My breath hitched. No, I wasn’t that stupid.
I forced myself closer, each step careful, like I was approaching something dangerous. The scent hit me first. Sweet. Rich.Normal.
Toonormal.
I reached out, hesitated, then grabbed a piece of bread. My hand trembled.
What if death wasn’t instant? What if it was slow?
What if he wanted towatch?
My stomach turned violently. I dropped the bread like it burned me.
“Not hungry?”
I spun around. He was leaning against the doorway like he’d always been there. Watching me. My heart slammed against my ribs so hard it hurt.
“How long have you been standing there?” I demanded.
“Long enough to be amused.” His gaze flicked to the tray. Then back to me. “You didn’t touch your food. I thought you’d be hungry by now.”
“I’m not stupid,” I snapped. A flicker of something crossed his face. Amusement? Interest?
“Good to know,” he said calmly. “I’d be disappointed if you were.”
My skin prickled with fear.
“Eat,” he added.
“No.” It came out fast.
His head tilted slightly. “That wasn’t a suggestion.”
Silence stretched between us.
“Eat,” he repeated.
My pulse roared in my ears. “No.”
Something shifted in the room. He didn’t get louder. Or harsher. But his noose around my neck got tighter.
“Why not?” he asked.
I laughed, breathless and intimidated. “You really expect me to trust you?”
“I didn’t say that,” he smirked.
“Then what do you want?” I shot back. “To see how long it takes?”
His eyes narrowed, just slightly. “How longwhattakes?”
“For it to work.” I motioned to the food. “Your little game. What did you put in it? Roofies?”
There. I said it.
The word hung between us, ugly and sharp. Understanding clicked into place in his expression.
“You think there’s poison in there?” he asked, almost curious.
