"You are going to ask me for one of two things, Natasha," he said evenly, ice dripping from every word. "And I will give you neither."

"W-what are those?" she whispered as bravely as she could, stumbling a little over the words.

"You either want me to let you go," he snarled, his voice rising ever so slightly, his body stiffening as he stepped slightly away from the counter toward her, looming closer.

She shook her head, trying to assure him, frightened at what ...