Page 91 of The Cute Psycho

Vlad quietly assesses Seth, moving around in a circle as he studies his form.

"You'll do," he declares, pleased with himself.

So far Seth has not reacted to anything, not even to his own sale. He's just looking blankly in the distance.

Vlad's eyebrows knit together as he notices the same thing — Seth is motionless.

"Well, hello to you too." He waves a hand in front of him.

No reaction.

"Cat got your tongue?" Vlad chuckles, taking out the remote and studying it. "I wonder what would happen if I clicked this button," he intones, his fingers gliding around the smooth surface of the controller.

"You know, I've always had an obsession with buttons. And I've never resisted temptation before," he notes just as he's about to push the button.

Seth's good eye moves toward Vlad in his first reaction since we got here.

"Oh, great. For a moment I thought you were a robot. Good to know you're human." Vlad beams at him, taking two steps until he's in front of Seth.

Taking his hand, he places the controller in it. Seth frowns, daring to look down at the device in his palm.

"Here's how this is going to go. You're free to do as you please. You've more than earned that right. I don't know how you ended up here, or what happened in your past, and frankly I don't really care."

Seth tilts his head at Vlad, narrowing his eyes at him as if he doesn't understand what he's saying.

"Maybe he doesn't speak English," I nudge Vlad.

"He does, don't you boy?"

Seth moves his head to the right, as if he's finally paying attention to Vlad.

"I have an offer for you. I'd like to give you a job. Again, no strings attached. You're free if you want to leave, but I could use someone with your skill. I'll pay you and give you a place to live. You will act as my bodyguard, of sorts. Not too hard, if I do say so myself." Vlad preens, looking at me for confirmation.

I roll my eyes at what can only be the beginning of a dramatic performance.

"I don't require much of your time, and you will be fairly compensated." Vlad goes on about the benefits of working for him, making himself out to be some sort of spoiled prince who needs constant monitoring.

I guess in another life, maybe. A smile pulls at my lips as I watch Vlad try his best to convince Seth to come work for him.

I can't believe he's paid ten million dollars and he's setting him free. A new respect for him blossoms in my chest as I see him try to offer Seth a fair chance at living.

Vlad's speech ends, but there's still no reply from Seth.

"Well." Vlad's shoulders sag for dramatic effect. "I tried," he says with a shrug, grabbing my hand and turning toward the exit.

Out of nowhere, Seth's hand is on Vlad's shoulder as he stops him. Opening his mouth, he points to his tongue... or what's left of it.

"So cat did get your tongue," Vlad jokes, quickly sobering up and handing Seth his phone to type up a reply.

He's quick to write something, and Vlad's expression tells me it's a positive answer.

"What does it say?" I ask, and he just shows me the phone.

Help me get revenge and you have a deal.

"Welcome aboard, Seth." Vlad pats his back, and I'm once more intrigued about Vlad's intentions.

Back in the arena, the main event is about to start as Vlad and I resume our places. Everyone is looking at us askance as Seth hulks in the background, situating himself behind us, his good eye scanning the crowd.

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