Oh.
I clear my throat and ignore my heart throwing its ass in a circle. Summer flings never last, especially one involving kidnapping. I’m too old for situations that will end in heartbreak, a hospital visit, or me cheesing in a mugshot.
“About the one million euros,” I say, bringing us back to the matter of my freedom.
He spears more fruit. “Did you identify your terms?”
“I want no part of any murder or torture,” I say.
“I’ll keep any kills away from you.” He smiles at my sour expression.
“I need protection,” I add. “I’m of no use to anyone if I’m dead.”
“Nobody will touch you but me, love.”
Heat crawls up my throat. My thighs clench.
“I want contact with my people. I won’t share details about you or your little mafia. I’m loved, and I don’t want anyone to worry.”
His voice echoes my longing. “I respect that. You’ll have phone and internet access. I’ll earn your trust.”
“I work half days, not counting if I’m needed at night. And I get to do things, see Sicily. Fifty-hour weeks isn’t living.”
Benny nods. “You’ll get your vacation. Anything else?”
I smile to myself. “My fortieth birthday is this month. It’s my day to do what I want how I see fit.”
“I’ll draw up the paperwork to become a client of your human resources consultancy with one of my legitimate businesses. You’ll be paid as a contractor with money deposited into an account weekly.”
He extends a hand.
“There’s one more order of business. Sex.”
His eyes narrow.
“You’re paying for that too.”
“No.” Benny shakes his head.
“Were you not planning to pay the other Bianca?”
“Yes, but—“
“Well, the price of this pussy just went up. I want double Bianca’s fee for the duration of my time here.”
He frowns. “That’s almost a million euros.”
“Sex work is work, Benny. Consider it reparations for my kidnapping.”
“You drove my car into a reinforced door.”
I shrug. “It wouldn’t have happened if you’d gotten the real Diana.”
Maybe she would’ve fought to escape. The point is, he’s coming out of his pocket. Twice.
Benny stares. I expect him to tell me no, but he says, “Okay.”
“Two million euros,” I clarify.
