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“Explain that for me.”

God damn, he’s so professional. If I were listening to someone telling this story, I’d get them to stop so I could make some popcorn first.

“She’s exactly what I thought she was: driven, kind, caring. She’s actually taking care of me. It was a bit disconcerting at first. I mean I have the comfiest mattress, soft bedding, one of those pillows that molds to your head. And the food, it’s been good, like really good. She’s cooking homemade dinners and then eating them with me. We’re talking and, I think, flirting.”

“Sounds like you’re enjoying yourself,” he says coolly.

“I mean, I am. I don’t want it to end. Is that crazy?”

He pauses for a moment before asking, “Why don’t you want it to end?”

“If it ends, the fantasy is over.”

“Hmm.” He pauses. “Is this really your fantasy, though?”

“I mean, for being kidnapped, it’s damn near perfect.” I laugh, attempting to rub my hand along the back of my neck, but the chains have tangled, preventing me from getting further than my collarbone.

“Okay, but every time we’ve spoken about Olivia in the past, you’ve always talked about the man you wanted to be. The type of man that someone like Olivia would deserve.”

“Yes, that's true. I want to be someone who is capable of being good.”

“And what do you think Olivia sees when she looks at you right now?”

I falter for a moment. Fuck. I look around the room. It’s dark, dingy, and unkempt. I look down at my body. It’s chained and aching. My beard is growing. My hair is a mess. I know for sure I’ve got death breath. My next deal with her is going to be a toothbrush. I’m actually surprised she’s forgotten it.

“Austin?”

“I’m here. I’m just thinking.”

“Okay. I have another patient coming in. But I want you to think about that and then call me tomorrow. Do you have access to the time there?”

“On my phone.”

“Good. I’ll call you, and we can have a longer session. But one more thing before you go.” He pauses, waiting for my acknowledgment.

“Yes?”

“You sounded surprised when you said she was taking care of you.”

“Yes, I said it to Olivia as well, and she said it sounded like I thought I didn’t deserve basic comforts.”

“Do you think that?” His voice raises slightly.

“The ledger isn’t clean, doc.”

“Austin, you’re making tangible steps to becoming a better person. To become a better man. I think a good night's sleep and some comforting food is exactly what you deserve.”

I take a deep breath, and the dust down here causes my eyes to prickle.

“Tomorrow, Austin.”

“Thanks, doc.”

Olivia

Can I physically torture someone? No, probably not. Can I let someone think I could torture them? Absolutely.

I’m not above mind games, and this is how I’m going to win this particular battle with Austin Black. That and the shortest shorts on the planet.