“Small-town girl,” he mocked, “naïve, sheltered. You shouldn’t be out by yourself in the real world.”
“I’m an adult!” I shrieked.
“Who still believes in fairy tales and watches Disney movies.” He flicked one of the sparkly wings.
“Who doesn’t like Disney?” I shot back. “You insult the Mouse, I’m throwing hands.”
“So that explains why you’re waltzing around like some untouchable little princess, talking to strangers and feeding the local rat population.” A sneer on his perfect mouth.
“I’m doing good deeds. It’s telling that someone like you who just sits around all day in his fancy-pants penthouse and yells at his employees doesn’t see the power that positive affirmations have on society.”
When I was upset, angry, nervous, or scared, my voice got high-pitched—an unfortunate affliction which meant no one took me seriously at all. Now I was practically squeaking, I was so incensed.
Mr. Richmond’s eyes narrowed.
I babbled on, hoping he didn’t realize that I’d actually been in said penthouse.
“People need compliments; people need human interaction, and I have to set the example.”
“I don’t give a shit about any of that. You cannot talk to strangers,” he exploded.
“You’re not my mom. I’ll talk to whoever I want.”
“You can’t change the world with compliments and good deeds,” he snapped. “The only thing you’re going to do is get yourself hurt. You especially can’t compliment strange men. One will kidnap you, and no one will ever see you again.”
“News flash,sir, you’re the only person who’s come close to kidnapping me. Kidnapper!” I pointed at him.
He grabbed my wrist, his much larger hand now a vise.
I tugged my arm angrily.
My key ring, which was mostly composed of sparkly princess key chains, jangled noisily.
“I am not a kidnapper,” he snarled, his deep, gravelly voice like a fairy-tale hero’s. His eyes were dark, and his face was a mask of fury.
“Then let go of me.” I tugged as hard as I could, but his arm didn’t budge.
“Not until you promise me you’ll stop talking to strange men.”
His eyes flicked down to my wrist, then back to my face, then back to my wrist.
“Wait …”
He twisted my arm. The key ring clanged.
Crap-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.
His gaze zeroed in on the key fob for Richmond Electric.
“Where did you get that?” he demanded.
“Found it. Was taking it back to the police precinct. You know, good-deed fairy here.” My voice sounded like I’d been huffing helium.
“Do you work for me?” he asked slowly.
“No …”
“You do. I think I recognize you.”
