“Sit and then you can ask your question.”
My steps are rigid, forceful even, as I carefully slide into the seat.
“What is this place?”
“Somewhere to eat.” Jeremy grabs the menu and skims it with disturbing nonchalance.
Maybe he’s doing it on purpose, knowing full well how nervous I am.
“Why would you bring me here?”
“I only agreed to answer a question, not questions.” He motions at my untouched menu. “Pick something.”
“I don’t have an appetite.”
He stares at me from above the menu. “Why not?”
“Are you seriously asking me that after you stalked me, assaulted some random guys, and kidnapped me to God knows where? Food is the last thing on my mind under the circumstances.”
“Stalking, assaulting, and kidnapping. Three serious crimes, don’t you think?”
“Is this a joke to you?” I ask with a trembling voice.
“No, but you must believe it is, because you’re not taking my words seriously.” His gaze slides to my menu. “Pick something or I’ll do it for you and shove the food down your throat.”
My spine jerks upright and I reach for the menu. It’s for self-preservation and I’m only choosing my battles.
That’s it.
That’sall.
Names of dishes I’ve never seen before spill out in front of me in gold letters, but there are no prices listed. I’ve been to many restaurants like this, usually with my parents or grandparents, so I know that this place is either exclusive or pricey or both.
The door opens and I jerk upright in my seat when a well-groomed man with rimless glasses walks into the room.
He places some appetizers on the table and a bottle of premium-looking vodka in front of Jeremy. He takes his order and then turns to me. I pick some soup that had the fewest weird ingredients in it.
As soon as he leaves, I wish he hadn’t.
Jeremy pours some vodka into his glass and swirls it, watching me watch it with that blank edge of his.
I force myself to meet his eyes even as my nails clink together in my lap. “What do you want from me?”
“What do you think I want?”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I knew.”
He takes a sip of his drink. “Make a guess.”
“You’re getting back at me because I went to the initiation when I wasn’t personally invited?”
“Yes and no.”
“Can you explain?”
“I can, but I won’t.”
I narrow my eyes and a slight curve tilts his lips. “Are you okay? You look a little annoyed.”