I nod, quietly agreeing because what else can I do? “To be honest, I’m not afraid. Not like before.”
Liem’s shoulders drop, the tension leaving them. “Good. That’s a good girl.”
I bite my lip, then run my tongue along it. “I am thirsty as hell though.”
The corner of Liem’s mouth twitches and it’s the only thing I concentrate on. But it’s the harshness in the way his eyes deepen that has me frowning again.
He starts counting aloud and when he stops at four, he opens his eyes, locking his now controlled gaze at me. “It helps to calm me down,” he answers, knowing I was silently asking.
We both have our own way of coping.
“Can I ask you something?”
“You don’t need to always ask me if you can ask me something, Danika.” His statement is a reassuring kindness, and I smile.
“Where did you go—”
A loud bang sounds at the top of the stairs, and I freeze. Liem gives me a reassuring nod letting me know he’s with me. We’re okay even if that may not be true in the long run.
Heavy footsteps descend until they stop between us. A large man, the same man who choked me until I passed out carries a water bottle in hand. “You need to drink. Orders by my Queen.”
I snort out laughing. It wasn’t something I attended for to happen, but I’m either hysterical from the situation or have completely lost my mind.
The dude flicks his head at me. “What’s so funny?”
“Your Queen? Do you hear yourself?” It’s so ridiculous it makes me want to gag.
“Danika…” Liem grinds out, but at this point, I have nothing to lose.
He snarls, walking toward me and then crouches down directly in front of my bounded body. Liem tugs at his binds, trying to get free.
“What did you say to me?”
Fuck this guy. I’m tired of it all.
“I said. Saying your Queen, sounds stupid, sick, and twisted.”
His face turns menacing and he throws his hand back landing a good blow to my left cheek.
A thunderous deep sound roars from behind him as Liem yells out in pure rage.
The man stands with a smile, my face burning like fire as he begins to prowl toward Liem. “She yours?”
Liem, without taking his murderous glare off the guy, says, “When I get my hands free, I’m going to kill you.” His words are calculated. “And to answer your question. Yes, she’s mine.” His voice dark with fury.
My heart thumps with adrenaline as my cheek burns.
“Sure. When you get free,” the guy mocks with a sadistic laugh.
Liem’s eyes turn darker, and he starts to disassociate.
Shit.“Liem. Hey, Liem. It’s okay. Look at me. I’m okay.”
His attention snaps my way, locking eyes, and the darkness fades.
Another sound comes from the top of the stairs and heels clink one by one as the same woman from before joins us. “Stop playing with the guests, Elroy and offer them some damn water.”
“I’m trying. You’d think they’d be grateful.” Elroy scoffs, sending a distasteful look my way and jerks my head back. “Drink, bitch.”
