**Ch 17: Expecting Fingers and Toes

Ivan took me to the bathroom and handed me a very revealing red cocktail dress on a hanger. "Wear this dress, and there is makeup, a hairbrush, and whatever else you'll need is already set up for you here," he instructed.

I was appalled by how smutty the dress looked. "I am not wearing this dress!" I spat.

"If she doesn't wish to wear the dress, she can always come out naked," Rome commented after overhearing me have a hissy fit about the dress. My mouth gaped as he chuckled, passing behind Ivan's back up the narrow hallway, where he disappeared out of sight.

Ivan tried not to chuckle and gave me a softer smile. "He's joking," he assured. "Please wear the dress, and I'll lend you my suit jacket to wear over it."

I nodded and closed the door. Firstly, I got out of these prisoner clothes, which were an ugly muddy color, then I got in the shower, if it wasn't for me feeling starved, I would've stayed in longer.

So I got out and dried off fairly fast. I didn't bother putting on makeup. After all, I have no desire to impress this Kai if that is what he is thinking. So I threw on the dress and left my hair damp. Afterward, I walked in the narrow hallway to where the main seating and entertainment were held.

Ivan and Ace were playing a game of chess at the seat I was seated in. Don't ask me how they were playing chess on a moving plane, they were just playing chess. I didn't have any idea where Rome was. Nor did I care after his perverted statement before my shower. I'd likely have to restrain myself from slapping him once I do see him.

Kai was at the bar table, sipping on a clear-stem wine glass. It was filled with a very pure dark red wine. I can't recall ever seeing wine so dark. Must be a super-rich brand.

Upon noticing my presence, Kai's face shifted toward me. Past the dark shades he still wore over his eyes, I couldn't help but feel his gaze wandering my figure.

"Have a seat with me, Victoria." Kai insisted as his lips curled into this seductive grin.

"Not until I get a jacket to cover myself," I demanded, meanly adamant.

That grin enlarged even sexier on Kai's lips as he grabbed the jacket he had laid out on the line of seats next to him. Using two fingertips, he held up the black suit jacket. "Why certainly, my dear. I'd love to know what it feels like to have your voluptuous warm body wearing my jacket," he roguishly remarked.

"Must I remind you that I am an engaged woman betrothed to marry Orlando," I confirmed in defiance.

Kai held the same pervy grin and mocked. "Keep telling yourself that, my love."

Behind me, I heard a sigh coming from Ivan. "Have a seat, Victoria. Your food will be coming out shortly." He said, being tranquil to ease the tension brewing between Kai and me.

Without arguing, I walked toward Kai and rudely snatched the jacket off him. He smirked but didn't say anything when I did so. I took a seat, narrowing my eyes across the table at him. Around then, Rome came in with a fancy-covered silver tray. He set it in front of me and pulled up the lid as my body jumped since I expected they'd serve me a human head, but what I saw was a cup of delicious-smelling beef veggie soup, crackers, Italian bread, and a side of soft butter.

I heard Rome starting to crack up immaturely. "What's wrong, Princess? Were you expecting fingers and toes?" he only laughed harder at the questions.

Kai sat here grinning from the corner of his left lip, curving to his ear as he leaned back, amused by his buddy's insane questions and might I add, absurd behavior.

"Give it a rest, Rome." Ivan's voice comes out strongly.

Rome's laughter faded into a lighter chuckle, and he proclaimed, playing it innocent. "I'm only teasing her."

Nobody else made any more remarks as he vanished down the narrow hallway again, taking the lid with him.

"Eat what you can. You don't want to overdo it since you haven't eaten properly in four weeks." Ivan caringly told me.

I whispered, feeling tears fill my eyelids. "I've been in jail for that long."

One teardrop from each eye ran down my cheeks. Kai watched me wipe them away, though he kept his composure emotionless on his lips since I still couldn't see his eyes because of the sunglasses. He didn't say anything, so I began to eat unhurriedly, savoring every flavor of the soup. The soup was richly made and surely homemade. It's the best I've ever had. Far better than canned soup.

"Checkmate!" I heard Ivan say.

"You're cheating!" Ace complained in a whiny pitch.

Ivan chuckled. "You're just a sore loser."

As they playfully bickered behind me. Kai only remained quiet while he watched me eat. He's too mysterious, and that's the part I didn't like.

"Why are you holding me hostage?" I pressed while I continued to eat.

Kai tilted his head slightly. "I have my reason," he claimed.

I gritted my teeth, retorting. "What reason would that be? Is this because you're holding me ransom since you know I am engaged to Orlando Mill?"

He took a swig of his drink and chugged it down loudly. "You wanna marry a man that would sleep with other women behind your back?" he exclaimed, slamming the glass down after he finished it.

"How dare you say—"

"Do you honestly believe what you saw on that drive Orlando's father sent you?" Kai snarled, cutting me off in the middle of talking.

I was baffled to learn that he knew about that, so I inquired rudely, "How did you know about that?"

"Answer my question?" his teeth gnashed.

"Yes, I believe Orlando!" I snapped. "Now tell me, how did you know about that?"

Silence filled the air, even Ivan and Ace went quiet. Another chill ran up my spine to see Kai's jaw flexing in frustration. Then he sprang from his seat and came toward me. He stared me down as I warily peered up at him until he snatched my wrist and forced me up from my seat. He spins me in a half circle.

"Aaah!" I screamed as he pushed me down on the row of seats across the line of seats from Ivan and Ace. He pinned my wrists above my head and crushed me with his body weight on the long seats that could seat maybe nine people. "Let me go!" I shouted as Ivan and Ace did nothing. Nor did they say anything to stop him. Kai was way too strong and easily overpowered me. I was in some serious trouble, and what's worse, I was in a skimpy dress.