Sold To Josh Groban

Chapter 2

I wake up slowly, rubbing my temples. What a terrible dream. Oh well, time to get ready for school. I sit up in my bed and open my eyes. Only, it's not my bed. And I'm not in my room!

I shoot off of the ratty white couch I was laying on. I survey the dark room that I'm in. It's dark, the walls and floor are made of the same shade of grey concrete. There's only one door. Where am I? I think back to my dream. Maybe it wasn't a dream. Could it be? Did my mom actually sell me to Josh Groban?

"That's completely ridiculous." I say out loud to the empty room. "You probably just got kidnapped by the mafia, or something. There's no way in hell Mom has the connections to sell me on the black market." And why would Josh Groban want to buy me in the first place? I don't know much about him, but he doesn't seem like the crazy sort. And famous people are always under the public eye. Realistically, there's no way he could buy me on the black market without raising any flags. Shaking my head at the ridiculous notion, I try the door handle.

It turns easily, too easily. The door swings open and I fall on my butt. A shadow passes over me. I look up. Standing over me is the man himself. Josh Groban!

"Are you alright?" Josh Groban asks. My coffee brown eyes trail up to his face. He's smiling an awkward little smile, and shifting from foot to foot as though he's nervous about something. I stand indignantly, pointing a finger in his face.

"What have you got to be nervous about you piece of crap?" I scream, shaking my finger. Josh Groban takes a step back, clearly taken aback by my outburst. "I'm the one who's been kidnapped here!"

I force my gaze away from his distractingly handsome face and reach into my boot for my switchblade. Crap, it's not there! Did Josh Groban go through my stuff while I was sleeping?!?!

"You absolute creep!" I yell, ripping off my shoe and throwing it at his face. Josh Groban dodges the shoe easily and puts his hands up placatingly.

"I promise," he says, "I didn't go through your stuff. Your mom took it before I picked you up." He takes a step towards me.

"Back off pervert!!!" There must be something that I can use as a weapon. I remember my years of being the youngest with two older brothers and my plan is hatched. Josh Groban is rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortably.

"Why don't you sit down?" He asks, gesticulating to the dusty brown couch. I sit, trying not to be distracted by his soulful brown orbs. He's wearing a nice black suit with a colorful tie and black combat boots.

Josh Groban shifts awkwardly in his seat before he hands me back my shoe.

"So," he states, "I'm sure you probably hate me, don't you?"

I narrow my caramel colored orbs at him. "No duh, idiot," I seethe. "You kidnapped me and you're keeping me in some weird basement."

Before I can continue, Josh Groban holds up a finger.

"First, I didn't kidnap you. Your mom sold you to me illegally. Second, I'm not going to keep you in this weird basement." He chuckles, and the sound sends a pleasant tingle through my chest. Goshdamnit! I'm supposed to be mad at him!

"So where is it you'll be keeping me, then?" I query, folding my arms over my chest. Josh Groban's face brightens at my question.

"Before I show you, I need you to know something. I'm not going to hurt you, I promise. The reason I bought you will become apparent in time, but I can't tell you yet. Just know that you're safe with me." He stands, extending a hand for me to take. "I can show you the rest of the rooms now, if you want. Just as long as you promise not to run away." Josh Groban chuckles.

I take his hand. I need to cooperate if my plan's going to work. I nod, rising to notice that I'm at least a foot shorter than him. Oh, God, give me the strength to stick to my resolve. Resolving myself, I follow him out the door and into the unknown.