.
“Seems like your body has other ideas.” I say, watching her do her best to get back into the story she abandoned.
“Well, I can’t always control my body’s response. She doesn’t know what’s good for her — that hoe dumb.” Small, curvy shoulders shrug, dismissing me.
“Yeah?” Dark emotion digs into my solar plexus at her words.
“Yep. Now leave me alone. Leave the food. Your being here spoils my appetite.”
She demands, sitting up in one smooth movement. She faces me, crossing her legs in front like a preschooler.
“So you’re not only doing dumb shit like starving yourself to get my attention, your liar now?” Letting the musing question fall between us, I watch her nose flaring from anger and hunger.
“I’m not?—”
“Come here,girl.” Stressing the last word as I have in the past, letting her know I’m a second off her ass. This has been our dynamic for the last few years when she’s attempted to test the boundaries I set.
“Fuck. You.” Her eyes are twin flames of rage.
Rising with slow deliberation, I stand, pushing the chair up to the table.
In a few strides, I’m looking down at her mutinous expression.
“Last chance.” Heat washes over my neck like a wave.
She’s not been eating, but she’s definitely taking every opportunity she gets to shower when Aponi takes her. The fragrance of the vanilla-rose soap and body cream she’s wearing immediately has an effect my senses.
