“I think my ribs are bruised.”
“I’m sorry,” she says in a low tone.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. Have you seen anyone?”
“Just the one that …” She lets that sentence die on her tongue, and my stomach twists into knots. They raped her. That’s why she’s naked. They fucking raped her. Anger surges in my veins, but I’m too fucking weak to do anything. I try pulling at the cuffs, but it’s useless.
“I’ll kill them all,” I growl this time.
“I don’t want to die here, Patch.”
“You’re not gonna die here.” Just as I say the words, I hear a door open and the sounds of feet thudding down steps. I lift my head as a small light is turned on in the corner. Then the thuds become closer as I look up to see a man standing over me.
“How nice of you to wake up.”
“Who the hell are you?” I ask as I take him in. He’s bigger than me. A lot bigger than me.
“Your worst nightmare.”
“What the hell do you want?”
“Information.”
“I won’t give you shit,” I hiss at him. He chuckles and glances over at Anika before looking back at me.
“I didn’t figure you would. I’m not looking to get it from either of you. You’re just a pawn in my game.”
“What game?”
“My sick fucked up fantasy,” he answers, grinning at me. My stomach turns as he steps closer to me.
“Leave her out of this. Hurt me,” I tell him.
“Where’s the fun in that?” he asks cocking his head to the side. “Besides, I don’t like men.”
“Whatever it is you’re after, she doesn’t know shit,” I tell him, trying to keep the attention off her. I’ll do anything to keep him from hurting her.
“I know she doesn’t. I’ve been watching her,” he says, making my skin crawl. Why has he been watching her?
“I’ll do whatever you want. Just leave her alone.” The man smirks at me and then walks over, grabbing a handful of Anika’s hair before smiling at me. He jerks her head up and forces her to look up at him. Then he kneels in front of her and presses his lips to hers. She doesn’t kiss him back. Why would she? He just moves his lips over hers in a sick and disgusting way. My stomach knots just seeing him touch her. I want to rip his goddamn throat out.
“Leave her alone!” I growl as loud as I possibly can. That’s when I hear her whimper. His hand moves between her legs, and my hands clench into fists. My whole body is tight with tension as I watch him slide a finger inside of her. Tears spill down Anika’s cheeks as she slowly looks over at me. She needs me. She fucking needs me right now, and I’m chained up like a fucking animal.
“Don’t let him fuck with your head, darlin’. Look at me,” I tell her. She locks eyes with mine as he slowly violates her with his fingers. Tears continue to pour down her cheeks, and there’s nothing I can do to stop this. I feel useless. I feel helpless. I feel like a piece of shit for what’s happening to her. But her eyes, God, those big beautiful eyes stay locked on mine. “You’re okay, darlin’. Everything is gonna be okay,” I try to soothe her. I try to talk to her in a calm tone to keep her from losing herself. I don’t know how to help her. I don’t know how to fix this. But what Ido know is I will kill them all. I will gut this motherfucker for touching her.
The man pulls his hand away from her body and stands to his feet. I watch him bring his fingers to his mouth and slowly suck them. My stomach churns, vomit threatening to come up again.
“I’ll be back for more.”
“I’ll kill you.”
“You aren’t really in a position to kill me now, are you? You’ll play by my fucking rules, or I’ll kill her, and you’ll watch.” This motherfucker is sick. Maybe sicker than I am.
I watch him walk away and head back up the steps, leaving the small light on. Now I can see the bruises that mar her body. I can see the marks he’s left on her, and I have to close my eyes and take a deep breath.
“Whatever they do, will you stay with me?” she asks in a soft tone. I open my eyes and look at her, nodding my head. How the hell could I not?
“I’m right here with you, Anika.”
