time soon. I’ve accepted the fact that I’m about to be raped by countless men. I’ve accepted the fact that my mother is responsible for my dad’s death.
But I will not accept defeat.
The door to my room opens, and Julia walks in, holding a bundle of clothes.
“Take a bath and change,” she says, tossing the clothes on the floor. “Your first client is here and wishes to inspect his rental.”
When she leaves the room, I stand and toss the clothes in the trash. I have no intention of cleaning myself up. It feels like I’ve been here weeks, and I haven’t bathed once in that time. And, I have no plan of doing so again in the near future.
Let my ‘clients’ enjoy my natural scent.
It doesn’t take long for the door to open again. Except this time, an older man, probably in his early fifties, walks in.
My heart is racing, and I’m on the verge of passing out from fear. But I do my best not to show it. I raise my chin and meet the man’s cold green eyes.
“With as much as I paid, I would have expected a female who at least brushes her hair,” he comments.
“Wife not putting out?” I ask, noticing the ring on his left hand. “Or do you just get off on taking something that wasn’t, and will never, be freely offered to you?”
“I paid enough to do whatever I wanted with your body,” he says. “I would watch that smart mouth if I were you.”
I mean, he isn’t wrong. I should shut my mouth and not provoke my soon to be rapist. But I’m so full of rage and fear that I have no control over what stays in my head or spills from my lips.
“Did anyone ever tell you that you look like a drunk Santa?” I ask. “With the straggly white beard, wild gray hair, and beer belly, it’s no wonder your wife won’t give you any anymore.”
Actually, I find him quite handsome. But I don’t tell him that.
The man narrows his eyes but doesn’t say anything for a long while.
Finally, he takes a step back towards the door.
“I know just what to do with you,” he says, grinning the devil's grin. “I’ll be back in an hour, pet. Clean yourself up before I get back, or things will go a whole lot worse for you.”
After he leaves, I lay back on the bed and close my eyes.
I’m not a very religious person. I haven’t been to church since I was a little girl. But, today, laying on the bed and knowing what’s about to happen, I pray. I pray for strength to help me get through this day and the ones to come. I pray for rescue. I beg for mercy.
I pray for death.
◆◆◆
One hour later, I haven’t moved from my spot on the bed when the door opens.
“I see that you aren’t very good with instructions,” the man, who I’ve decided to call Bob, says.
“Nope,” I answer. “If I were, then I wouldn’t be here with you sick fucks.”
“Such a dirty mouth for such a pretty girl. I’ve brought you a surprise.”
Moments later, another man pushes in a giant wooden X! Bob has the man place it beside the window before ushering him to leave.
“This is called a, St. Andrew’s Cross,” Bob says. “Do you know what it’s used for?”
I know exactly what it’s used for. Dear Lord, don’t let me show weakness.
“I should have figured you were into the BDSM, crap,” I say, instead of weeping like I want to.
“Get up and undress,” Bob demands.
I laugh. “You honestly don’t think I’m going to make this any easier for you, do you?”
Bob grabs a whip hanging off of the St. Andrew’s cross and points it at me.
“Last warning,” he growls.
“Give it your all, Santa.” I mock. “I give you nothing freely. If you want something from me, then you’re going to have to take it by force. Even something as simple as standing.”
He takes a step forward.
“So be it.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Brick
(Five Hours Earlier)
The constant vibration of my cell pulls me from the first night of good sleep that I’ve had in weeks.
“This better be good,” I answer, not bothering to see who called.
“Only if you think finally getting Jessa back is good,” Slim answers.
“I’m on my way,” I respond before hanging up the phone.
I want to be there when he tells me whatever it is that he’s found.
Slim and Hawk live less than ten minutes from my place. I make