He yanks my arm again, dragging me through the kitchen to the basement door. I whine, but it makes no difference. I drag my heels on the stairs, but he’s stronger and faster than me.
He leads me over to the wall, where these cuffs hang.
My heart tries to beat out of my chest. This is the worst he’s done to me so far.
He pulls up my arms, cuffing them tightly. I hang against the wall, the pull of my body making me cry out.
“Sir, perhaps we should secure her legs, as well?” one of his friends speaks up.
He grunts, then nods.
He does something to the wall, and another set of cuffs appears below me. Where did those come from?
He opens my legs wide, cuffing my ankles.
I cry, but no one cares. These people like my tears and pain.
The tall man rips the t-shirt from my body he covered me with as we watched TV. I'm naked and helpless.
The others rush forward, putting their hands all over me.
“Remember, friends—her virtue must remain intact. No exceptions.”
Groans sound from the awful people.
“I wonder if we can make her...?” one woman asks.
“She’s way too young,” another man answers, smacking her in the back of the head.
She smirks. “Doesn’t hurt to try.”
I force my thoughts away, going to the safe place in my mind. A beautiful beach, sand spreading out for miles. Tons of shells gleam by the water. I smell the ocean air. I've never actually been—at least, I don’t think I have.
I stay in my safe place, the people fading away.
I bolt upright on a gasp. I look around wildly, recognizing Hunter’s room. He’s on my left, and 3 is on my right.
“Pretty Girl, are you okay?” Hunter asks in concern, sitting up to rub circles on my back.
3 wakes as well and winds himself around me.
“Nightmare,” I choke out. “A memory. From when Synn’s piece of shit father had me.”
“I’m so sorry, baby,” Hunter kisses me on the cheek, tenderness etched into his face.
I smile softly.
“I have to go, beautiful. You'll be fine here with 3.” Hunter looks towards 3. “Take care of her?”
3 nods twice.
Hunter drags himself out of bed, takes a quick shower, and dresses before heading out.
Once he’s gone, I look at 3. “Hey, is there any way you can communicate, besides talking?”
He looks thoughtful, then throws his hands up in the air.
I look around the room, spying a notepad and pen. “Can you read and write?”
