Page 4 of Trapped

“Right.”She backed away.“I didn’t think.”

It seemed to be becoming a habit.

“So, what’s your plan now?”Leaning against the door, I folded my arms across my chest.Without my shirt, the icy blast of cold air should have chilled me, but seeing her growing discomfort was warming me from the inside.

Who would have thought the same storm that had caused so much hassle would turn out to be my ally?Without the frozen obstacle beyond the door, I was sure she’d have been off and out in the snow like a wild animal, but we both knew she wouldn’t have lasted long.I’d have had to chase after her and drag her back to the cabin, endangering us both and soaking our only recently dried clothing.

It didn’t seem as though Erin had a tangible plan.

“I don’t know.”Her gaze fell to her boots.

“Forgotten how to address me already?”My foot tapped against the wooden floor with impatience.After her repeated lessons, we should have been beyond her insolence.

“I don’t see why I should have to call yousir.”Her sneering tone was as stinging as it was unexpected.

“Excuse me?”

It hadn’t been that long since I’d last punished her, but at the rate she was going, she wouldn’t be sitting down for days.

“I’m just saying, you don’townme.”She slid her bag from her shoulder, the gesture belying her defiant tone.She wanted to sound tough, but she’d already decided to stay.

She has no choice.

“I will have your respect, Erin.”We’d been through this.“Or there will be consequences.”

“Fine,” she snapped, turning away.“I’ll call yousir, but you can’t make me like it.”

“Good enough.”For now.

I smirked as I pushed away from the door and walked around the bedside unit.It didn’t take much effort to slide it back into place, blocking her exit.Catching sight of the pot she’d been perching on not long before, I was reminded of her apparent need.

“Do you still need to go?”I motioned to the vessel, enjoying the way her face blanched at the visual reminder.

“Yes.”Her palm rose to her face as though peeing into a pot was the most heinous act she’d ever been forced to contemplate.

“What was that?”I cleared my throat intentionally, noticing the way she jumped at the volume.

“Yes,sir.”She hissed the final word.“But I’ve tried, and I just can’t!”

“Can’tisn’t a thing.”It was going to be a long and frustrating stay for her if she couldn’t relent on something so straightforward.“It’s mind over matter, Erin, and if you need to go, then you need to go.”

She pressed her lips into a line, as though she was holding back the remark floating through her mind.“This is a nightmare.”

Laughing softly at her catastrophizing tone, I tried to help her see reason.“There are worse things, little girl.Like what James and Miles went through for starters.”

I regretted mentioning their names immediately, her frown amplifying my remorse.The last thing I needed was her melting down about Chelle again.Her friend had made her choice.It was on me to ensure Erin didn’t do anything so stupid.

“You’re right.”She staggered toward the bed as though she’d been shot.“I’m being an idiot.”

“Notan idiot,” I clarified.“I’m just asking for a little perspective.We’re stuck here for now, so let’s make the best of it.”

I was sure I’d told her something similar before, but the large, green eyes that met mine made me wonder whether that moment was the first time she’d truly heard me.

“This has all beena lot…” She gulped, her chest rising and falling faster than before.

“The storm?”I probed.“Or what’s happening between us?”

“Both,” she squeaked.“I didn’t expect either, sir.”

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