I opened my eyes and took in the dark surroundings trying to remember back to what I last remembered but the memory was pretty hazy.

I shivered feeling a draft. I was in some sort of cell. Panic set in but I fought it. Don't overreact. I told myself. The floor was leveled cement and stone walls with bars across the other side. Then I remembered the asshole who had caught me pick pocketing and had made me return the money. I had done as he had asked to ensure I didn't getting on the wrong side of the law but I was in a jail cell. I sat up. The lumpy mattress left a lot to be desired. I put a hand to my head, I still felt a little dizzy.

Who arrested someone like that? Shoving a cloth over my mouth to knock me out. No law enforcement that I knew of. Something ominous settled in the pit of my stomach. This didn't feel right at all, what kind of situation had I unknowingly landed myself in.

I rubbed my arms gently to create some warmth, trying to stave off the growing panic that my freedom had been taken and I had no control over what was happening. I held a breath and counted four long seconds before releasing it. Keeping myself calm was the most important thing. If I was panicking, I wouldn't be able to read the situation to my advantage.

It's fine. I told myself even while I felt the panic rise. I got to my feet, feeling a little shaky so I put my hand against the wall to keep myself upright and not face plant on the floor.

Tentatively, I made my way to the bars that kept me a prisoner and curled my hands around the bars, giving them a tug while taking in my surroundings. I was in some sort of cell which was a room split with bars. There was a closed door.

I was a prisoner.

My head felt so stuffy and I leaned it against the bars. I took another breath and exhaled slowly reminding myself to keep calm even when all I wanted to do was yell and scream. Allowing my panic to rise to the surface.

Then I heard some footsteps and they stopped outside the door. I pushed away from the bars and crossed my arms. No matter the situation I would not show weakness.

The door opened and the asshole entered the room. He looked like the epitome of a hot guy that would make girls swoon but not me. I was resistant to him.

"Why am I here?" I asked, hating how my voice trembled. I didn't want to show weakness.

"You know why." His cryptic answer made no sense.

"No, I don't. Look, I did as you asked and I gave the guy his money back so just let me out of here and you'll never see me again." I would move onto the next town and never return.

He folded his arms as he studied me.

I hated him in that moment and if there weren't bars separating us I would allow my temper to take over and do something stupid. It would be so worth it. In my mind I was slapping that arrogant face of his.

"We know who you are so why don't you drop the act." He rubbed his chin.

"What are you talking about?" I snapped, the cold and tiredness undermined any control I was trying to maintain. "Just let me out of here. I'll leave and you'll never see me again. Okay?"

He glared at me and I knew I was pleading with someone I would not be able to sway.

"Why are you here?" he asked, eyeing me out suspiciously.

I worked my jaw as I held his gaze refusing to allow him to intimidate me. He was well over six foot and fit. I was no match physically at five foot eight.

"To take in the beautiful sights of your little town," I answered, sarcastically. I resisted the urge roll my eyes at him.

He pressed his lips into a tight line.

"Where am I?" I asked, knowing their was very little chance he would answer.

He remained silent while he studied me.

"I know my rights asshole and you can't just keep me here like this." I lifted my chin defiantly as our gazes held. "I get a phone call and a lawyer."

"You have no rights here." His eyes were hard like ice.

For the first time I felt a real panic set in and tried my best to hide it.

"Are you crazy? You know it would explain a lot. Or are you some serial killer? Is this what this is about?" I was tired, groggy and beyond frustrated. I wanted out. Being trapped was one of my worst fears and I could feel my panic start to escalate. "You need to let me out," I demanded. "I have to get out of here now."

I breathed in deep and exhaled but it didn't stave off the panic.

"You've broken our laws and you'll stay here until we have the answers we want." There was no wavering, he was in control and I hated him for it.

He had the upper hand and there was nothing I could do to change that.

I turned my back on him. My mind was racing to figure out the fastest way out before I started hyperventilating. If I was going to get out of this situation I had to remain calm and keep my head.

The damsel in distress always worked like a charm. It was the only thing I could think of using.

I swayed and put my hand to my head. I groaned softly, trying my best acting skills that had gotten me out of a few pickles but I was never going to win any awards.

"What's wrong?" Maverick asked, suspiciously.

There was concern in his voice, it was working. It was time to take it to the next level.

I lowered myself to my knees and bent forward flattening my hands against the hard concrete floor, all the while groaning like I was in pain. Then I began to whimper, in amongst my groaning. I fisted my hands and tightly closed my eyes.

"Fuck," he muttered and the door opened. He was taking the bait.

Then it was time to really make him worry so I released my pained expression and sighed as I pretended to pass out. His hands rolled me over and I lay as still as I could. If I did anything to make him suspicious of what was happening I was stuck. I was no match for him so I would have to see how this played out to take advantage of it.

His fingers rested on my neck, I think he was probably taking my pulse. Stay calm, I told myself. Ensuring my breathing sounded labored.

I heard his shuffle to his feet and he lifted me into his arms. Keeping myself from grabbing him to ensure he didn't drop me was difficult but if I didn't play this well I would be stuck in the cell with no way out.

Voices came closer and then it sounded like he was entering another building.

"What happened?" a female voice asked.

"She just doubled over and passed out." There was a growing concern in his voice.

I was so tempted at that moment to open my eyes and yell 'Gotcha' to show him just how much I had outsmarted him.

"Put her on the bed and I'll look her over," the female said and Maverick lowered me onto the bed gently.

"You can go and I'll let you know when I'm done." I felt the her rest something cool on my chest. And then I remembered to keep my breathing uneven.

"No. I'm not going anywhere." His tone unyielding.

"She might have had an adverse reaction to the chloroform. We can manage this, there is nothing to worry about." Her voice was confident and reassuring.

"She was brought in by me, she's my responsibility," he stated.

"You can wait outside then, until I'm done. I need to check her over and run some tests."

I wasn't sure if he was going to comply. It took a few quiet moments before I heard his heavier footsteps leave the room.

I was bored but I knew if they figured out what I was doing they would return me to the cell and getting out of where I was would probably be a lot easier than a cell.

So I let myself relax and began to feel really sleepy. Maybe it was the after affects of the chlorophyll that was making me tired but perhaps some sleep would help the fogginess in my head. I groaned softly, ensuring they believe I was still in some sort of pain before I could feel my eyelids heavy.

I could just sleep a little and when I woke up I would figure a way to get out of the mess I was in. I couldn't wait to see Maverick's face when he realized I had played him.