Hot for Hostage

by Maggie Evans

Either I was having one hell of a hangover, or Strawberry Shortcake herself was standing in front of me and pointing a gun at my chest.

It almost felt like Davian was taking me hostage now, but that was just silly. I was the one with the gun.

He looked at me like I was some dog-rescuing goddess known for baking the best cookies in the tri-state area. Like he wanted nothing more than to worship me and my baking prowess.

The bag of clothes Shane had thrown together from my apartment was… Well, it was puzzling, to put it nicely. It also explained why most of the men here only wore black—they had no fashion sense whatsoever.

Sadie’s Guide to Hostage-Taking Being Taken Hostage Forming a Partnership with Your Hostage Embracing the Hostage Lifestyle,

I’d been getting leered at by Davian’s father and freaking out over mafia princesses, while Bear was out here… sunbathing?

“You couldn’t have mentioned the donation before I gave Davian a lecture on meringue and reverse Stockholm syndrome?” “To be fair, no one saw that lecture coming,” Ryan said.

Hostage situations really weren’t good for my blood pressure.

“But what if we get ambushed?” She let go of my hand to tuck a strand of pink hair behind her ear and wiggled the large cleaning tool at me for emphasis. “I can’t whack them with my broom if I don’t have a broom.” It was difficult to argue with that logic.

“Sadie was ours long before she ever met you, Davian Reed. You better get used to that if you plan to stick around.”

Tip #36: Being a recurring hostage is exhausting. Make sure to stay hydrated.

I was so over being abducted. At this rate, someone should’ve at least given me a loyalty punch card for all my troubles. Survive ten abductions and earn a free ice cream! That would be worth it.

“It can’t be.” Davian’s footsteps approached behind us. “What is it?” I carefully dug the little green sproutling out of the soil and held it up to him, beaming. “A survivor! Walter left a sproutling behind—a child!” Davian blinked at the seed. “But that thing looked like it’d been dead for years.”

“I get to learn how to beat up grown men,” she said excitedly. I shook my head with a laugh. “I think Vince’s lessons will focus more on escape maneuvers and how to avoid any fighting.” Her nose scrunched. “That doesn’t sound as fun.”

Sadie’s Guide to Hostage-Taking Being Taken Hostage Forming a Partnership with Your Hostage Embracing the Hostage Lifestyle Not Freaking Out Escaping Being Taken Hostage (Again) Falling for Your Hostage, Tip #37: When a mafia boss claims you as his, embrace it. Revel in it. Count your lucky stars and praise the hostage gods, because you hit the freaking jackpot. And if he wants to do dirty things to you? I highly recommend enthusiastic participation.

“You’re the one with the gun, sweetheart. You make the demands.” I froze with my fingers wrapped around him. He sounded way too proud of himself for that one.

Sadie’s Guide to Hostage-Taking Being Taken Hostage Forming a Partnership with Your Hostage Embracing the Hostage Lifestyle Not Freaking Out Escaping Being Taken Hostage (Again) Falling for Your Hostage, Tip #38: You don’t need to be a criminal to love one.

“It might be the reverse Stockholm syndrome talking, but… I think I’m falling in love with you,”

Disgustingly’ sweet?” “Painfully so.” Davian nodded with a solemn face. “It’s giving me cavities.”

“Well, don’t you say the nicest things.” He flashed a devilish grin. “Sweetheart, you didn’t take me hostage because I’m nice.”

“It doesn’t hurt that you’re a firecracker in bed, either.” I burst into laughter and poked his stomach. “We haven’t even done it in a bed yet!”

Sadie’s Guide to Hostage-Taking Being Taken Hostage Forming a Partnership with Your Hostage Embracing the Hostage Lifestyle Not Freaking Out Escaping Being Taken Hostage (Again) Falling for Your Hostage, Tip #39: If you play your cards right, you might never have to let your hostage go.

Walter’s children were thriving in little pots around the house—thanks to the gardeners keeping Sadie away from them.

Her place by my side had been cemented after news of Zain and Murdock’s foiled abductions spread through the underground—even earning Sadie a reputation as a skilled fighter. I didn’t bother correcting that rumor. It worked in our favor.

It was a confusing time for my reputation.

“I think it’s time we make this hostage arrangement permanent.”

Her grin widened before she snickered under her breath. “Sorry, mafia princesses, but he’s all mine.”

head. I watched in amusement as her gaze shifted to the pink rock on her finger, then flicked up to mine with a mischievous sparkle I’d come to recognize. “Take off your pants.” Even after eight months, she still managed to surprise me. “My pants?” “You heard me.”

maybe you should stick to crime, and I’ll handle the cupcakes?”