The only relief was knowing I had a few days left of peace, free from Preston’s irritatingly handsome face that entices me to put my fist through it.
In any other circumstance, I might find the gift sweet. Maybe a little excessive, but I find a little possessiveness attractive in a man.
When he’s not slicing open my body and hunting me to the ends of the earth.
Preston hasn’t done that yet.
Yet.
But this chain was given to me solely to track my whereabouts. It wasn’t a kind gesture, even though the weight makes my stomach churn with the realization that I might be wearing a few grand. Given the estate's stunning appearance, its prime coastal location, impeccable grounds, fountains, circular driveway, gardens, pool, and three-story palace, I wouldn’t be surprised if it costs more.
It makes me nauseous thinking about it. Doesn’t matter if I think it's beautiful or not. It's been over a day since Preston left, and I’ve tried everything to remove it. I’m sure the back of my neck is bruised from trying to yank it off. It was stupid to hope that the chain wasn’t as durable as it looked.
That little keyhole below the lock still mocks me every time I glance in the mirror.
After I woke up, the thought of leaving my room had me on edge. I know Preston said I have freedom to roam the estate, but it feels menacing. Like, I don’t belong here and have no right to explore the grounds I’m temporarily living in.
It wasn’t until Gretta, the housekeeper, cracked open my door and startled me. She appeared to be in her early to late sixties, given the way her full head of gray hair was tossed in a low bun. Her warmth and kindness were refreshing compared to what I endured with Preston and Carter. I haven’t seen Carter either, so I’m guessing he’s accompanying Preston in Virginia.
Doing God knows what.
The moment she found me awake, she left and quickly came back with a tray of food. And the second she did, I couldn’t help but scarf most of it down like a caged ravenous beast who had its food withheld.
I’ve never had Shepherd’s Pie, but I have a gut feeling most aren’t as delectable as that was. My mouth is watering just thinking about the creamy potato-and-beef dish. If one thing might make me compliant while I’m here, it would be if I were consistently served food like that.
I’m like an animal they're preparing to slaughter.
I grimace outwardly at the unwelcome thought.
Apparently, Gretta had checked on me multiple times while I was sleeping because I also found my closet full of clothes in my exact size. Usually, I wake to even the slightest noise, and noticing someone in the walk-in closet surely should’ve alerted me. I’ve never passed out that hard. How she or Preston knew my size baffles me, but it felt good to change out of my shorts and t-shirt and into something more comfortable, which is why I settled for black leggings and a tank top that hugs my body.
Which may have been a colossal mistake, because the men walking the perimeter of the property and in the watchtowers are observing me with firm eyes that are somewhere between hungry and interested. They’re all dressed head to toe in the same uniform: black t-shirts, cargo pants, and boots, with one gun on their hips and another in their hands.
I couldn’t escape if I wanted to.
The deep blue water has transformed into a sea of color, with glittering pastel strokes of peach and red. The canvas of rich ombres looms above the sun dipping below the horizon, a speck of bright light in the distance, where the ocean stretches out as far as I can see. A clear pathway cuts through the vegetation, down to a long, rocky stretch of coastline where a ten-foot fence secures the property, extending past where the waves lap at the beach until it sinks into the water and out of sight.
I turn from the elevated yard that sits above the beach, ambling toward the gardens, sprawling with tall, maze-likehedges and beds on the outer edge filled with brightly colored flowers that fill the summer air with the scent of spring.
As I enter the maze, I walk for a little while. I inhale the sweet, floral scent into my lungs, trying to calm myself and locate some silver lining. I appreciate having some freedom. After all, it's my snooping around that got me here.
Things could always be worse.
Like the fact that I could be trapped in that concrete room below the park for the next twenty-eight days.
Like the fact that Xander could’ve killed me, but he was fascinated watching me suffer instead—repeatedly.
It’s the thought that I haven’t sunk to the bottom yet that gets me through. I may be floating barely above the bottom, but I haven’t hit it yet.
It’s not long before I find the center of the maze, decorated with dainty string lights that weave across the expanse above, against the ombré that drenches the sky. Concrete walls encasing the space are adorned with magenta flowers, and benches surround a fountain that soothes the area with the rush of water.
The beauty and details nearly take my breath away. It’s the kind of place that signifies a lot of love. Time and care are reflected in the plants that thrive here, as if they were meant to be rooted exactly where they are. I feel it in the way the tension in my body eases like the water that ripples outward into the small pond below the fountain.
My body gravitates to the closest bench, plopping down onto it with the same weight that has rested on my shoulders since I foolishly found myself in the tunnels.
I scan the center of the garden, not missing the video cameras. The same ones I’ve noticed placed throughout the house.
This entire place is secured.
