Page 126 of Heartless Sinner

I shook my head. “If it doesn’t come in the form of food, currency, or freedom, then I’m not interested.”

“You, of all people, know there are rules here.”

“Rules I’ll regularly be breaking.” I scooted higher against the headboard, trying to get comfortable with this stupid IV. My stomach let out an embarrassing growl. “Pizza me, please.”

Brooks shook his head, looking more entertained than annoyed, and stood.

Finally some personal space.

He flipped open the pizza box. “Only because you used manners for once.”

Hot mozzarella and buffalo sauce filled the sterile room.

He pulled a stack of napkins from his pocket and tore off a slice.

I licked my lips before sniffing. “Is that buffalo chicken?”

He nodded.

Damn him. He remembered my favorite.

“Did you get ranch?”

Without a word, he pulled a ranch cup from his pocket and sat beside my hip, close enough that his thigh pressed against mine.

I pretended not to care.

The second I reached for the slice, he jerked it away, clicked his tongue, and held it out for me.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Feeding you.”

“I’m not a dog.”

“You need to conserve your energy.”

“For what?”

“None of your business.”

“That doesn’t exactly make me want to cooperate. And actually, new plan.” I raised my fist. “Your Fawn is officially on a hunger strike.” I dropped my arm. “I’ve had enough of your surprises to last me a lifetime.”

“Start that strike tomorrow. Now, eat your pizza before it gets cold.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Why do you care if I eat?”

“Because you’re my Fawn.”

“That doesn’t mean anything.”

“It means everything.”

“All I’ve gotten is misery so far … and a ruined laptop that better be replaced.”

“Sure. But I’ll also give you the highest moments of your life. After this ends, you’ll spend the rest of your life chasing that feeling with other men … and you’ll never find it.”

I blinked at the arrogance sitting beside me. “A little cocky, aren’t we?”