“Nothing.”
“He was charming. He has a great smile. One of those shit-eating grins or whatever it’s called. He also seems pretty well off, because he took me to an oyster bar. I didn’t eat the oysters of course, becauseew. And thank God, neither did he, or I probably wouldn’t have let him kiss me. But he was a good kisser, that I will admit.”
“So you think you’ll see him again?” I ask. Electra is notorious for one-and-dones, not because she’s sleazy or anything. More because she’s critical of the guys she goes out with. One flaw and they’re gone.
“I hope so. I gave him my number, so we will see.”
“Well, I’m glad you met someone,” I tell her, and I really am happy for her.
I’m also a little jealous. Electra’s life seems so simple. So normal. So free. As I sit at a bar that is within walking distance from the house I am contracted to live in, half the time locked in, I can’t help but miss my old life.
I’m not looking to get drunk. Alcohol would only dampen my mood. So I finish my drink, close the tab, and leave, slowly walking back to my cage.
Am I being dramatic? I don’t think so. I really don’t have a choice anymore. Ransome is controlling every aspect of my life at this point. And the worst part is, I can’t decide if I hate it (I do) or if it turns me on like some sort of kinky twist in the plot that is my obsession with my boss (it kind of does).
Ivan isn’t there when I unlock the door and go inside. I guess that’s a relief that Ransome doesn’t think I need to be guarded anymore. In my defense, it’s been a while since I trashed the place. I kick off my shoes and set my purse aside before flipping on the light.
And when I do, I scream.
Ransome is standing there, in the dark, like a statue, just staring at me.
“What are youdoinghere?” I press my hand to my chest so my heart doesn’t pop out of my ribcage.
“Where were you?”
My fear melts into irritation. “I went to that bar down the street.”
“You went to a bar?” he demands. “With who?”
“With myself. Jesus, you need to learn the art of calming the fuck down.”
“That’s not exactly easy to do when you’re supposed to be home and you’re not.”
“I had a shitty day at work. My boss is kind of a jerk. I wanted a drink. Is that okay?” My tone is as sharp as his. It’s not smart, but I don’t really care.
“Is your boss always a jerk?” he asks.
“Most days.” I play along.
He nods. “Maybe his life is complicated.”
“Or maybe he has trust issues.”
Ransome holds up a photo. It takes me a second, but then I recognize it. It’s the one I was looking at the other day, the one with the kid that looks like him.
“Maybe it’s because his assistant goes through his things.”
I bite my lip. This time, I know I am in the wrong. “I’m sorry. But you lock me up here! I get restless and?—”
“He died.”
I don’t know what I was expecting him to say, but it wasn’t that. “Who was he?” I ask.
“Niklaus. Nikky. My brother. He was fifteen.”
My heart dives in my chest. “Oh. I’m sorry.”
Ransome tosses the photo on the counter and walks over to the mini bar. “It happens. It’s inevitable in this world.” He pours a glass of whiskey and offers me a drink too, but I shake my head gently. I don’t think I could stomach it right now.
