Page 10

The fear of being taken advantage of slowly creeps back into my mind. All men are evil, they all do not respect a woman’s body. Especially not one that’s been used and broken by many other men’s hands.

I don’t know what overcomes me, but I reach up and trace the small rose tattoo that curls around his ear. Before I know what’s happening, I’m thrown on my back, my wrist in the man’s hand as he’s pinning me down. I bring my other arm up to my face, shielding me from any incoming punches.

My breathing is quick as I wait for the blows, but they never come.

I remove my arm from my face and slowly open my eyes, seeing the man hovering over me. He’s breathing hard, eyes locked on my face like he’s searching for something that isn’t there. “Why’d you touch me?” His thick Russian accent growls at me. My whole body locks up, terrified to the core. This man is Riot. I can tell just by his voice.

I don’t speak. I haven’t said a word in sixteen years, and I won’t be starting now. His grip on my wrists loosens, giving me the chance to break out of his grip completely and slink off the bed, landing in a heap of skin and bones on the floor.

I look around the room for an exit, but don’t find one other than the main door out of here. I don’t even think of bolting for it, this man is so big he’d catch me in two strides. My eyes land on the desk, paper! I stumble to my feet, backing towards the desk as the man slowly stands up from the bed, acting like he’s about to pounce on me.

When I reach the desk, a mask sits on it. A mask with two X’s and a smile, no doubt it glows green when turned on.

Riot’s mask.

The man that carried me from my abusive home to his car, left me locked in his basement and then left me locked up in his room, like a prisoner. I pick up the piece of paper, searching for a pen before he gets any closer.

Writing down a note saying, ‘I’m sorry, Riot. It won’t happen again, I will go back to my place on the floor.’

I leave the note on the desk, pointing at it with my hands and step away towards the windows next to the bathroom, sinking down to the ground.

He walks over to the desk as I pull my knees to my chest, hugging them tight as I watch his face scrunch up when he reads my note. He looks over at me before putting the note down and walking over to me, his steps harsh and heavy.

He stands over me, his stature starts to soften as he looks at me sitting on the floor. “Stand,” he demands.

I stand up, my breath quickening. I lower my head, not daring to meet his eyes. He’s so fucking tall. My head only reaches under his shoulder.

“Look at me, Moss,” he whispers, desperation lacing his voice.

Moss? Why would he call me that? I crane my head up, his dark brown eyes bearing into mine. His chest rises and falls quickly, his breath fanning my face. He smells of something that brings me comfort, the forest and rain. It’s a dangerous mix.

Three loud knocks land from outside the door, slicing through the silence, and his head turns to the door. I watch as he walks over to the desk, setting his mask on his face and opening the door to reveal a man just as tall.

They are whispering to each other, the words coming out sharp and harsh, but I can’t really understand what they are saying.

Riot turns to me, his mask illuminating the room, his tone soft as he says, “I must go. You have free roam of the penthouse. Food will be served in the dining room at sunrise. You also have access to the roof, which has a pool and garden. A movie theater is on the second floor. The hallway out leads to the main foyer with the living room. Attached to that is the kitchen and the dining room on the other side. Do not try your luck with the door in this hallway.”

He walks towards me, his fingers wrapping around my chin and forcing me to look at his glowing mask. “Do not mistake my kindness for trust or weakness. Cameras cover every inch of this penthouse, and if you happen to make it to the lobby, which you won’t, five guards are stationed there at all times. Don’t make yourself at home.” With that, lets me go and walks towards the door.

He stops in the doorway, turning to me again. “You are allowed on the bed, Moss. I better not catch you sleeping on the floor again.”

Again with the name. Am I really allowed to sleep on the comfy bed without getting in trouble? He tucks a strand of blond hair behind my ear, without thinking, I lean into his hand. I know he notices when his hand stiffens on the side of my face. I pull and nod softly before averting my gaze back to the floor.

He stands in front of me for a few more seconds, expecting something maybe? I don’t know what he’d be expecting.

He opens my hand and sets a white card in it. “For the elevator. You can only access the roof and penthouse with this card. You are still mine and will never be leaving this place,” he growls, turning around and exiting the room with the strange man, leaving the door open a few inches as the hallway light streams in.

I hear someone speak outside the door, and then Riot barks out, “Shut up before I cut your tongue out.” The other man chuckles before they are too far away for me to hear.

I look around the room, suddenly feeling very overwhelmed at the allowance around the penthouse. I haven’t been this free since Mom was alive. Even though I’m severely overwhelmed, I decide I want to explore immediately, wanting to see my newfound freedom Riot has given me. I want to shower first, to wash away the nightmare and the feeling it left behind.

I shower and change into more of Riot’s clothes. This time I choose the biggest shirt and no pants since they don’t stay up anyway.

There have to be other people here if food will be served at sunrise, hence me wearing the biggest shirt I can find. I don’t have underwear, so I’m wearing a pair of his boxers rolled up my waist, fitting better than any pants did.

Don’t worry, I am not leaving this room with my cooch for potential viewing. I never want to have sex again in my life, and I will never let another man near my vagina.

Maybe in another lifetime I can be comfortable in my own skin.