Total pages in book: 131
Estimated words: 122609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 613(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 409(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 613(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 409(@300wpm)
“What are you lookin’ at me for? CLEAN THIS SHIT UP AND GET HIM OUTTA HERE!”
When she came to, her throat was raw and she was lying on the cot, clad in a white top and matching bottoms. She blinked several times, focusing on the light that filled the room from the ceiling. She suddenly felt acutely aware of herself. Her foot was bandaged where she’d been burned. She hadn’t brushed her teeth in hours. Days? Weeks? She no longer knew the day, the time. She hung her head and ran her fingers through her hair, losing her mind. Then, suddenly soft music started playing, increasing in volume with every beat. ‘So Be It,’ by Alex Vaughn… one of her favorite songs.
She looked across the room and noticed a small folding table on which sat a wooden bowl and a bottle of water. She got up and walked to it to look inside the container. Dark grapes, fresh orange segments, kiwis and peaches. A white linen napkin was folded nearby, too. When she turned in the other direction, she noted a bucket full of water, a washcloth, and a new bar of Dove soap, along with a toothbrush and toothpaste. She picked with at a bit of the fruit, then grabbed the toothbrush and dipped it into the water before squeezing some toothpaste onto it. She then vigorously brushed her teeth, spitting in the small toilet. As she finished up, she heard the sound of locks disengaging.
A shadow moved at the threshold, then the door swung open. James walked in, wearing black baggy pants and nothing more. After closing the door, he placed a white tote bag onto the floor beside him. She got a good look at him again, this time, taking note of the details of his physique. Both arms were covered in tattoos, and a thin silver chain graced his neck. He looked even taller and broader than before. Tougher—which meant he could inflict some damage.
Her resolve to be strong was busted in the face. She’d been abused to the point that she didn’t know how much more she could take.
“What day is it?”
“June 2nd. Come here.” He curled his finger in a beckoning gesture.
She hesitated.
“Come here. Now.”
She glanced at his hip. He had his gun.
She took a step, and then another until she was standing before him. He reached for her face, but she jerked away.
“Shhh…” He gently gripped the back of her neck and brought her closer. She shuddered with fear, resentment, and something she couldn’t describe as he traced her cheek with his thumb. “You have cuts all over you… you put up a hell of a fight. I had to intervene.” He stopped them? “Every time you came to, you started fighting again. You got that hand loose again, too. I don’t know how… but you did. You must’ve been in the girl scouts. Can’t keep you in a knot for nothin’, huh?” She believed he was joking, but he was actually correct. She’d also taken self-defense classes, but so much for that now. “Take off your clothes and sit down on the bed.”
She glared at him, a feeling of dread taking over. No… not again.
He sucked his teeth as if exhausted with her. At this point, she didn’t care. She’d already endured a man who refused to accept no as an answer, and so much more. It had haunted her for years… made her want to choke the world, then spit on its grave.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” he barked, bringing her out of her deliberations. “I’ve dressed you three times now.” He held up three fingers. “I’ve seen you completely naked because I’ve been the one making sure you were comfortable and clean. I’ve helped you each time you needed to use the toilet. Pulled your pants down, sat you on the john. Wiped your ass. You were handcuffed. I did everything. You were passed out sometimes, too, and I never violated you. If that’s what I wanted, I would have had it by now.”
“Have you been drugging me?”
“What the hell does it matter?” His brows knitted. “If it makes you feel any better, no, I haven’t. You’re still reeling from before. It happens sometimes with Ketamine, and you also had a concussion from when Lou hit you. I had to use smelling salts to make you wake up. Take off your clothes, but stay in your underwear.”
She felt a sense of relief, then walked over to the cot and did as was asked. Moments later, he was sitting across from her, tending to her burn, cuts and abrasions. She danced between horror and relief as he cleaned the lacerations on her body, wrapped them in fresh dressings, then placed a bandage over her wrist and head.
“Swallow this. Ibuprofen and Penicillin.” He placed several tablets on her tongue, then handed her a bottle of water. She took it and did as requested.