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Taking the seat at the head of the table, he says, “I thought it best to give you a little time to cool down”

I’ just howh When he takes my hand and lifts it to his lips, I try to free rip and presses a kiss on o, I pull my hand away

The set of his mouth turns strained “It looks like time didn’t do the trick”

Ignoring hi of the salad

“What do you need, Katerina?” he asks, a bite to his tone “Howto take?”

I pick upme the truth?” For example, where has he been all afternoon?

He watches ave you the truth Someone stole your card, and I will find out who Until then, I’ you where it’s safe” His tone hardens with resolve “Here”

I clench ers around the fork “As your prisoner”

His voice re of his eyes betrays his i e until I catch the perpetrator, so get used to the way things are Askingto work”

Stabbing a piece of potato with ood to know his telephone operator and guards report back to him At least I knoho’s on my side No one, it seems

A sensual aroma of cardamom and spices drifts to me as he reaches over the table and loads some of the pasta onto his plate He showered The smell stirsto reme me small portions of every dish on the table isn’t the man who shared starters and kisses with ht me to Russia and locked me up in his house

“Try the oliv’ye,” he says, serving us wine “It’s my personal favorite”

My appetite for the food is gone I take a big gulp of the red hile he watches s a forkful of pasta to his mouth

After chewing, he says, “Don’t be obstinate, Katyusha It’s not going to help The sooner you accept the situation, the easier this will be for you”

I’ve already coI’ll easily accept Carefully, I ask, “Have you considered that youa bit?”

“Not where you’re concerned”