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CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
VANESSA
Ethan remained silent. I sat on the bed's edge, wishing I'd told him sooner.
"Ethan?" I took a chance.
There was no response. Instead, he stood motionless at the window. I wished he'd talk tome about it. I could handle his anger, but his silence bothered me.
"Ethan?" I tried once more. "I'm sorry. I should have told you sooner. I can tell you're angry."
Ethan returned my gaze. His eyes were blank, and I realized for the first time that there had been a warmth in them that I had liked. "Vanessa, I understand your viewpoint. I kidnapped you. Ours isn't exactly atypical relationship. I get it. Nonetheless—"
"You still feel angry," I finished for him.
"Yeah."
My eyes stung as I looked down at my fingers. Ethan must have sensed my distress because he came over to sit beside me.
"Hey," he called out to me. "I hateto see you sad. Let's start over."
I raised my eyes to him, hopeful. "Do you believe you're in danger?" I didn't think I'd forgive myself if something bad happened to Ethan because I hadn't told him.
"Vanessa, don't be worried about our safety. That is my responsibility. Know that I will always protect you."
I smiled as I looked up at him. "I know. I trust you. I'm not going to keep anything else from you again."
"I know."
I was taken aback. I expected to have to persuade and promise him. "You do?"
He leaned in close. "Yes, I do. Vanessa, I know because I'm going to punish you. And you'll never forget it."
My skin's hair stood on end. I looked at him nervously, not daring to ask what he meant. He had a strange look in his eyes that made my heart race with nervous anticipation.
"I'll be back soon," he said as he stood up. "Be ready."
He left no further instructions and walked away, leaving me waiting for him two hours later. I tried to distract myself by flipping through a collection of magazines I had acquired. But, no matter what, Ethan was never far from my mind.
When the magazines failed to distract me, I went for a quick walk around the house. When Iwalked back to my room, Iran into the cleaning maid.
"Mr. Levine is not back yet, is he?" I asked, hoping that I did not sound like a lovesick teen.
"No, miss," the maid said politely.
"Oh."
There was a knock on the door three hours after Ethan had left.
"Come in," I said, and the maid entered.
"From Mr. Levine, miss."
I took her large shopping bag and waited for her to excuse herself before I opened it. I found the most scandalous red teddy I'd ever seen inside. It was like something out of a Victoria's Secret catalogue, and I'd never touched, let alone owned, anything like it.
I touchedthe delicate lingerie material, admiring the designer's audacity. Then I opened the bag and discovered a large coat and a small note that said,
Wear this.7:00pm.
