Ife stared at the man who was comfortably and graciously eating the medium rare steak and steamed vegetables on his plate, a bottle of wine sat beside the half-drunk glass of wine he used to step down his meal.

The way he ate with poise and so much calmness, you wouldn't think he was holding an innocent woman hostage for reasons best known to him.

Ife was scared when he showed her the firearm he held, took her belongings, and made her have dinner with him in this fine fancy restaurant.

She had tried to signal to some people to help. That she's in need of serious help from this man but each of her attempts provoked the same threat he issued when he nabbed her in that store.

Evading him would be a tad easier since she's sporty and can outrun him but with the threat he gave her, she isn't sure if he's just bluffing or he'll actually do as he said... just like any other crazy good-looking men out there.

"It's rude to stare but since I'm aware that you're taking in how handsome I look, I'll permit it" he raised his eyes to her, winked, and set them back on his food.

If his eyes lingered for a bit, he would not miss the look of disgust she had on her face when he did that.

Ife was beyond irritated by this man. How can one commit such a stupid act and behave like it's just a normal thing to do on a regular day? She thought to herself but all she could arrive at was. He was sick and just a lonely man seeking attention.

"Is it every day you kidnap young women and force them on dates with you?" she asked, not being able to keep her thoughts to only herself.

Provoking him was the last thing on her mind considering his earlier threats but she wanted to understand why and probably get on his good side before she thought of escaping him.

The French man looks up at her with an eyebrow raised and his hand holding a slab of meat and veggies hanging in the air.

He puts the food in his mouth and then looks at her untouched plate of pasta and shredded chicken. He chewed slowly, swallowed, and set the cutlery down on the table.

"Why aren't you eating your food, amour?" he sounded calm.

"Why do you have to take me hostage? You would have at least asked me" she said, already annoyed with how he's taking the matter. "You had me kidnapped for CHRIST's sake" she wanted to tell but had to cage her tone to be calm.

The man's demeanor changed and he squared his shoulders as he looked at Ife with eyes that could kill.

"I asked as a gentleman but you refused"

"And you think kidnapping me is the best option?" she tries not to raise her voice to avoid attracting attention that will provoke this French man further.

"You gave me no option amour," he said.

Ife was going to respond but he beats her to it. He leaned forward with both hands resting on the table and a death glare lingering on her face.

"If you don't be bonne fille and eat your food, I'm going to be your worst nightmare" he threatened yet again and she could feel the chills run down her spine.

The man leaned back on his chair, took his cutlery, and continued eating "And everyone's nightmare too. I hate food wastage" he said.

Ife looked like she had no choice so, she did the only thing that came to her mind as she reluctantly ate the food before.

"What's your name? Since you took me here against my wish, I should at least get to know you better," she shrugged, trying not to seem scared or rigid so he didn't think she was playing foul.

The man looked up at her and smiled.

"I'm Henri"

* * *

Patrick looked at the set of sanitary pads that were on this shelf. He could remember the last product he bought but she complained that it was so uncomfortable and it could barely take in her heavy flow.

'Women problem' he thought to himself then picked up one that read 'For Diamond ass'

"What does that even mean?" he laughed then read through the product description, "I think Deborah would love this" he muttered then picked three packs and two other different brands.

He let out a sigh as he picked some more feminine soaps, perfumes, roll-ons, and other products that she had listed him to get.

"Women love spending" he muttered again "But I won't mind if I love them" he picked the last of the items on the list before making his way to the cashier.

There was a line but he was grateful that it didn't take long for it to be his turn. His package was being picked and he paid, all those while the cashier tried to flirt with him but he politely told her to stop. She saw that he shopped for all feminine products and was trying to get him to herself.

'What if I was actually married?' he asked himself and laughed it off 'Some ladies sha'.

Patrick made his way to his car in the parking lot and once again, Tomiwa came to ask for Ife's whereabouts and he told her the truth he knew. Tomiwa said he would regret keeping his love from him before leaving him.

Patrick looked at the retreating figure of Tomiwa and shook his head at him.

"The man no get mind sef" he hissed then put his purchased goods in his car's back seat.

Just as he opened the front door to enter, he was roughly pulled out and before he could register what was happening, he felt a long and hard blow to the side of his head. He lost his footing and collapsed to the floor with a hard thud.

A hard kick to his chest followed, then to his face, his back, his legs were stumped on and he could swear he heard a crack when they stepped on his ankle.

Amidst all the beating, he tried to open his eyes to make out who these people were, he was able to see only three in front of him but the one kicking him from behind, he couldn't make them out.

He groaned in pain and tried to protect his head from receiving any more kicks since he was already feeling like he was going to lose consciousness.

It seemed like the kicks were no longer coming or he had reached the stage of feeling only numbness all over. He opened his eyes to at least see who caused him this much pain and when he did, he saw a worried-looking Tomiwa staring down at him and one last kick to his head sent him to total darkness.

* * *

bonne fille - good girl

amour - love