Chapter 27: Not A Monster

He just locked her in the house with him. Her finger trembled at the trigger. It would not hit him. It would only anger him.

“Put the gun down.”

He knew what she was doing. She obeyed.

He turned to face her. “I am making beef stroganoff. Do you like it?”

“I do.”

Later, she reminded herself. She would take her rev—. She caught her thoughts abruptly. He could read her mind. Was he doing that now? A hint of a smile dwelled on his lips.

“I’m actually bad at it. You see, I’m not used to this. I’ve prepared everything that needs to be cooked, though.” He gestured at the bowls behind him. “We need to talk over dinner.”

“About what? Tell me now!”

He was instantly before her. Startled, she aimed the gun at him again. His fingers were over hers, removing her grasp from it by one digit after another. She gasped, not from hurt. It was not painful. Merely engulfed with his presence: the way he overcame her easily every time.

“Breath in. Breath out. You’re breathing too fast,” he drawled, holding