I pat my pockets, digging around in a mix of denial and desperation, but they’re as empty as the eyes he usedto smirk at me as I lay helpless, tied to a strange bed in a strange place.
I let out a frustrated curse under my breath. My fists are clenched as I try to think of a way out of this.
"Fuck!"
A voice booms through the door, startling me, the deep timbre echoing through the room. “I don’t hear you pissing,” he calls out in a tone laced with warning. “You’ve got fifteen seconds. Then I’m opening the door.”
I don’t know who this man is, but I know I hate him. I force myself to stay calm. As much as I’d love to yell every obscenity in the book at him, I know I need to play this right if I want any chance of escape.
And, of course, the truth hits me. I do have to go. I grit my teeth and do my best to make it look like I’m cooperating.
“Fine,” I mutter to myself, stepping into the bathroom. "My legs were completely asleep, you asshole. I was waiting until the blood started flowing again."
The door creaks as I push it open, and I take a quick survey. No windows. No vents. Nothing but four small walls and a dingy mirror over the sink. It’s just as bare as the rest of this place, designed to entrap, not to let someone escape.
I turn on the faucet and splash water on my face. Then I make a cup out of my hands for a sip. I’ve never tasted water so good before.
The moment I’m done, an idea races through my mind. Maybe I could find a way out of the bedroom. There’s a window in there.
I quickly empty my bladder and flush the toilet, knowing the sound will cover my movements, if only for a few seconds. I step quickly back into the bedroom and implore my brain to think quickly.
My eyes land on the single window to the right of the bed, now bathed in the soft light of early dawn. Outside, I can see that the sun is nearly up. The world outside glows in a pale grayish light that gives me a flicker of hope.
Without thinking twice, I rush to the window and press my palms against the frame, testing its weight, trying to feel for any give. My fingers search the edges, desperate. I take a breath and pull up, but it won’t budge.
I pull again, harder this time, but it’s no use. It's bolted shut.
My fingers brush along the edges of the frame, feeling for any sliver of movement, any crack or weakness, as if I could somehow will it open.
The window is locked tight, but I’m too stubborn to give up just yet.
As the door opens behind me, I spin around with my heart pounding as he steps in. His hulking presence fills the room instantly. He crosses his arms, and a faint smirk pulls at the corner of his mouth as his eyes flick from the window to me.
“Don’t bother,” he says evenly. “The windows are reinforced. You’re not getting out that way. You’re staying put.”
My jaw tightens, and every nerve sparks with the urge to spit something back at him. But I know that won’t get me anywhere. Not when I have no idea what I’m dealing with.
Or who.
Right now, every word and every move has to be methodical. I may not be able to match him with physical strength, but I may be able to outsmart him. I don’t know what he wants from me, but maybe I can find out if I play nice.
I let out a slow, steadying breath and force my expression to soften, feigning a hint of curiosity instead of rage.
“Look,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm, measured, almost reasonable. “I don’t know what this is about, or why you’re keeping me here. If you wanted money, you could have just asked. My family can make this go away without all this hassle.”
He raises an eyebrow. A hint of a smirk deepens, and I feel my cheeks flush despite myself. He’s not buying it.
Not yet.
But I push forward with my voice steadying. “Maybe if you tell me what this is all about, we can… I don’t know, work something out. I mean, what’s the point of keeping me here tied up like this? I’m no threat to you.”
He watches me with a cool, assessing gaze, and I can almost see the wheels turning behind his eyes. He’s evaluating me, and I don’t like the way it makes me feel. I’m exposed, and he can see every little crack in my armor.
“Nice try,” he says, the amusement in his voice barely concealed. “But I’ve seen this act before, princess. You’re not fooling anyone.”
I grit my teeth as the irritation boils up, but I force it back down. I tilt my head slightly, a forced calmness in my tone as I try again. “Fine. Just… help me understand. Who are you? And what exactly do you want from me?”
I keep my eyes locked on him, steady, trying to appear as open as I can. Inside, though, my mind is racing.
