Page 75 of His Captive

I smile at his honesty.

“I don’t know how I feel, Buddy. I’m confused,” I admit.

“So can I cheer you up?” he asks, looking hopeful.

“You always cheer me up,” I tell him, watching a wide toothy grin spread over his lips.

“Why do you stay here, Buddy?” I ask him.

“Why do you?” he shoots back cleverly jiggling his eyebrows.

“I asked first,” I remind him and his shoulders fall in defeat.

“I belong here. I was born in this house. My mom was a housekeeper for the Sorrento’s.”

“The Sorrento’s?” I fidget in my seat, suddenly intrigued.

“Yeah, they lived here, before...” Buddy realizes that he’s said too much.

“Shit.”

“Before what, Buddy, before what?”

“It doesn’t matter.” His head shakes.

I disagree because it really does matter.

“Buddy, what aren’t you telling me?”

“Nothing. There’s nothing to tell.” He stands up like he’s about to leave.

“How long have you known Ethan?” I ask, desperate to have at least some of my questions answered.

“All my life really,” he smiles nervously.

“He was always kind to me, not like the others. Well, except for Mill she was always kind toooo….shit.” Buddy looks disappointed in himself again.

“Who?” I see more opportunity.

“I have to go.” Buddy, heads for the door, but I charge to it before he makes it, my tiny frame standing in front of his and blocking him.

“Buddy. You need to tell me if there’s something you think I should know. Even if you think it would get you into trouble. Please tell me.”

He breathes deep. The panic on his face settling into a deep sorrow.

“Sometimes love forces you to do things that you will never be free from,” he tells me.

“What does that mean? Please tell me, Buddy. I can feel myself going crazy in this house.”

“You’re safe. Ethan wouldn't let anything happen to you,” he says, refusing to give anything else away.

“It may not mean a lot,” he shrugs. “But, you have my word on that.”

He reaches behind me and takes the door handle.

“Buddy.” I grip both his cheeks in my palms. “Your word means a lot to me.” I assure him.

He smiles back before he opens the door and I step out of his way.

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