The Abduction by Erin Durante

Samantha picked up her plate. “You should probably go back to bed as soon as you finish.”
    Rikist shook himself as if to clear his head of an image and nodded, a blush creeping up his neck. “I think you’re right.”
    Samantha turned from the table and carried her dishes to the sink. She surprised herself with the sudden feeling of sadness at the idea of his leaving. She realized she was truly enjoying his company, especially after the last few days.
    Days? She thought. Who am I kidding? It’s been almost a year since I’ve been this at ease with a guy…
    “Are you sure you don’t want any more?” she asked, almost pleading.
    Rikist pushed his half-eaten plate toward the center of the table. He looked guilty about something. “No, I’m not hungry.”
    “You said you were starving.”
    He glared at her. “I lost my appetite.”
    Samantha stared at him, taken aback by his sudden change in temperament. “You’re an ass.”
    “Thought I was a dick?”
    “That too.”
    “ Ass and dick.” He forced a smile at her. “I’ll be sure to let my brother know your preferences.”
    “I…” Samantha’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. So much for his pleasurable company. “Eat shit.”
    Rikist threw his head back and let out a mirthless laugh. He pointed to his plate. “So that’s what this is called.”
    Samantha shook her head and began filling the sink with water. Her hands shook. “I don’t know how your bother puts up with you.”
    “My little brother could do to learn a few things from me.”
    “Like what?”
    “Like how to pull the stick out of his ass and bed you already.”
    Samantha whirled around with fire in her eyes only to see Rikist standing only a few inches away. She bit back a yip of surprised, not wanting to give him the satisfaction. “Screw you.”
    “No,” Rikist said slowly. “That’s what you’re supposed to be doing to my brother.”
    “Why are you being such a jerk? I don’t understand where any of this is coming from.” She squared her shoulders and tried to stand tall, though he towered over her by almost two feet. “One minute we’re talking and seemingly connecting… and the next you’re in a bad mood like someone spit in your lunch.”
    He looked down at his hand—the one she had held—and made a fist. “ We… Listen, it’s not appropriate behavior to—”
    “ Behavior? You’re complaining about my behavior?”
    Rikist set his jaw.
    Samantha turned back to the sink and ran the hot water; something to keep her from having to look at the beast standing before her.
    “ I have done nothing but try to keep a straight face and not break down in hysterics after being beamed up to some God-forsaken planet against my will, be told I’m supposed to help populate a feline race…” She slammed a bowl down into the sink, splashing water on the floor.
    “ That is not what I—”
    “A nd then be stuck in an apartment with an invalid asshole! So you could give me a bit of a break about my behavior! ”
    “Look.” He held out his free hand as he shifted his weight on the crutch. “ I know what you’re going through, and I’m…” He forced the next words out in English. “I am sorry I am not being more com… compass—uh… I understand. Sorry, I don’t remember some words…”
    Samantha wiped at her eyes, her chin trembling. “How could you possibly understand?” She sucked in her breath. “You’re this strong, decorated soldier-beast who fights, and kills… How could you possibly know what it feels like to be helpless? To feel…”
    “Trapped? ” Rikist finished, his head down.
    Samantha stared up at him through a veil of tears. She nodded slowly.
    Rikist lifted his eyes and gazed at her from behind a few locks of hair that had fallen forward, his jaw tight and brow knotted. He stayed silent for a moment, his face torn. He looked about to say something, then clamped his mouth shut and straightened with effort, gripping the