“I want to bathe on my own.” Hurt was bubbling in her throat.
You’re being stupid.
Right? But at the moment, she just felt like she needed to cry.
Alone.
Angie hated crying. She rarely did it. Because it seemed like a complete waste of time.
And she certainly never cried in front of anyone.
“You need help washing your hair,” he stated.
“I really don’t. What I need is some privacy. If you’re not going to let me leave yet, then isn’t that the least that you can do for me?”
Angie thought he would refuse. But to her shock, he nodded and stepped back. Then he moved to the bath, running his fingers through it, before turning off the taps.
“There is shampoo and conditioner in the shower. You might want to wash your hair in there. Do not stay too long in here. We need to get some food and liquid into you. I will be waiting out in the bedroom. If you need me, call out.”
And then he lifted her down off the counter.
And left.
He’d just left her and she felt . . . weird.
Alone.
Don’t be stupid. He’s keeping you here against your will. You do not want his company.
Tears dripped down her face.
She was a complete mess.
Because she really, really wanted his company.
His, and the man who had kidnapped her. And neither of them were good choices for her. One was emotionally and physically distant. In fact, she wasn’t sure he had emotions.
And the other one was the son of the man who had nearly destroyed her. He’d also proven in the past that he could swing from warm and caring to cold and unfeeling in a heartbeat.
She needed normal.
Ordinary.
Maybe if she said it often enough it would come true.
23
Jared paced up and down her bedroom while she bathed.
What should he do?
She was meant to be safe with Zander. Tucked away where no one could reach her.
“You’re going to send her back to Zander?” North asked as he leaned against the wall next to the door.
“I don’t know. I don’t know what to do. If he makes stupid decisions, like letting her live on her own, then he obviously isn’t taking care of her properly.”
“In fairness, no one has ever gone after her. He likely thought that she was safe after all this time.”
