Jennie

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get into any of the books. Not even Twilight.

My thoughts kept going to Lisa and what she said about me belonging to her.

It worries me because if she thinks I'm her, she might try something. Or worse. She might think she's entitled to my body.

Dinner time has come and gone, and having skipped lunch, I'm hungry as hell. Usually, Lisa would come to get me, but not today.

Walking to the door, I open it and peek into the hallway. I don't hear any movement around the house. I walk to the top of the stairs and don't see Lisa in the living room.

Taking the stairs down, I don't find her anywhere, and it has my eyebrow lifting.

I would've come down sooner if I'd known she wasn't here.

I walk to the kitchen and see a single white rose and a note on the island. Opening the note, I read it.

I'll be back soon with dinner and a surprise. Watch some TV or read a book while you wait.

I set the piece of paper down and stare at the rose.

I should throw it away.

Even though the flower is already dying, I can't bring myself to throw it in the trash. Instead, I take out a glass and pour some water into it before sticking the rose inside.

"I'm thirsty too," I whisper.

Opening the fridge, I glance over the selection of drinks and help myself to a bottle of orange juice. I look around the open-plan living space, then walk toward the stairs and head up to the first floor.

While I sip on the juice, I peek into the other rooms until I find a study. My eyebrows lift when I see all the monitors on the one wall.

I snoop around but don't find anything interesting. I make my way to the bedroom, at the opposite end of the hallway to where mine is, and nudge the door open.

Where my bedroom is decorated in white, this one is all black.

I'm not surprised. Of course, the devil prefers her personal space dark.

I hear a door opening downstairs and quickly shut Lisa's bedroom door. Running to the top of the stairs, I'm just in time, so Lisa doesn't see that I came from the wrong direction.

She sets a large pizza box down on the island and smiles at me. "I see you got my note."

I nod as I walk closer, the aroma of the food quickly filling the air.

She flips the lid back, then says, "The half with pineapple is yours." She shivers as she pulls two plates from the cupboard. "I don't know how you eat fruit on your pizza."

"It's yummy." I pick up a slice and take a huge bite.

It surprises me how much Lisa knows about me. First the dress, then the books, and now my favorite food.

I watch her while we load our plates, and when Lisa walks to the patio, I hesitate. I glance at the stool by the island, and I'm just about to take a seat when she says, "It won't kill you to sit out here with me."

"That's what you think," I mutter. Still, I walk out of the house and take a seat at the table.

While I finish a slice, I stare at the fountain that's illuminated with spotlights.

I'm halfway with my second slice when Lisa asks, "If you could have anything, what would it be?"

Without hesitation, I answer, "My freedom."

She lets out a chuckle. "Besides that."

I throw a scowl her way and take another bite of my pizza.

There's only one thing I want, but because we moved so much, I couldn't have one.

"Come on, Little Fairy," Lisa urges playfully. "Tell me."

"A dog." I let out a sigh. "Hopefully, I'll survive the next three years, and once I'm settled down in my own place, I'll get one."

"You'll survive," she murmurs. Lisa gestures to something behind me, and I glance over my shoulder. One of the guards steps out of the shadows next to the mansion, and my lips part on a gasp.

Instantly, I'm overcome with emotion at the sight of the Labrador puppy in the guard's arms.

"She's yours," Lisa says.

Slowly, I get up, the pizza forgotten. With my eyes glued on the golden bundle, my chin starts to tremble from the happiness hitting me in the chest.

The guard sets her down, and I inch closer until I can crouch in front of her. She scoots closer, cautiously sniffing my hand, which smells like pizza. When her little tongue darts out and licks my finger, laughter bubbles over my lips.

"Hi," I whisper.

She looks up at me with huge brown eyes, and I instantly fall in love. Careful not to hurt her, I pick her up and cradle her against my chest.

"Hi, beautiful." She licks my jaw, drawing more laughter from me. I turn around and ask, "What's her name?"

"You need to give her one," Lisa answers, her voice sounding hoarse.

My eyes dart to her face. "You didn't name her?"

She shakes her head. "She's your birthday gift, Little Fairy. You get to name her."

She got me a dog.

Overcome with emotions I'm far from ready to feel, I stare at her until my puppy licks my jaw again.

I lower my gaze to her and can't help but smile. "Hi, Luna."

I press my face into her fur and struggle to keep the tears at bay.

"You need to train her. I don't want her ripping my house to shreds, and if I step in shit, all hell will break loose."

A burst of laughter explodes from me. "I'll take good care of her."

Lisa gets up and comes to rub her head. Our eyes lock, and I'm unable to stop myself from saying, "Thank you. She's perfect."

Her eyes warm with an emotion I pretend not to notice as she whispers, "Just like her mother."

Suddenly she walks back into the house. "I got pee pads, toys, and food. She needs to get her vaccination shots. The first one is scheduled for tomorrow."

I stare at Lisa as she brings bags into the living room, feeling a little amazed.

She didn't have to do anything, yet she tried to make my birthday special.

Don't, Jennie.

Wanting to enjoy my first moments with Luna, I gather the bags in one hand and head up the stairs. When I'm in my bedroom, I kick the door shut and sit down on the floor with Luna between my legs.

"God, you're so cute," I coo as I rub her head and press kisses to her fur. "I'm going to love you with all of my heart."

Emptying the bags, I take the bowls out and quickly fill one with water. When I set it down, it takes a good ten minutes of coaxing before Luna drinks some.

I pet her head. "Don't worry. You'll get used to everything soon."

Just like I have to.

Overcome with emotion, I gather her against my chest and let the tears fall.

At least I'm not alone anymore.

While I pour all my affection out on my puppy, I can't help but think that Lisa has really gone out of her way to make my stay pleasant.

She could've thrown me in the basement and tortured and killed me.

God, things could've been so much worse for me if one of the other four had taken me. Bobby Jiwon would've killed me.

I'll never admit it out loud, and I'll only think it this once – maybe Lisa did save me.