hit me as I absorb everything. It takes a long while for me to reach for the soap and and wash the grime of the cell away. When my fingers travel lower, the anger comes along with bitter disappointment. I let him touch me.
I scrub my body harder and turn up the heat. The reality of the situation makes my breathing become ragged.
I close my eyes as the tears leak out and lean my body against the cool tiled wall. I slowly slide down until I’m on my ass and holding my knees to my chest.
I don’t know how I’ll ever get out of here. But I will.
Part of me thinks I should be grateful. The fucking psycho who took me is at least giving me space and letting me stay in a beautiful prison. It could be worse. But it’s still a prison. And I don’t deserve this. It’s better than death. I can’t deny that. I’m safe for now. Or at least I’ve been given the impression of safety.
I’ll obey him to save myself from punishment, but I can’t forget what's really going on here.
I can’t let him break me. I can’t let him win.
The first chance I’m given, I’m running and never looking back.
It takes me an hour before I finally go back to the bedroom.
I stop in my tracks when I see a tray on the end of the bed. I walk closer to it with disbelief. Sitting on the tray is a sage green teacup with the corresponding saucer on top to keep the heat in. And next to it are two melatonin pills.
I reach down and slowly move the saucer; the steam spills out beautifully from the freshly steeped chamomile tea.
He was watching. I already knew that though. I knew he would be watching me.
I’ve read countless books where the heroine is taken and forced to submit. I pick the teacup up and put it to my lips. I close my eyes as I take a sip and sit down on the bed. I look around the bedroom, the one he designed with me in mind, and think back to all those dark romances.
I’ve already read this story, but this is different. The way this story ends is entirely up to me and my choices from here on out.
Anthony
I pull the covers closer around me. I do it every night as though they’ll protect me, but they won’t. No one can protect me. This is something that has to happen. I ruined her life. When she had me, everything changed. She’s hurting because of me. Dad’s never nice to her anymore. He always makes her cry now. When he hits her, she hits me. It’s only fair, she says. I deserve it. I should never have been born.
I hear the door creak open and shut behind her. I know it’s coming. The belt comes down hard and I cry out as little as possible. I hear her, but I ignore it. I feel the pain, but I pretend I’m numb. I think about Tommy. As long as she stays here, he’s safe. He didn’t do anything. It’s not his fault. It’s my fault. I try to be good and stay quiet, but the belt whips through the air and smacks across my face. I can’t help that I screamed.
I can’t help it. I hear them coming. No! I shake my head as she shoves the belt under the covers. My heart beats faster. I tried to be good. I tried. Please forgive me.
My eyes slowly open and and my body seems frozen. It takes a moment for my heart to calm. I’m used to this. Everything will be fine. It’s nothing that matters anymore. My racing heart is the only indication that I’ve had that fucking nightmare again. I clear my throat and get my shit together. I do my best to feel nothing, and for the most part that’s true.
I don’t feel a god damned thing reliving that memory.
I look over to my alarm and move the switch before the clock has a chance to display 6:00 AM and go off. I can’t remember the last time the alarm actually had a chance to go off. It doesn’t matter though, as long as I’m up to start the day.
I check my phone again. Vince still hasn’t written me back.
I look at the last message he sent me. It reads, 1 month. I have one month with her until the Cassanos want proof that