The Criminal's Captive (Unpunished Book 1)(4)

Stop it, Tessa. Are you going to Stockholm syndrome yourself?

Levi put his hands in his pockets and walked toward the bed. He stood over her, again just watching her. Tessa felt her face heat further, and she slowly rubbed her thighs together. She frowned as she inwardly scolded herself for being so attracted to this stranger.

"Levi?" Her voice trembled. Tessa swallowed, trying to steady her voice. "What am I doing here?"

"Oh, you're being sold into the sex trade industry."

Tessa gasped, her eyes widening. She started to wildly pull on her limbs before Levi stopped her with his loud laugh.

She slowed her movements, frowning up at him in confusion.

"Love, I'm joking." He pulled his hands out of his pockets and ran one through his hair. "No, this is far less dramatic. Your dad owes my boss a shitload of money. You're just here to ensure the transaction goes as planned."

"My dad?" Tessa narrowed her eyes on Levi, trying to tell if he was lying.

He didn't appear to be. Tessa looked down at her legs, thinking. Could that be true? She had never known her dad to be involved with shady characters, but then again, he was a secretive man. Plus, it had been years since she'd seen or talked to him. Her parents were divorced, and it had been a messy one. Tessa's father had made no effort to see his children afterwards. That had been almost seven years ago.

Her father owned a small vacuum business. It was entirely possible that the business could be failing, and he'd seek out a loan. There wasn't much need for vacuum salesmen nowadays.

She looked up at Levi. "Are you sure it's me?"

He smiled down at her. "It's you, love."

Tessa tilted her head, looking up at her captor, who was already starting to feel less like an enemy. Was that just because he was so fucking hot, or was it his boyish charm? His sense of humor or those friendly eyes?

"Can I ask you another question?" She was a bit more nervous to ask this one. Would he be offended?

"Why not? We aren't going anywhere for a while."

Levi sat down on the edge of the bed, his leg touching hers. Anxiety flared in her gut, but it was only partly from being held prisoner. Some of it was for the man next to her and the body heat that was starting to seep into her.

Tessa was worried about the fact that she felt comfortable talking with him already.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but …

why are you doing this?"

"I told you, love. Your dad owes money." He leaned forward, pressing more of his body against her.

"No, I mean why are you doing this? This … crime." Her voice cracked on the last word.

Tessa's whole body tensed, waiting for his anger or annoyance. It didn't come, though. She even thought she might see sorrow, but no. His eyes were still bright, and his smirk grew more crooked. He looked stunning in a sinful sort of way.

"Let's just say it's my hobby."

"Hobby?"

Levi nodded. His smile began to fade but not in an angry way. Tessa could see what she thought was lust starting to play on his face. His green eyes narrowed on her as his jaw tightened. His stare was captivating. She should have felt fearful or maybe disgusted. She didn't. Levi lifted a hand, and Tessa flinched.

"Love, do you really think I'd hurt you?" He cocked his head, his eyes dancing with sin.

"I don't know."

Levi reached out farther, and this time she stayed still. He ran the back of his hand down her cheek, causing her legs to tremble some. Tessa held her breath for a few seconds until his hand stilled on her neck.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to prove it to you."

He leaned in toward her, and Tessa had the strange urge to kiss him. More panic flared in her chest at her own reactions, and she swiftly turned her body to the side, as far as the ropes would let her.

"How … how did you know I'd be walking alone?" Her breathing was ragged now.

Levi gave her a knowing grin as he slowly sat back. He shook his head before answering. "We were following you and your boyfriend, and—"

"He's not my boyfriend. Well, not anymore." Tessa felt embarrassed at how suddenly she'd thrown that out there.

Levi's smile grew more lopsided. "All right." His eyes were so alive and bright. "We followed you two and were just planning on taking you when your date was over, but it seems fate wanted to make it easier on us."

For a reason she couldn't see, fear suddenly gripped her. Why the fuck am I here making small talk with a man who has kidnapped me? He could be planning on raping me or killing me? Maybe he's going to let his partner do the same. Shit!

I'm an idiot.

Tessa violently leaned away from him and started to thrash on the bed.

"Tessa." He leaned back from her, his gorgeous smile gone. "What's wrong?"

"Let me go! Seriously!"

"Love, quiet down, or I'll really have to gag you." He stood up from the bed, genuinely looking confused.

She slowed her movements, narrowing her eyes on him. "Don't call me that!"





Chapter Five


Levi watched more anger color her cheeks. Well, that was unexpected. At least she'd stopped thrashing around. Tessa was breathing heavily, and his body took notice.