Family night, Bonnie called it.
An evening spent huddled in the gaming room where the Third Debt had been attempted. With no care or comeuppance, they played Scrabble, Monopoly, and cards.
Cut smiled smugly whenever I shuddered with memories of that night, peering at the walls and chess chequered carpet.
Kestrel had been so kind and honourable. Jethro had been so conflicted and hurt.
Jasmine did her best to keep me in one unbloodied piece, but Daniel was given free control that night. His rules: play the game he wished or submit to a kiss instead.
And not just any kiss. A sloppy wet slurp with his tongue diving past my gag reflex and hands pawing my breasts.
After the second kiss, I gave up rebelling and played.
Cut merely laughed.
Bonnie nodded as if she was a lioness teaching her cub how to play with its food.
Something had fissured deep inside. My soul folded into pieces, trying to protect my final strength and endurance.
My memories, my happiness, my passion...all slowly dried up the more I drank their poison.
It was happening. They were winning. I was so close to giving up.
They wanted me to submit by playing a stupid game? Fine.
They won.
* * * * *
Unknown Number:Are you around? I want to speak to you.
The seventh time he’d asked since we’d started messaging last week.
How many days had passed since then? Four? Five?I’ve lost track.
Every morning was a new challenge to break me. Two days ago, Cut had given me a bucket of icy water and told me to scrub the stoop of Hawksridge while snowflakes decorated the air. Yesterday, Bonnie summoned me to her quarters, forcing me to take her measurements and create her a new gown.
I preferred scrubbing the stoop to making that witch a dress with the same skills she’d belittled.
They’ve done other things.
My heart filled with fury and rage—welcomed after so much weakness and grief.
No! Don’t think about it.
I refused to sully my mind with them when I finally had a moment’s peace on my own. I wouldn’t tarnish this precious time with Jethro with memories of his demonic family.
Clenching my jaw, I replied:
Needle&Thread:It’s not safe. Anyone can hear me. Just message...it’s easier.
I sighed as the message sent.
Easier to lie to you, to keep you from knowing how bad things have become.
Unknown Number:That’s bullshit. I’m calling you right now. If you don’t pick up, I’ll have Jasmine drag a phone to you so you can’t hide from me anymore.
Shit!
