I rub Bruno’s smacked head.
“You shouldn’t hit him for that.”
“He needs to learn manners.”
I frown up at him. “He doesn’t need to learn anything. He’s a perfect dog, and I don’t want you to hit him again.”
He raises a brow. “And you think you can give me orders?”
I press my lips together. “I’m not giving you orders. I just don’t like mean guys who bully animals.”
“You don’t need to like me.”
I plant my hands on my hips, thoroughly pissed now.
“So you’re saying you’ll bully Bruno?”
“I’ll smack him again if he behaves like an ill-mannered dog.”
“Then I’ll take him with me. And I won’t give him back until you promise to treat him better.”
His scoffs. “That’s an absurd daydream, Princess.”
I point my finger at him. “Just wait and watch. I’ll make it come true.”
“How?” he asks, amused.
I lower my hand and lift my chin. “My dad will find me soon, and he’ll take me out of here. And I’m taking Bruno with me.”
He smirks. My eyes zero in on his cheek—on that faint dimple—then pull back to take in his whole face, smirk and dimple together. I tuck the image away in my memory and continue the argument.
“You think I’m joking. You don’t know my father well enough if you think that.” I smirk back.
“I know your father very well.”
“You don’t.” I smile, amused.
He doesn’t even know who my father really is, let alone know him well.
He lifts his chin, arrogance radiating from him.
“It doesn’t matter, trust me. No one is coming here to rescue you.”
Confidence rolls off him in waves, shaking my own. But I don’t let him see it.
“I don’t trust you. And I won’t stop believing that my dad will get me out of here.”
“Keep deceiving yourself.”
“If my dad won’t come here, will you keep me here forever?” I ask after a beat.
He doesn’t answer. He just keeps staring at me.
I chuckle. “I know the idea must be tempting. Where else would you find someone as sweet as me to kidnap and hold captive?”
He doesn’t laugh at my joke. He doesn’t even smile. If anything, his face hardens.Does he not appreciate humor regarding his kidnapping hobby?
I clear my throat, looking away from his intense gaze to Bruno, who sits between us.
