“Of course. I hope you figure out who’s doing this.” I said and left quickly. I drove back to the hotel, trying not to laugh.I would get some well-earned sleep, and Emi would take the blame from beyond the grave for everything. Win-win.
Rule 49 - Eisley
Speak up.
Iclosed my eyes and kept them shut. The familiar smell, sounds, and cold air were far too much for my senses to handle. I couldn’t bear sight as well.The bed was new and came with sheets, a thick comforter, and a pillow. I hid under them, dragging my heavy, shackled, and injured leg up onto it.
I covered my head with the blanket and closed my eyes, pretending this wasn’t happening. The screeching door opened, and I shrunk into myself. Memories of the Mothers and the Fathers coming in to beat us, taunt us, or toss us the bare amount of food to survive flashed in my mind, but when I heard nothing, I peeked my head out of the blanket.
The man that had stalked me through the woods and brought me here stared down at me. I eyed him. I recognized him completely, and yet, my mind wouldn’t let me settle on it. It couldn’t be. Constantine would never bring me back here. Not when he fought so hard to get me out.
“Why are you doing this?” I asked.
“Why were you running through the forest?” he asked. His voice wasn’t… his own. It was scratchy and cold. Not the grumbly and sexy voice I’d heard before. Could I be wrong? Maybe it wasn’t Constantine.
“I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “It felt right.”
“To come back home?”
“This was never a home.” I looked around the room, where so much time had been passed simply staring at the walls. “But I did want to come back.”
“Why?”
I didn’t want to tell him about the greenhouse. I couldn’t. I shifted my leg and winced at the pain. His eyes trailed to it.
“Are you going to keep me here?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Just for tonight. I can’t beworried about what trouble you’re getting into while I’m working.”
“Working?”
He nodded grimly.
“If I agree not to run, will you let me go?”
He shook his head.
“Come on, I’m hurt.” I motioned to my leg. “I literally can’t run.”
He crouched and reached for me.“Just stay here, princess, and I’ll be back in a few hours.” He pulled a small bottle from his pocket and handed it to me. “Drink this.”
I laughed and dropped it. “Nice try.”
He gripped my injured calf and squeezed. “Drink it.”
I cried out in pain as he continued to squeeze. I scrambled to grab the bottle and unscrew the cap. He squeezed until every drop of the liquid had passed through my lips. It had a faint taste of artificial blue raspberry flavor.
He dropped his grip on my leg and reached for my chin. “Good girl. Now, rest, and I’ll come back later.” He stood and went to the door. “Would you like the door open or closed?”
“Open, please,” I whimpered and leaned back on the pillows. My leg was throbbing, and my head was dizzy. Whatever had been in that drink was strong.He nodded and walked out, leaving the door wide open. Turning and cuddling into the blanket, I looked out.
My vision grew blurry, but I could make his shape out as he walked around the room. There was a table, where he was organizing… cups? I could only see vague shapes and colors. He was pouring things and moving them.
I was having trouble holding my eyes open. I closed them and then I heard him talking.
I struggled to open my eyes, but I was too far drugged to do anything else. Sleep overtook me. During the night, I felt weight on the bed. Arms wrapped themselves around me and I snuggled into the body. It was hard, yet comforting. I inhaled deeply and I couldn’t deny the familiar scent.
“Ssshhh…” Constantine whispered in my ear. “It’s okay. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”His hands drifted up and down my body. My legs fell apart reflexively. I wanted to be touched, to feel good, to feel… him.He chuckled. “You’re a greedy princess.”
