Indebted - Piper Stone Page 0,23

been standing in the same place, although I finally noticed the sun had gone behind a bank of clouds, leaving behind a mournful-looking sky. Far too soon night would fall, driving the psychotic dream into the dark crevices in my mind. I eased my forehead against the window, taking shallow breaths. I’d never felt so alone or scared in my life.

The tinkling of the lock drew my attention, my stomach surging from the uncertainty of what to expect. I folded my arms, hovering against the window in hopes whoever was behind the thick wood would leave me alone.

Or maybe they’d come to free me.

No. No. There would be no freedom.

I’d never realized how important it was, the majority of people taking it for granted. They carried out their lives pretending there weren’t evils in this world, monsters determined to destroy every aspect of humanity.

As the door opened slowly, I bit back a cry, the range of emotions driving me to the point of madness. Help me! Please help me!

There were no words to say, no cry erupting from my throat. Just silence.

The woman was older than the one from the other two days, her gray eyes peering at me with curiosity. She rolled a cart just inside, lifting a dome-style lid. The wafting scent of beef immediately made my mouth water, the rising steam from a full plate of food a surprise. When I took a step closer, she scampered away, closing the door with a hard thud, the lock immediately slammed in place.

Sighing, I inched closer, finally turning on the bedside lamp before closing the distance. Dinner had been served. For some crazy reason, visions flashed in my mind of beautiful dinner parties, expensive soirées on the pool deck. I could almost hear laughter, envision all the beautiful people as they sipped margaritas by the water. Only I had to wonder whether a man like Gabriel Masters even had friends. Sighing, I brought my attention back to the food, my stomach churning.

Everything on the plate looked delicious; mashed potatoes heaping and the asparagus perfectly cooked, leaving the lovely fresh shade of green intact. While I wanted nothing more than to devour every scrap of food, I knew my stomach would revolt.

Instead, I grabbed the roll, bringing it to my mouth and savoring the scent of yeast. I pulled off a few pieces, nibbling and chewing methodically. Maybe I could stand to eat later.

After reading the contract.

Had my father left me a note? Had he attempted to explain why he’d allowed the contract to be drawn up in the first place, or had that come as an afterthought, a decision made by Mr. Masters’ attorney? I doubted anything personal of my father’s remained, even though he’d often told me the house would always be mine. I knew I couldn’t count on anything. My possessions had likely been destroyed, my little car sold at some auction.

Another wave of anger rolled deep inside, fueling not only my curiosity but my growing hatred for Gabriel. I stormed toward the bed, tossing the roll against the wall before easing down, my breathing hard enough my chest ached. I fingered the papers, shifting them apart as I peered down. For all intents and purposes, the two documents seemed perfectly legal, drawn up as any typical contract or will might be.

I still couldn’t get over the fact any attorney in their right mind would condone anything of this nature. Grabbing the contract first, I scanned the first page, the basic legalese exactly what I remembered sitting in the damn courtroom. There were no surprises on the first few pages, the statements merely allowing Gabriel full control to determine what would occur in my best interest.

However, the last pages gave more of an indication of what I would be forced to endure.

Ms. Toro will be required at minimum to finish out the entire sentence as imposed by the court. Upon completion, Gabriel Masters will determine whether an extended sentence is deemed necessary and shall be at his sole discretion as to the amount of time added.

Various methods of punishment may be used as deemed appropriate by Mr. Masters.

I was no longer shaken by the passages. I was incensed. Furious. I was also prepared to fight it in court.

As if anyone would care to listen to me. Even if I did, then what? Sent to prison as originally decided? I tossed it aside, laughing softly even as several tears slipped past my lashes. The thought of reaching for