“Do you really think these are necessary?” I ask Torch yet again. He’s got the one cuff on his wrist and one on mine and it’s really starting to piss me off. “I mean, we’re in the same room. It’s not like I’m going to be able to get away from you or outrun you.”
“Speaking of which, what did you do to your leg?”
Fuck. I’ve been so relaxed, I forgot to hide my limp from him. Yes, I know how absurd that sounds since I’ve spent the day screaming at him and threatening bodily harm and being chained up. Still, it’s not like my life has been normal, or sadly, that this is a new occurrence for me. Quite the opposite, really. It’s just that I kind of like the guy who has me tied up and is being a douche this time. That’s me, though; always getting into stupid situations just to keep things interesting. I really should have listened to Bethie.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I tell him sounding bored, as he swirls another french fry that one of the other men—Sabre, I think Torch called him—dropped off a bit ago.
“Whatever, Katydid.”
“What did you just call me?”
“Katydid. It’s a—”
“I know what it is. I’m just wondering why you think it’s okay to nickname me after an insect.”
“Open up,” he says, holding the fry close to my lips.
“I could feed myself, you know.” For some stupid reason, I’m enjoying him feeding me. I’ve decided to ignore it and give myself a break. My brain is probably still trying to catch up from all the orgasms last night and still views him as a friend and not an enemy. I’m sure it will recognize the difference soon. I lick my lips at the thought, hopefully before I make the mistake and sleep with him again.
I take the fry from him to try and concentrate on something besides how much I want sex…with him…again…tonight…all night…
“Katydids are cool. They—”
“Are ugly grasshopper-like things that chirp,” I finish for him. “I know you’re the king of pickup lines and all, but I’ve got to tell you, being compared to a bug is not what a woman wants to hear from a man.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. So, your leg?”
“I injured it,” I tell him vaguely, taking a drink of my soda.
“I really need you to be more forthcoming, Katie.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to know more about you.”
I freeze with the straw to my drink right in front of my lips. “Why? We spent one night fucking each other’s brains out. It was hot and damn good, but it was just sex. It’s not like we need to become friends now, as if we even could. You’re holding me hostage, remember?” I take another drink.
“You’re a hard woman, Katyd.” I give him the mean look and he holds up his hand in defense. “Katie,” he corrects himself. “So, at least tell me how you managed to erase all signs of your burn phone,” he says, holding out another fry to my lips.
I stop. So, that’s his game? He wants to act like my buddy and pump me for information? He doesn’t realize I’ve spent my life with men who mastered mind-fuck games.
“Nice try,” I tell him, turning down the fry. “I don’t think I’m hungry anymore. I’m suddenly really tired.”
“You sure?” he asks, sounding surprised.
“Definitely.”
He shrugs and starts bagging up the trash. He reaches over with his free hand and puts it on the table. I hand him my coke.
“Do you think you could maybe unhook us so we can sleep?”
“I’m not real tired,” he says, ignoring my request. “Think I’ll watch some TV.”
“Great, but how am I supposed to sleep when you’re attached to me?”
“You didn’t complain last night.”
“I can’t remember last night.”
“I could remind you.”
“Something you should know about me, Torch. I have this rule. It’s a small one, really. I don’t sleep with men who hold me captive. I’m weird like that.”
“I could make you like it,” he says, and I’m beginning to hate that cocky grin he wears.
“Probably. I mean, you’re obviously a man-whore, so you have enough experience to make me like it. It’s part of what made last night so great. But, after it was over, I’d want to put my head in the oven and die.”
“Damn.”
I give him an over-the-top smile. “Will you please unhook us now?” I ask again, rattling our hands.
“Afraid not, Katydid. Can’t risk you trying to make a break for it in the middle of the night.”
“God, I hate you.”
“Now, is that any way to talk to the future father of your children?”
“Jesus, you’ve gone insane!”
“Let’s go brush our teeth. Got to keep those chompers pearly white.”
He stands up, pulling me along, then puts one hand on my ass, pushing me into him. He starts pulling me up his body. I’m forced to use my free hand to brace on his shoulder.
“What are you doing?” I gasp, trying to ignore the fact that his cock is hard and pushing into my stomach.
“Your leg’s hurt. Climb on me. I’ll take us to the bathroom.”