“I don’t care what he thought! She was kidnapped because of his incompetence.”
“Yes, I didn’t think you’d like that part.”
“I still feel like you’re hiding something from me.” Jared stalked toward North. He leaned his hands on the wall on either side of North’s head. Then he bent down close. “What is it, North?”
North didn’t blink.
“You can tell me. Whatever it is, I’ll take care of it for you.”
“I’m not helpless. I don’t need you to take care of stuff for me. I explained why I took her. Aren’t you glad she’s here?”
It wasn’t that simple.
“I know you’ve always wanted a Little. Always wanted her.”
Jared grasped hold of North’s chin. Hard. “Remember what I said. She is not a replacement for you. You are enough.”
“I have the emotional capability of a tea bag. I am not enough.”
“What?” That was a bizarre thing for North to say.
“That’s what Angie told me.”
Jared shook his head. That shouldn’t amuse him, but it sort of did.
“Regardless of what you think, boy. You are enough.”
“You deserve more,” North said. “I brought you more. You’re welcome.”
Exasperation filled him. “Why didn’t you tell me straight away that you’d kidnapped her? When you came home smelling of her?”
“I guess I wanted her to submit to this. And then she became ill. And the brat refused to bathe.” Something flitted across North’s face. Too fast for Jared to read it.
What was he thinking about?
“I suppose I also wanted a chance to get to know her . . . to ensure that she was right for you.”
“And what criteria were you basing that off?” he asked.
North shrugged. “I have my ways. You know that.”
“You traumatized her. You said it yourself. She refused to bathe or change clothes.”
“Yes, I thought I was going to have to drug her again to get her undressed.”
“You were going to drug and then undress me?” she asked suddenly.
Jared turned to find her wrapped in a towel with another one around her head.
She looked far cleaner but still worn out.
“Shit. I left your pajamas out here,” Jared said, walking over to grab them. “Go get dressed then we can hook you up.”
“I don’t want an IV,” she said stubbornly, glaring at him then North.
“You’re getting the IV. No arguments,” Jared told her.
She’d get tough love if that’s what she needed to be healthy and safe.
