We didn’t have a relationship. Would never have one.
“So I’m an unwilling prisoner? And for how long do you think this will go on between us?”
“The prisoner part is until you get used to the idea of us and as for how long, the answer to that is,forever.”
Tears gathered in my eyes and I willed them not to drop. I closed my eyes so none could escape. I had to keep my wits about me and stay on my toes.
And not give in to the feeling of defeat that was rising in every part of my body.
I had to get away.
Lyric, come find me.
I sent up a silent plea hoping he would hear me.
* * *
I couldn’t takeany more.
Dinner had been excruciating and as the evening had gone on panic had set in. I knew after dinner what was coming and I didn’t plan on modeling clothes for the man who sat across from me acting as if we were on a casual date.
Plus, the anticipation of what he might think would happen at the end of the evening scared me to death.
Having already used the bathroom once, I knew there was a window in there that did not have bars on it. It was my only chance. But he would have someone walk me and stand outside the door like he had the last time. I’d have to get creative.
I also couldn’t take the chance of getting locked up later in my room where I stood no chance of escaping. There was no way I could stay another night in the house. I knew I had to do something and fast.
“I’m not feeling so good, I need to use the bathroom again.”
“It’s time to change anyway, you can use the one in your room, and then someone will bring you back here.”
My stomach bottomed out at his reply. And those damn tears I’d been keeping at bay all night threatened to fall again.
“Fine,” I said because what else could I do? Plus, I needed to get to my room before I broke down.
When I stood, Patrick did as well. He came around to my side and placed his hand on my lower back. I wanted to pull away from his touch, but I was afraid to make him mad. If I did, who knew if he’d let me out of my room tonight or any time soon?
Only a few more steps and I’d be free for a little while.
Freedom didn’t come fast enough. As we reached the edge of the room where it butted up to the foyer, he stepped in front of me blocking my retreat. His hand quickly swept out and around the back of my neck, his grip hard. Then, he yanked me flush against him and slammed his mouth over mine.
I sputtered and put both my hands on his chest, pushing with all my might. “Don’t do that again.” My tone was hard and I was breathing quickly. Yanking free of his grasp I ran from the room and was surprised when he allowed it.
But the creep who’d taken me was right on my heels and Patrick called out to him. “Give her thirty minutes and then bring her back to me.”
“Yes, Sir.”
As fast as I could I took off to my room, which was difficult in my heels on the slippery floor and up the stairs, but I managed. Before the man following could touch me I bolted through the door and into my bathroom.
“You have thirty minutes!” he yelled and then I heard my bedroom door slam.
Rushing to the bathroom sink I scrubbed my lips and washed my mouth out. His mouth had been on mine and I couldn’t help but feel dirty. I felt like I had betrayed Lyric by not stopping the kiss. I sank to the floor, my back against the wall, and let the tears flow like a raging river.
A short time later, my Gramps’s voice whispered through my head like a soft breeze.You can do anything you set your mind to, Angel.It was what he had always told me growing up and I was going to listen to him now just as I always had over the years.
I gathered myself up, threw my hair into a messy bun, scrubbed my face, and went into the bedroom to change my clothes. Only I wasn’t putting anything on that Patrick had bought me. I threw my yoga pants back on and Lyric’s t-shirt, leaving my feet bare just as I had arrived.
Then I waited.
