Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97944 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97944 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
“What time is it?” I ask.
“It’s late, but I know you’re used to late nights. Hungry?”
“No, I want to go home. Why are you doing this?”
“I already told you. Would you like something to eat? I bought snacks. Your favorites.”
I stare at him, my mind still jumbled from whatever he gave me. This has to be a bad dream. I cannot be chained to the floor by someone I thought was a good guy. Who saved me from being raped. A man who has kidnapped me and is talking crazy. “Vince, listen to me.” He sits on the bed next to me, and I fight not to shudder at his closeness. I bite the inside of my cheek in hopes he doesn’t see me shaking and offer him a faint smile. “I’m flattered at the lengths you’ve gone to for me.” His smile churns my stomach. I dig my nails into my palm.
“I’m glad. You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this. For you.”
“That’s great.” Breathe, Mindy. “I just wish you would have said something. I think you’re a great guy. You didn’t have to do all this to get my attention.” My comment pleases him. His dimples appear, and acid rises in my stomach. “Why don’t you unchain me?”
He gazes at me, unsure. Then nods and pulls out the key. “Okay. It would be easier for you to eat. But any funny business and I’ll punish you.” He stands and lifts his shirt, flashing the gun tucked in his slacks. I back up, suppressing a shiver. “Hey, don’t be scared. I don’t want to hurt you. You have to know I’m in love with you. I would never do anything to hurt you. This is for your protection.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. My eyes burn, but I hold back my tears. “Yeah, okay. I won’t do anything. How about those snacks?”
“You bet.” He bends down and unlocks the chain, releasing my foot. I debate running, but I’m not sure how far I’d even get before he caught me. And I have no idea where I am. He claims he doesn’t want to hurt me, but I can’t guarantee he won’t shoot me in the name of protecting me.
Cupping my elbow, he leads me out of the room. I walk slowly, taking in every detail of my surroundings. We go downstairs to a small kitchen. There’s an island in the middle and a side wall lined with appliances. The walls are bare, but I notice the fading spots where pictures used to hang. Is this Vince’s house? “Do you live here? I thought you lived in an apartment.”
“I do. This is… uh… a friend’s letting me rent it out until I find something more fitting for us.”
For us.
“Are you cold? I can grab one of your sweaters.” I shake my head and smile, hiding the trembling in my body. “Here, sit. I’ll make you a cup of coffee.”
I take a seat at the table, eyeing the back door. It could lead outside or to a garage. Are we in the suburbs? The city? Fuck! And what if it’s locked? I won’t have enough time to open it and run. It could lead nowhere, and I’m still trapped.
“That’s really nice of your friend. To let you redecorate.”
He looks at me over his shoulder. “Do you like your room? Figured it would help you settle in.” He pours cream into the mug, and my stomach convulses at the words on the side. “I run on coffee and cuss words.” He places it in front of me.
“Thanks,” I force the word out. Vince pours himself a cup and moves back over to me. Before he can sit, I toss the steaming liquid from my mug at him and get up, gunning for the back door. I get my hand around the knob when a burst of electricity blasts into my back, making my body seize. I fall to the ground, my teeth clenching and my arms and legs spasming as I battle the excruciating pain.
Vince looms over me. “Why would you do that?” He wipes his face. “Don’t worry, it’s just a mild shock. It’ll wear off soon. Up we go.” I want to fight him, but I barely have use of my limbs. He lifts me in his arms and heads back upstairs. Laying me on the bed, there’s a click, and I feel the sudden weight around my ankle. He steps back and shakes his head. “Maybe we should try again later.”
He turns and walks away. “Vince, please,” I croak, my voice weak. He doesn’t stop and shuts the door, locking it behind him.
***
I don’t know how much time passes. My mouth is dry, and I have to pee. I get up and try to use the attached bathroom, but the cuff around my ankle stops me. “Oh, come on.” I tug at the chain, knowing it’s useless. Stretching my arms, my knuckles barely brush against the door. “Hey!” I bang on the door. “I have to use the bathroom.” I bang and yell until my voice is hoarse and my knuckles are raw. I give up, sliding down the end of the bed. The door opens, and I scramble to my feet. “You can’t just lock me in here like this. I can’t reach the bathroom.”