Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22280 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22280 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
“So nobody else knows this is down here?” she asks, and I can feel her pressing closer to me.
“It’s kept quiet.”
“Are you sure we aren’t going to get lost?”
“I’m sure.”
There’s dim light overhead from where they ran electrical about fifty years ago, but other than that, it’s long hallways with big, empty rooms. I can see how she’d be afraid of getting turned around. It wouldn’t be hard to get lost because it’s kind of a maze, but I’ve been down here so many times I could do it with my eyes closed.
Up ahead is a door where I use the final key. Once I’ve unlocked it, I push it open and step back for Mia to take it in.
“What is this place?” she says in a whisper as we both step inside.
I turn the switch on the wall, and a few softs lights illuminate the space. The walls are stone except for the one corner that has tile with a showerhead above it. Across from that is a large wooden frame with restraints. There’s also a table with instruments on it, and against the opposite wall is a bed.
“It’s where they bring me,” I say, and Mia turns to face me. Her eyes are wide with what I can only assume is fear as I reach for my shirt and strip it off. She gasps and then covers her mouth with her hands as she stares at the bruises covering my body. “This room is so people can’t hear you scream.”
Chapter Nine
MIA
I stare at Jamison in utter shock, and all I can do is open my mouth and then close it. No words can come out, and for a moment, I’m unnerved. That’s when I realize I’m alone with a man that so many people have labeled as dangerous. Not only that: if I don’t return after my lunch hour, I’m somewhere in the facility that I won’t likely be found for a long while.
Almost as soon as the concern for myself bubbles up, it changes to concern for Jamison. In the blink of an eye, I forget about my own safety and wonder why someone hasn’t protected him. The abuse that marks his skin is so much bigger than my own fear.
Despite my love for order and rules, I find myself drawn into his chaos. If I'm honest with myself, I'm addicted to it. I was never prepared for what would come next between us, but it certainly wasn’t this.
“Are you scared of me now, Mia?” Jamison tilts his head to the side, watching me. He is always watching.
“Who did this to you?” I ask as I step closer. The need to touch him is overwhelming.
“You didn’t answer the question.” Jamison closes the rest of the space between us, and as gently as I can, I place my hands on his bare chest. His eyes close for a brief moment as he sucks in a breath. “Answer the question, angel.”
“Yes,” I admit. When he looks at me, I can’t tell if he expected the answer. Does he want me to fear him? “But not for the reason you think.”
“Is that so?”
“I’m not afraid you’ll physically hurt me.” I know that’s not the smartest thing I’ve ever said, but I'm gradually accepting this reality. I'm more concerned about his ability to manipulate me into doing things without giving them much thought.
“Are you sure about that?” He steps back, making my hands fall away from his chest.
My feet stay grounded, and I will myself not to chase after him. It’s kind of pathetic, really. I’m always seeking his attention or finding a moment when we can be alone. Our time together is fleeting and leaves me wanting so much more.
“Strip.” He gives the order before walking over to the wooden contraption against the wall.
It has some sort of restraints attached to it, and I can’t figure out the purpose of the device. Surely it’s not a medical instrument because it looks like someone built it for their own use.
Jamison rests his hand on the wood frame, waiting to see what I might do. Is this some kind of test? The need to pass makes me slip my shoes off, and I don't miss the slight smile he quickly hides. Something tells me that if I ask him what this is, he won’t answer. Or maybe I’m not ready for it.
“This is new for me,” I admit when I pull my top off and decide to expose myself in more ways than one. But after seeing all those bruises on Jamison, I believe he's the one who's more vulnerable. If I do this, maybe he’ll trust me and show me more.
“Keep going.” His hold on the wooden contraption tightens, and I can hear the slight groan of the wood. Now it’s me who’s fighting to hide a smile.