CHAPTER FIVE
Over the next day, I work on both Dimitri and Alexander, playing them against each other.
When Dimitri is around, I’m defiant and challenging. When Alexander is around, I’m sweet and vulnerable.
It’s exhausting, but it’s working.
Alexander is clearly attracted to me. I can see it in the way he looks at me, the way he lingers when he brings food.
Dimitri, on the other hand, is harder to read. He’s professional, detached. But I catch him watching me sometimes with an expression I can’t quite decipher.
On the second day, Alexander comes in alone.
“Where’s Dimitri?” I ask.
“He’s dealing with something,” Alexander says. “I’m supposed to watch you.”
“Lucky me,” I say with a smile.
He blushes. “I, uh, brought you some extra food. Thought you might be hungry.”
“That’s sweet of you,” I say. “Thank you.”
He sets the tray down and lingers.
“Can I ask you something?” I ask.
“Sure,” he says.
“Why are you really doing this?” I ask. “Working for John, I mean. You don’t seem like the criminal type.”
He shifts uncomfortably. “I needed the money. My mom’s sick. Cancer. The treatments are expensive.”
My heart clenches. “I’m sorry,” I say sincerely.
“It’s okay,” he says. “I mean, it’s not okay, but... yeah.”
“How much do you need?” I ask. “For the treatments?”
“About fifty thousand,” he says. “Maybe more, depending on how long she needs them.”
“Hunter would give you that,” I say. “Easily. He’d probably give you double just for helping me get out of here.”
Alexander’s eyes widen. “Really?”
“Really,” I say. “He’s a good man. And he cares about me. He’d do anything to get me back safely.”
“But how do I know he’d actually pay me?” Alexander asks.
“Because I’d make of it,” I say. “I promise you, Alexander. Help me, and you’ll have enough money for your mom’s treatments and then some.”
He looks torn, conflicted.
“I... I need to think about it,” he says finally.
“Don’t think too long,” I say. “Who knows what John might do if he doesn’t get what he wants.”
Alexander nods and leaves, looking troubled.