by Kitty Thomas
“Are you hungry?” He knew she was, but thought speaking about normal things might help her adjust after what had just happened between them.
“Yes,” she said quietly, staring at the table. She'd gone incredibly shy. Even more than she had at breakfast. He couldn't blame her. It was too new yet for her not to feel embarrassed and shy in his presence. Despite whatever things Callazaro may have done to her, Angel very much doubted she'd been allowed to revel in wanton pleasure. There was a whole different level of shame when you were getting pleasure out of the deal and not just trying to survive.
“Yes, what?” he prodded.
“Yes, Master.”
“Good girl. You don't have to be so shy with me. I'm not going to judge you for anything we do.”
She didn't reply to that. Not that he expected her to.
“I'm afraid pancakes, sandwiches, and ordering pizza is about the limit of my cooking skills. I usually eat out,” he said, resuming the normal talk tactic.
“I can cook.”
“Well make me a list and we'll get stuff tomorrow. For now you're welcome to anything in the fridge. I have a bunch of leftovers. I think there's some Chinese food in there. I've got some sandwich stuff. Soup. Probably a few other odds and ends.”
“You mean we both will go to the store tomorrow. Together?”
“Yes.” He fully intended to keep her forever. At the same time, he didn't want her to never get to leave the house. And he was quite sure she would seek his protection from the dangers that lurked in her former world long before she would try to run from him again. As long as he made her feel safe, there was no danger of that.
“But... aren't you afraid I might try to escape?”
He smirked. “It's the last thing I'm afraid of.”
She blushed and looked away.
He watched her get up and search through the fridge and cabinets and put together a makeshift dinner. “Do you want something?” she asked.
“Not right now. I'm fine.” He finished his coffee and went back to his office.
An hour later, the encryption finally unlocked.
After reading the contents on the screen, he rose calmly and went to find Astrid. She was in the fitness room, wearing shorts and a T-shirt and running on the treadmill. When she saw him, she slowed the treadmill and hopped off.
“Come with me,” he said.
She seemed uncertain and a little afraid. She was still processing the things that had happened between them and no doubt was afraid he was about to demand more.
“I want to show you something.” He turned and went back out into the hallway. He had no doubt she would follow. She seemed somewhat subdued after the day's events.
He led her into his office and gestured to the chair behind his desk. “Sit, and read what's on the screen. You don't have to read it out loud. I already know what it says.”
Angel stood a distance away, leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, observing her. He watched her face, lit by the screen, as she sat in the leather swivel chair and started to read. He watched her eyes widen in shock and horror. Her gaze shifted uncertainly to him.
“That's from the encrypted thumb drive you were supposed to deliver for Joey. You were never supposed to come back home.”
She looked up at Angel, a horrified look on her face. They were finally speaking the same language. She knew now, without doubt, that Angel was the lesser evil and her only hope of safety in the world. The document on the thumb drive was a bill of sale, and Astrid had been the merchandise. Somewhere out there was a very angry mysterious individual named Sam who'd paid a lot of money for a product that was never delivered.
If you enjoyed Trust Game, you may also enjoy these similar titles by Kitty Thomas:
Tabula Rasa
Mafia Captive
Comfort Food
For a full title list please visit kittythomas.com
Author’s Note:
To hear about new releases FIRST, and for a full list of my books, please visit: kittythomas.com
Readers who love my work often ask what they can do to help. While I don’t believe my readers “owe” me anything, for those who want to know what they can do, the BEST thing you can ever do for me and my work is tell your friends about it and leave a review at the digital retailer you purchased it from. Just a line or two about what you thought. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. But those two things: reviews and word of mouth help me and my work the absolute most so that I can continue writing books for you.
Thank you so much for reading and supporting my work!
Kitty ^.^
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to the following people for their help with Trust Game:
Robin Ludwig @ gobookcoverdesign.com for the always amazing cover art!
Thank you to Karen for her very helpful comments as a beta.
Thank you to Cathy for copyedits.
And thank you to M for digital formatting! Love you!