I spent the next twenty minuets muttering curses about Patrick Koster under my breath and pacing the small guest bedroom I was now in. After a while I plopped down on the bed and gave an outraged sigh. Mikes, who while I had been venting, was playing cards. Solitare, it looked like.

"Sorry." I murmured softly. He raised his head for only a second and then concentrated on his game once more.

I sat in silence for a long time, say about fifty seconds when I broke down. "Look, I know I'm in no position to ask for favors here, but you're the only one who seems to understand the meaning of the word kindness. Would it be at all possible for you to get my black bag from the other room and bring it here?"

The only sound in the room was the sound of the cards being shuffled. I bowed my head accepting my boring fate without my bag.

"I'll be back in a second so don't try anything." Came the deep rumble of his voice.

I looked up shocked to see him walk out the door. He returned shortly enough with my bag in tow. I jumped up from the bed like an excited four year old, clapping my hands joyously. "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you..."

"Stop that."

I did, still smiling.

"I'll only gibe this to you if you promise to whisper."

I nodded enthusiastically. 'Yeah whatever, just give me my bag!'

"Ok, then." He handed me my bag and walked back to his chair and his solitare game. I started to chant my mantra of "thankyous" again.

"Shut up."

"Thank you!" I whispered back.

Mikes sighed, "You're welcome."

Then he rolled his eyes.

What was left of my sanity was in that bag. Along with my writing journals, I had the novel 'The Vampire Lestat' in there as well.

I took out the book and began reading. When I want to get away to another place I just follow the written words and place myself in the story. Right now I was standing in the dark, underground crypt of Les Innocents, eyes darting nervously between the coven leader, Armand, and Lestat.

I heard a door open, only faintly, my mind still in the story, but I came screaming back to reality when the book was snatched out of my hands.

"Hullo Patrick," I said dully, "would you mind giving me my book back?"

"Of course not," he answered, "but that doesn't mean I will."

"Give it back." I said still looking at the place where the book had been in my hands.

"All in due time, Jessie, all in due time." He said, his voice light and mocking.

I slowly rose to my feet and walked over to him. He raised one brow, "Something to say, Little One?"

I just stared into his eyes, unflinchingly. He really did have beautiful eyes. He met my gaze, not backing down.

"Please Patrick, just give it back." I pleaded softly.

Patrick gave a slow, easy smile, "When a lady begs, a gentleman must always oblige."

He handed me the book. I reached for it uncertainly, afraid that he would pull it back at the last second. I snatched it out of his hands and clutched it to my chest, taking a step back.

"I hope your surroundings are pleasant enough, of course the guard is a bit extra but," he paused smiling, "we do try."

"Cut the crap." I said to him, "And get out."

"What about thank you? Etiquette and manners?"

"Well considering you're a criminal I don't expect you to have those." I replied icily.

"Well you certainly are no lady."

"And you are no gentleman despite what you claim! Now get out!"

"What if I'd rather stay here?" He raised another brow.

I smiled sarcastically, "As much as I'd LOVE that, I believe you have another threatening phone call to make."

"Yes, I believe you're right." With that he walked out.

Insufferable bastard.

I'd like to.....beat him to a bloody pulp. Hang him by his pale neck and put up a sign next to him, warning away bastard....good looking.....terrible good looking......

Shit! Was I falling for him. Goddamnit why me!?! Why?! Why, god, why?! That dizzy feeling I had felt when he stood over me was not attraction. No, of course not. I was dizzy from lack of food. Yes! That was it, it was well past breakfast by now! My stomach grumbled in reply. I smiled in relief. I hadn't eaten all day, of course I would be dizzy, of course, it's the only logical explanation. There was NO attraction what so ever! None!

My tummy growled again.

I sighed wistfully. "Hamburgers would sound nice right about now."

Mikes threw a glance at me. He made for the door, "Peanut butter and jelly ok?" he asked.

Another rumble.

"I think you can take that as a yes."