Page 48 of Taking Adalisa

He pins me with a look. “You will not stand. This will remind you not to put yourself into danger. Feel the consequences of your actions.”

I cross my arms over my chest and pout. Will I actually learn from this? Probably not. When it comes to Margery needing my help, my own safety will go out the window.

“Now, do you want a grilled cheese sandwich? Buttered toast? Some chocolate milk? I have a strawberry if you prefer that,” Matthias lists. “I can make you a turkey sandwich.”

“I’m not hungry,” I mutter as my stomach grumbles. Groaning, I close my eyes and wrap my arms around my stomach.

“You are going to eat, even if I have to feed you myself,” Matthias states.

My cheeks redden at the image of him feeding me. I’ve never had someone feed me since being a child. Someone taking care of me and us both enjoying every second of it.

“I’m really fine. I just need to get home so I can do things,” I whisper, not looking at him.

“I think you want someone to feed you. I think you want it, but you don’t want to ask for it,” Matthias suggests.

He pushes my legs apart and stands between them, getting closer to me. I suck in a breath as he pulls me forward, my core hitting groin.

Don’t think about it. Do not think about it.

“Adalisa, look at me,” Mathias firmly says.

But I don’t dare. Not when we are so close, and I know I won’t be able to say anything but the truth if he asks me. No, I can’t do this.

“Now,” he commands.

My head lifts, but before I can meet his gaze, I close my eyes. Matthias sighs and cups my face.

“Open those pretty eyes of yours. Come on. You aren’t in any trouble. I just want to talk,” he coos.

I don’t fall for it, though. I can’t. He wants to talk, which meanshewill do the talking, and I will somehow agree to it all.

“Adalisa, everything is going to be okay,” he whispers. “Nothing bad is going to happen.”

I feel like his definition ofnothing badis way different from mine.

Matthias rubs his thumb across my cheek. “I guess I’m going to keep you here all night, then. Open your eyes, and we can talk about things.”

I open my eyes and stare at him. I cannot stay with him all night.

“There she is.” He smiles sweetly. “Let’s talk about what you’re keeping from me.”

CHAPTER 18

ADALISA

My eyes go wide. Does he know what I’ve been planning in my head? I haven’t told anyone.

“Wh-what?” I whisper.

“We’re going to talk about what you are keeping from me,” he repeats, like he didn’t stutter the first time.

“I ca-can explain!” I rush out.

Maybe if I tell him before he can say anything, he won’t be as upset. Maybe if I give him my reasoning, he’ll see what I’m going through and take pity on me.

“I didn’t mean it!” I whisper-shout. “I really didn’t mean it!”

“Wow, Little bit. Take a deep breath. There is no reason for you to get worked up about it,” he gently says, keeping a firm touch on my face. “We can work through it. I know you don’t like to eat things you haven’t prepared yourself.”

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