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“Our deal, Olivia?”

“I’ll think about it,” she replies without turning around.

“All I ask is that you bring me a book. It is quiet when you’re not here with me.”

She stops to turn. Her eyes drop for a split second on my bare chest, and I squash the urge to smirk.

“That’s all you want from the deal?”

“Please?”

Not a word I often say. My commands are followed regardless of social etiquette. But Olivia Daniels is not from myworld. She’s kind and thoughtful, and I have a strong suspicion that deep down, she thinks everyone else is too. And for the life of me, I can’t bear to be the person to break it to her. There are bad men out there who would relish taking advantage of her kindness. Fuck, I’m sure some already have.

“I have a few old books I’ll bring down to you.”

She returns with some old paperbacks, and she places them on the floor by the bed.

“Thank you, Olivia.” I bow my head.

I watch her throat bob up and down, the swell of her breasts overflowing the tight sports bra she has on. Does she realize her presence alone is torture enough? Being so close, I can smell the faint scent of her perfume; receiving kindness from her when she hates me, it’s too much. I know I can’t do anything about her brother. Danny would be in an unbelievable amount of danger if I did. Or he’d be back working for my father, and that might be just as bad. I’m sure he’d be punished for moving to my side. I can’t take that risk. I like the kid. Sure, he’s all bravado like most nineteen-year-olds. But he’s a good kid and works hard. And even if he wasn’t all those things. He’s her brother. Nothing can happen to him. No. There’s one way to leave, and that’s in a body bag.

And as I hear the click and slide of the lock, I’m alone.

I hear shuffling and muffled footsteps at the furthest point of the basement ceiling, which I assume is either the kitchen or the living area. Given that the muffled footsteps quickly quieten, my guess is that it’s the living area.

I pull out the phone from my boot. The charge was about fifty percent, so I have a few more days available. I hesitate for a second, but decide it’s more important to speak to Dr. Alfie today.

The phone rings, and Mia answers in her normal, cheerful, professional voice.

“Mia, it’s Austin. Austin Black.”

“Yes, Austin.” She laughs. “I know who you are. Do you need Dr. Adams?”

“Right away if he’s available.”

“It’s your lucky day, a patient canceled. I’ll put you through,” she chirps.

“You’re the real angel, Mia. Don’t let him forget.”

“I’ll expect that to be reflected in my Christmas tip.” She laughs before clicking silence.

I make a mental note to give her the biggest tip she’s ever seen. Alfie is going to be furious.

He’s quick to answer, and as soon as I take a breath, his deep voice rumbles through the phone. “Austin, how is everything going?”

How is everything going?I really should have thought more about what I wanted to talk about. He’ll only have a limited time before his next patient or my battery runs out.

I get as comfortable as possible, given the chains, and keep my voice low.

“It’s . . . going well. Given the circumstances.”

“How does Olivia seem?”

“Surprisingly unfazed. She’s more than I thought she could ever be. I mean, I know I’ve thought about her a lot. Thought about us together and what that would look like. But I’d never imagined her to be anything other than...good.”

“And do you think that changes your fantasy?” the doctor asks.

“Yes and no.”