The Unseen

by Ali Roberts

“I hadn’t expected you to smile at me that morning, let alone talk to me. So no, I didn’t expect to be abducted either.”

“If your method of torture is a good night’s sleep and delicious food, you’re doing a great job.”

When I hear him mutter, “I need a new chef,” I almost jump for joy.

“You might be the worst kidnapper in the world. I’m pretty sure you’re meant to make me feel awful while I’m here. Not give me a comfortable bed and a nine-hour sleep.”

“I . . . I don’t want to date you,” I splutter. “We’ll circle back to that.”

“Boss, quick question?” Here we go. “Why the fuck are you choosing to stay in this woman’s basement?”

Some would be a little self-conscious if they were his height, but Luca takes it in his stride. His tiny, tiny stride.

“When you figure out what you want me to be, I’ll be waiting, Olivia. I can be patient.”

“Well, Helena is about to get ravaged by a wolf that’s been stalking her . . . I can only imagine he’s going to shift back into human form and turn into Lance, the guy she’s been crushing on. There will be some form of trivial argument about deception, invasion of privacy, blah blah blah, and then we’ll get to the good stuff.”

“I’m free for two more days.” What the fuck is he talking about?

“And I have until Friday. So think about it. I’m in no rush.”

“I heard you talking to your friend,” I mutter, glancing down at the chains in his hands. “Loose word for what I think of him right now.”

“Technically, I only went where I knew you would end up. I never actively followed you anywhere,” he explains.

“I’m not perfect. I have flaws.” “Olivia.” He laughs. “I know you have flaws. You just fucking tasered me after chaining me up in your basement.”

“No, Killer. I’m not going to hurt you, not now or ever.”

Who knew getting a girlfriend could be so fucking easy? You just have to wait for someone to chloroform you.

“I’m sorry. But I just got out of the basement, and I need your help. It won’t happen again.”

I look at my watch; it’s six thirty. I should start heading over to Olivia’s to finish the argument we’re bound to have before she finally agrees and make our reservation for eight.

“Well then, you’re crazy, Austin. I kidnapped you . . . I tased you.” “I tased you back. So I think we’re even on that front.”

Yeah, I said home. That little basement is my new registered address.

His mustache starts to wiggle on his top lip as he rolls his thin lips together. The bristles rub against the end of his nose. How is he not sneezing all the time?

“You’re mine, Killer. But let’s get one thing clear: I don’t own you. No one owns you.”

Fuck Dr. Alfie for opening up my emotions because now I can’t fucking control them at all.

“Is this your boyfriend?” my brother asks. “I thought you were with a woman?”

“Callum, we’re trying to have a heart-to-heart here. Can you knock it off?” I call out, trying to ease the tension.

“Augustus. Who wears a Tom Ford suit to the docks? You really only have yourself to blame.”

“Fucking coach, Danny? Couldn’t spring for business? You did just kill my father!”

I used to really hurt people, and now I’m scared of a girl in a sundress.