“Water, please,” I croaked weakly. He squatted down to where I sat and stroked a hand gently along my hair. “You can drink, but you must earn it.” My stomach twisted with revulsion as I dared to wonder what I would need to do to earn my water. “Please, I just need a drink,” I pled helplessly. “It’s nothing onerous, I have no desire to hurt you. All you must do is tell me why you’re here,” he encouraged. “You kidnapped me.” He tilted his head chidingly. “Cat, why are you here?” What answer was he looking for? Goddammit I needed water and he was playing games? My mind fuzzy, and my emotions still roiling, I lunged for the bottle. Just as my fingers touched the cool plastic, the back of Daeglan’s hand slammed across my face, sending me careening to the floor. “Please don’t make me hurt you, C
