Page 27 of Brutal Captivity

“But it says Cali,” Nico points out, but I am barely paying attention, too busy opening the note.

“Yeah. That’s the street name he gave me yesterday,” I say, distractedly. Butterflies erupt in my stomach with anticipation. A smile blooms over my face, but I don’t even bother hiding it. Leo must not hate me that much if he took the time to leave me a note, right? Why do I care if Leo hates me, though? Like, I should want Leo to hate me. Last night was obviously a mistake for both of us, but I’m still grinning as I read the words written on the note.

Princess,

I had something come up. D texted me this morning saying he was bringing Nico over because Peadar wanted us for a job. The guards have been given special instructions.Knock three times in a row on the back door if you need something. There are several out there to keep an eye on you, so please don’t do anything stupid. I should be home in a few hours.

Leo xx

I trace over his name, the butterflies in my stomach making their way into my rib cage, fluttering around my heart. I definitely should not be feeling like this. I should not be falling for Leo, but how can I stop it? I’m trapped in this house with him. I have been for days. I have been robbed of any other human contact. This has to be doing something to my brain. Rewiring it and confusing me. A small voice in my head reminds me that I was lacking human contact before, too. Leo shows me more attention than my family or so-called friends ever did. I tell that voice to shut up.

I read over the note again, trepidation filling my gut this time, smothering the butterflies. Peadar probably has them armed and doing something that could get Leo killed. What if he dies today on a job? Would I be upset? I already feel upset just considering it. I should be happy, but Leo is the only one keeping me safe right now. This way of thinking is what is scaring me most.

“What does it say?” Nico’s question breaks into my thoughts, shattering my fear.

“Oh… umm, just says he had a job to do and to knock on the door three times if we need anything.” I fold the note back up and shove it into my pocket.

“Wait. Did you just say he gave you a street name yesterday? Why?” Nico asks.

I then open the refrigerator, bending down to peer inside. I consider lying to Nico, making something up about how me and Leo were playing a game, but I am a horrible liar plus it’s morally wrong. I also think I already let it slip in the bedroom, but Nico was too focused on finding out Leo's real name to notice.

“Umm… he, like- um- took me out yesterday.” I try to make my tone nonchalant, but the words waver on the way out. I grab the carton of eggs and a pack of bacon from the fridge, sitting them on the counter with shaky hands. I avoid Nico’s gaze, but it bores into my back as I grab the frying pan from a cabinet.

“Yeah, you mentioned a field trip earlier and having to look the part, but what did you mean by that? Like he let you leave the house with him?” Nico’s tone is doubtful.

“Yeah. He put this bracelet on me that had a tracker in it. Said if I ran, he would be able to find me.” I chance a glance at Nico, whose mouth is open in shock at my story, and I suppose it is hard to believe.

“Did no one recognize you?” Nico asks next, as I heat up the pan for the bacon.

“He made me wear a disguise, like I said, to look the part. That’s what was on my hand and face. He gave me fake tattoos. I barely recognized myself after he was finished.” I shrug as I grab a quarter of a loaf of bread in the bread box. We are starting to run low, so maybe I should ask Leo to get some more.We. No. This isn’t our house. I shake my head, attempting to dislodge the thought.

“Did you try to, like, get help? Did you tell anyone who you were or anything? That would have been a perfect opportunity!” Nico’s voice is laced with excitement, and my heart drops to the kitchen floor, my stomach in knots.

“I didn’t.” My eyes are cast down as I slowly lower the bacon into the pan, listening as it hisses.

“What? Why not!?” Nico exclaims, and I flinch. I try to keep my breathing regular as I rack my brain for an excuse.

“I guess I just kind of forgot.” I flip the bacon with a pair of tongs I found in a drawer. Before Nico can gear up for another outraged remark, so I continue, “I didn’t really have the opportunity because we were doing other stuff. Plus, no one would have recognized me much less believed me. We weren’t even in a part of town where people would know my father’s name.”

“You could have at least tried.” Disappointment laces Nico’s tone, and guilt settles over me like a shroud. I forgot, though. Completely and totally forgot to even try. I was too busy watching Leo conduct business.

“I know. I’m sorry.” I lay the bacon on a napkin then start the eggs. Once I have them in the pan, I place four slices of bread in the toaster, slowly pressing down the lever until it clicks. Nico starts making coffee while I finish up breakfast, neither of us talking. Right as Nico finishes our coffee, I plate everything then take them over to the kitchen island.

“What made him decide to let you go out with him?” Nico asks, chewing his food thoughtfully. I freeze, but if Nico notices, he isn’t acting like it as he continues, “Daron’s nice and all, but he would never let me leave. He, or someone else, keeps watch on me 24/7. It’s crazy that he just let you go out with him.”

I think about the events leading up to Leo's decision. I think about the kiss we shared, my whole body reacting to it as if reliving the moment. The exact location it took place is right in front of me. I can almost see it happening, like some kind of out-of-body experience.

“I think I have Stockholm Syndrome,” I blurt out, looking over at Nico. His greenish-brown eyes widen as he sputters, choking on the bite that he hadtaken. I pat him on the back a few times, attempting to dislodge whatever is in his throat. I don't want to knock three times, but I will if Nico is actually choking.

“What?” Nico gulps in air then sips his coffee, wincing when it hits his burning throat.

“Stockholm Syndrome,” I repeat the words slowly as I take another bite of my food.

“Callisto, that's when a victim falls in love with their captor.” The words come out carefully as if Nico is trying to get me to understand. I nod, swallowing my food. “So, are you saying you’re in love with Leo?”

“What? No. I don’t love him, but like…” I trail off, trying to think of the right words to say. “I guess I just kind of understand him more? I don’t know. I don’t hate him anymore, even though I should. He kidnapped us, but it’s hard for me to hate him, and I don’t know why.”

“Oh. I’m not seeing how this correlates with him letting you out. This actually sounds like the direct opposite. It usually takes years for victims to develop Stockholm Syndrome. You’ve only been around him a couple of days…” Nico’s sentence trails off, as if he doesn't know what else to say.