I don't come out of my room for the rest of the day and eventually fall asleep early because there's nothing else to do.
In the morning, I wake up with a fright when he barges in and rudely calls my name.
"Get up, Nikita," he demands, grabbing the edge of my blanket and pulling it away from my shoulders.
"Stop that!" I snap, still half asleep and very annoyed with him.
"Get up. Get dressed."
"Why?" I groan, sitting up, grateful I fell asleep in my clothes last night instead of my flimsy pajamas that I don't want him to see me in.
"Stop questioning me and get the hell out of bed," he snaps, glaring at me.
"Sheesh, someone needs another cup of coffee. You don't have to be so angry about it," I huff, throwing the blankets off and swinging my feet off the edge of the bed.
My eyes drift cautiously toward him.
Where is he taking me?
Is the kidnapping plan over?
Is this the end?
Doesn't he need me anymore?
"Are you going to stand there and watch me change?" I ask, trying not to sound scared despite the intense warnings swarming my thoughts.
"Uh, no. Right. Uh. Wear comfortable shoes. And gym wear. Something easy to move in," he tells me, walking toward the bedroom door.
"Why?" I ask suspiciously.Is it easier to hide my body if I'm wearing thinner clothing?
"Because it's the right outfit for the adventure we're going on," he sighs.
"Adventure?" I repeat.
"Yes, you wanted to get out. We're getting out. Unless you changed your mind?" His words are clipped and impatient. "I'm only doing this to shut you up. I can't handle your complainingabout being stuck in here as though I'm literally torturing you or something," he snaps. I narrow my brows, my brain spinning to work out if that's the real reason.
Half of me is screaming,Don't go alone with him into the woods. He's up to something.The other half is screaming, Yes, let's get out of this damn cabin and breathe some real air and see nature.
I bite my lip, fighting to decide which half is right. I'm alone with him in the cabin either way. What's the difference if I go out into the woods?
Bardil rolls his eyes impatiently."I'll be waiting in the living room. Don't take too long to decide," he huffs.
"I'm coming now. I'll be quick," I answer before I can change my mind. I need to get out of here. I'll just be wary of him. If I need to… I'll run like the wind.
In a hurry, I change into some gym tights and hiking boots from the closet. I haven't worn them yet, and the leather is a bit stiff, but soft enough that I don't think they will hurt my feet. I throw on a tight tank top and a windbreaker for warmth, then rush out into the living room.
Bardil is shoving things into a backpack.
My stomach knots.What's in the backpack? Rope? A weapon?
What would he need if he planned to bury me out there?
He probably wouldn't even need to bury me. The bears would eat me and do the work for him.
Stop thinking like that. You'll get yourself into a panic.
"Ready when you are," I say cheerfully, smiling at him when he turns to look me up and down. His eyes drift over me,hunger in them. My heart beats a little faster, recognizing the way he's studying my body. I clear my throat and turn toward the door to hide my blushing cheeks.
