Page 17

“A favor?”

“Yeah, a favor. I don't have to feed you, but I am. So, fucking eat.”

I was annoyed and rolled away from him as I said, “I'm not hungry.”

He let out an audible breath. I felt him move closer. His figure cast a shadow across the wall I was facing, erasing thevisible hairline cracks and small pits. “You might notwantto eat, but youhaveto.”

“Are you going to force it down my throat?” I asked.

“Maybe.”

“Fuck you,” I barked.

“I know what you're doing. You want some form of control. You don't feel like you have any; this is your way to take back what you can. But if you think I'm going to go through all of this just to let you starve yourself to death, you're wrong.”

“I think you have it backward. It's not me that wants control; it's you.” I flipped to my back and pushed up on my elbows. “You're the only one who seems to care if I eat or not. Why? Why does it matter?”

“Eat.”

“I asked you—”

“I heard your question, and my answer is for you to fucking eat. It's been three days since you've had any food.”

“How the hell do you know when I ate last? Have you been stalking me?”

“I know because I was at the same party as you. Remember?” Vega bit his bottom lip and smirked. “I'm only going to say it one more time.Eat.”

“Fuck you.” I veered my stare. “You can't make me do shit.”

“Fine, be stubborn. Looks like we'll do this my way then.” Vega stormed out of the room and slammed the door behind him.

I slapped the plate of food off the stool. The food tumbled over the floor as the plate shattered into a dozen pieces. I raked my hands through my hair and down my face. All I wanted was to go home. There had to be a way out. I just had to figure out how. I could try to break the window. Or I could wait by the door, and when Vega came back, I could hit him with the stool and get away.

A jagged piece of ceramic winked at me from the floor.Yes. A weapon.

Vega didn't realize it, but he had left me a gift. He gave me something to protect myself and he didn't even know it. I snatched the broken shard and slipped it under the mattress. A plan was slowly forming in my mind. The next time Vega came into the room, I would be ready. I would play nice and get him to come close enough so I could stab him in the neck and escape.

I felt a renewed sense of hope. There was a plan, a surprise attack, a chance to break free. The sheer possibility was enough to almost make me smile.Almost.

I sat tapping my fingers nervously against my thighs. My patience was thin. I found myself wishing for Vega to return. Longing to see his face. I hadn't wanted something so badly in my entire life.

The lock clicked open first. My eyes shot to the door, and my heart started racing. The doorknob rotated in slow motion. My heart beat even faster. It pounded like a drum, vibrating against my ribs.

I placed my hand on the edge of the mattress where the shard was. The door opened, and Vega walked in. I didn't move—not yet. It was too soon. Patience would be key. It had to be a surprise. Vega wasn't a small man. He could easily overpower me if I wasn't careful and precise.

He stood in the doorway, his arms hanging at his sides. Vega's eyes dropped to the floor. “I see you didn't change your mind about eating. That's too bad.” He leaned against the wood frame, folding his hands in front of his waist. “But you didn't have to throw a tantrum like a child. What a waste of food.”

“Fuck you.”

“Fuck me?” Vega said with a grin. “We came real close the other day, didn't we?”

“I fucking hate you. Fuck you!” I spit at him.

“Feisty little thing, aren't you?” Vega chuckled and smiled. “But, you're about to lose your edge, Red.”

“My name isn't Red, fuck face.”

“I don't give a shit. All that matters is you eat. You being dead defeats the purpose.”