Page 21 of Rapunzel Is Losing It

I smoothed my hand down my face and allowed myself two breaths to put everything I’d heard over the last few minutes into an airtight container, and move it to the very back of my mind.

I had to do the same thing I had done six years ago and trust that if they wanted to get out, they would find a way for themselves.

I had no aspirations to be anyone’s savior.

This was no different than stepping into the octagon. Eyes on the fight. Head in the ring. It only took one distraction and you were lying on the mat, bleeding.

“Fine,” I finally muttered, and turned to Luka, “what’s next on the list?”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Victor • 08:01pm

Dinner

Cordelia • 08:03pm

I’ll eat later. Need to finish this presentation.

Victor • 08:03pm

Liar.

Cordelia • 08:09pm

You can go home. I’ll be working all night.

Victor • 08:10pm

Stop avoiding me.

I glancedat the three little words on my phone that called me out on my bullshit. The problem with kissing your bodyguard, it seemed, was that he knew your every move better than you did yourself.

Even if he couldn’t see me, I stuck my tongue out at my closed office door. He should have known that I also didn’t take well to being ordered around.

Cordelia • 08:12pm

No.

Victor • 08:13pm

I will drag you into the kitchen and force feed you. You haven’t eaten all day.

My stomach churned at the reminder, gnawing at itself. This was exactly why Victor had shown up with the smoothie maker a few weeks after I’d hired him. I just forgot that I was hungry. I usually didn’t realize that I should eat until my insides were about to consume themselves. By the time those cramps hit, I’d just scarf down whatever I could get my hands on.

Smoothies were a somewhat healthy alternative to chocolate, crackers and cheese.

Cordelia • 08:14pm

Not hungry.

Victor • 08:14pm

Liar.

This woman was goingto be the death of me.

I’d walked away unscathed from a drug cartel shooting at 21, and Cordelia Montgomery would be the one to put me in the grave over a goddamn baked potato.