Chapter 8
Jonas decided to add a little more salt to the mashed potatoes. He scooped some onto both styrofoam plates next to the parmesan crusted pork chop. He sat them on the table next to the plastic cups of sweet tea. He felt awkward serving her their first dinner together with such cheap utensils, but he didn't want to worry about invoking her anger since she had only been there for three days so far. He also wished that he could light candles and dim the lights, but sadly she wasn't there yet. He was excited about their date and he felt a twinge of nervousness.
He walked to her room and opened the door making sure to show off his best smile and to be the utmost gentleman for her. She looked up and met his gaze briefly before looking somewhat embarrassed and pulled the cover tighter to her chest. "Pandora, I made us dinner. Will you join me?" He reached out for her hand.
She didn't move. "What?"
He smiled and moved closer taking both of her hands and standing her up. He responded in his warmest tone "Dinner. Pork chops, mashed potatoes, and sweet tea. I'm starving, you?" He very lightly led her to the door.
She looked confused, "But, I." She looked back at the room for a moment and turned back to the hallway, "Ok." He took her left arm in his own and pulled her tight against him. He felt her arm tug briefly before relaxing. He led her to the dining table and to her to her chair.
He pointed to cuffs attached to the legs of the chair, "Please."
Her mouth dropped and she quickly said "I promise I won't try anything, please don't make me do that."
He reached out to try and touch her soft hair and she pulled back quickly. He felt some disappointment she wasn't more open to him. "I would prefer you doing it, but I will if I must."
She hesitated and looked pleadingly in his eyes. She looked back the cuffs and again at him once more. His expression was stern and unflinching. She leaned down attaching a cuff to her left leg and locking it, and then her right leg. She looked up to see him smiling from across the table.
"Please, enjoy." He said.
She glanced around the room as if still looking for another escape. He picked up his glass to distract her and took a sip. He began to eat some potatoes hoping that she would follow his cue. She did, she picked up her plastic silver wear and examined it. Her expression was resigned and she began to eat as well. He felt a wave of relaxation that she was beginning to trust him.
"Pandora, tell me something about your life that I wouldn't know from watching you." He asked politely.
"I hate being locked in a cage..." She stated in a terse tone.
"Cage? The less you fight, the more freedom you'll have." He took another drink. "Besides, you have the opportunity to experience things you've always wanted to try, but that you've been too afraid. I know you think you have to fight it right now, but I know you will love it."
She laughed sharply, "You think I want to have some random stranger kidnap me? Touch me? And who knows what else.."
