“I want to stay here.”
I felt the unimpressed look that Allister shot my way. I ignored him, and everything else that I really wanted to hate right then. Keeping my gaze firmly on the TV in front of me, I forced the lack of my voice and wants to the back of my mind.
I shouldn’t be all that surprised. I never did get to have a say over anything I wanted. Not from what to eat, to when to sleep, or even the clothes I wore. Being free wasn’t going to change that.
It felt like I was leaving one Hell, just to go to another type.
The only difference was that I knew what to expect in one, while the other one caused my heart to beat and my thoughts to run a million miles an hour.
***
Something had to be wrong with me.
I could only remember feeling pure anger like I currently was a handful of times. Those times, when I allowed myself to act out, did I get put right back into the place I was to hold. I was a slave, inside and out. A boy who was to follow orders, no matter what. My emotions were not to be shown.
But now, as I glared out the car window at the passing scenery, did I feel so much anger. I wanted to punch the window, letting the glass break. I wanted the shards to cut my skin just to feel something else.
I took a deep breath, folding my arms across my chest to keep my arms from doing something like that.
The word, that same one that was starting to drive me nuts, wasn’t sitting well in my gut all of a sudden.
I wanted to be back on the couch with Dakota, leaning into his warmth. He was like me, lost in the world and filled with such hopelessness that nothing would change.
“I’m not free,” I muttered out loud.
“It’s a lot to take in, but we have all the time that’s needed to figure out how to process it safely.” Scarlett, my...well, I don’t know what the heck to call her. She seemed nice enough. Friendly, even. She was not what I expected, that was for sure.
When was the last time I saw a woman to begin with? It was always men. Men who wanted to eat me like the cookies I had made for Dakota because he really needed to get more food.
“This will be a huge change, but you aren’t alone in it,” Scarlett went on. “I’ve sent my husband to get you some clothes.”
Guess that means no more nakedness. Because if I wasn’t a slave, I was to have clothes on.
I gave a mental eye roll.
I was stupid.
“You aren’t stupid.” Could she read my mind? That was creepy. “I’ve been...well close to your shoes. I was kidnapped when I was young and raised in a horrible house by a man. So I understand more than you’d think.”
I sighed, just barely containing my huff. I didn’t want to listen. I just...well, I didn’t know what I wanted.
“Some ground rules, before we get to the house,” she paused, switching lanes. “No yelling. Zee doesn’t do well with raised voices. Your bedroom is your place. Anyone must knock before entering into their private spots. Bedrooms and bathrooms. The laundry can be set outside the doorway, and Dominic will take care of it. He’s the one who stays at home to work, so you’ll see him a lot in the next few weeks as you settle in. And Zee. But Zee is...well you’ll see. Anyhow,” another pause and deep breath. “Food is to stay in the kitchen area, or the back porch. But food is always available. And if there’s ever anything you want me to pick up from the store, write it on the fridge.”
“Got it.” I’d do whatever she wanted, at least until she’d let me go back to Dakota. The place where I should stay.
“Do you have any questions?”
“When can I see Dakota?” I didn’t turn to look at her, already knowing the answer.
“In seven days, if you want. I won’t keep you from someone you worry about.”
Would she really keep that?
Only time will tell.
It didn’t take much longer to reach a house that was in the middle of nowhere. Or at least it seemed so.
There was a huge barn out back, and no other houses nearby. A few houses dotted off in the distance, and probably in walkable distance if I wanted to run off. Not that I would. I knew running would be a means to ship me anywhere in the world.
