I turned my attention back to the front of the class. Mr. Roberts had started talking and the room grew silent. I could feel the heat of his body blazing against my back and the sensation sent tingles throughout my entire body. Looking at him was almost pleasurably painful. It hurt so good. I’d never seen another guy in my life with black hair and green eyes. He was cool and aloof at the same time which only served to antagonize his mystery factor. Every girl in our school wanted him and I was no exception. However, I wasn’t about to throw myself at him. I had self-respect and standards. I knew that a guy like Dmitri wouldn’t waste his time on a girl who was easy to get. Why would he when he had any girl around to choose from the crowd?
I played like I wasn't interested even though deep down I got chills every time I heard his voice. When Mr. Roberts called his name, panic in my body sent waves of fire lapping at the deepest, darkest primal parts of me. He didn't seem like he even belonged in high school. He acted so much older. When he was around I’d try to dance a balance of making eye contact with him without it seeming obvious or too forward. It didn’t seem to matter how cool I acted. I had a feeling he could see straight into my soul and knew that I wanted him.
He had a slender muscular build that made it very easy for a girl like me to imagine what it would be like to get tangled in those arms. His chiseled facial features and slight stubble made me imagine what it would be like to rub my cheek against his chin in the throes of passion.
Three months had gone by since school started and Dmitri had arrived. That was three months of playing coy and trying not to have him notice that I was noticing him. I was done hiding and playing. Every time we’d managed to say a few words to each other it was mostly about asking me a question about math. Quite frankly, I couldn’t care less about any equations except for me plus him equaling eternal bliss.
Mr. Roberts turned the lights off and turned on his projector. He was about to demonstrate another formula for us.
I felt my blonde hair being pushed to the side and then a thick Russian accent whispered in my ear. The air of his breath tickled my lobe. “Any plans today after school?”
My breath caught in my throat. I thought it was a very forward question since I had barely spoken more than ten words to him in the whole time that he’d been at the school. But I didn’t care. He knew what he was doing. He knew that approaching me that way would turn me on, and knowing that he knew how to turn me on made me even more turned on.
The sexual tension was palpable and for a second I was worried that everyone else in the class could sense it, but they seemed not to notice. Then it felt like a secret between him and I. Something we shared and kept within ourselves. I’d just talked with Monica and Lucy about doing something with them today, but if Dmitri wanted to do something I was a solid yes. I knew my girls would understand in a heartbeat.
I didn’t answer him right away, still trying to play my hand cool and calm. I didn’t want him to know I was eager to jump his bones. Instead, I waited a beat or two before whispering, “maybe.”
“Wanna come over to my place and hang out?” This time the top of his head nuzzled the back of mine, the dark classroom hiding our intimate exchange.
There it was. The invitation that any girl would die to get-- laid out on a platter for me to accept. I didn't want to show my enthusiasm. Let's face it. The guy was gorgeous and he knew it. He also knew that he could have handed that invitation to any girl in this classroom and they would have fought each other like animals to be the last one standing and the object of his affection.
“Perhaps. I’ll let you know after seventh period.”
“Don’t keep me waiting too long, Marnie.” I heard him lean back in his chair.
Did this just happen? I couldn't wait to get out of class. Monica and Lucy were going to die! I wanted to scream as loud as I could like a five year old girl. So when the bell finally rang, I got out of there fast and waited for them to meet me in the hall.
“What’s the hurry?” Lucy said.
I grabbed both of them by the arm and pulled them into the lady’s bathroom. I checked to make sure no one else was in the stall. “You're never going to believe this!” I screamed.
“What's going on?” Monica put her hand on my shoulder.
“Dmitri just asked me over to his house today.” My eyes bulged out of my head and my mouth dropped open as I awaited their response.
“Shut right up!” Lucy looked like she’d been hit by a truck. She was one of the girls in school that was in love with him. However, I knew that she would be happy for me. He was fair game and any one of us would have been happy for the other if he’d picked her.
“Are you kidding me?” Monica followed on Lucy’s shock. “When? When did he ask you?”
“Last period.” I had to admit it felt good to be the center of envy for once. “We're going to have to postpone our plans, is that okay?” I asked.
Both Monica and Lucy gave me a condescending look and then Monica answered for both of them. “Uh, yeah. I’d kick your butt if you didn’t!”
“You’ve got to do it,” Lucy said. “You would be doing this for every girl at Emory Academy.”
“Let’s not be so dramatic,” I laughed.
“It’s a no-brainer. You have to tell us every single detail and not leave anything out. Do you understand?” Lucy grilled.
“A nice girl doesn't kiss and tell.” I teased.
“Good thing you're not a nice girl.” Monica snickered.
“Okay, well I’ll catch up with you later.” I walked to my next class in a complete daze and completely unable to think about anything but that tall, dark Russian who I would be making out with in less than two hours. Definitely an experience I’ll never forget.
CHAPTER 3
“M om, I’m going to have dinner at Monica’s tonight and then we’re going to catch a movie.” I wait for her voice on the other end of the line to tell me it’s okay.
“Sure sweetheart. Don’t be home too late. Your father and I have to work late tonight anyway.”
Monica’s parents are always inviting me over so it isn’t out of the ordinary. I wish I could say that I felt guilty about lying to her, but I didn’t. My parents have always been strict with me and if I had told her the truth she never would have let me go over to a boy’s house even if his parents were home. They were both extremely old-fashioned and it was like breaking into a bank just to get a few freedoms. I figured what they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them and I wasn’t going to stay out late. Besides, if I missed this chance, I knew there were a line of girls waiting to have a chance with him.
I hung up the phone and excitedly ran over to my mirror, dancing and jumping up and down to the latest hit on the radio. I had to wear my hair down and find something in my closet that didn’t make me look like a child. As I yanked each hanger in my closet from left to right looking for the perfect outfit, I kept thinking about his exotic accent. My knees threatened to buckle just thinking about him.
I pushed my breasts up in a pink v-neck sweater and added blush to my cheeks and lipstick on my mouth. I gave my hair a final look before heading out the door. On the way out Chester keeps barking. “What's the matter, boy? You miss me today?” Chester was approaching 14 years old. He was useless as a security guard but he was a great friend otherwise.
I gave him a treat, scratched behind his ears before grabbing my keys and walking out the door. I pushed the button on my keychain and unlocked my white Mercedes before grabbing the handle and getting in. My parents got me this car for my 17th birthday. It was an unexpected gift and I was grateful for it. A thought entered my brain-- I wonder if I could start giving Adeline a ride to school from now on? Maybe I could build a rapport with her and she might start standing up for herself.
I’d have to think about that later. Right now, I was too excited about my date with Dmitri. I backed out of the driveway and stopped briefly to put his address in my phone. Funny enough, he only lived a couple of streets away
. It wasn’t really a coincidence. Government employees who worked with the embassy usually lived in adjacent neighborhoods.
I turned the radio up feeling my look and the excitement of what was about to happen. Soon I was at his house and pulled into his driveway. I walked up to the door and rang the bell.
Dmitri answered the door wearing a black button down shirt and a pair of blue jeans. He must have changed since seeing him at school and he smelled of fresh cologne. “Welcome, beautiful. Please come in.”
I walked into a beautiful and enormous house. White modern furniture lined the walls and complemented the large, white tiles that covered the foyer. “You have a beautiful home.” My voice wavered, betraying my nervousness.
Dmitri grabbed my hand and led me up the staircase. “Follow me.”
I hesitated, suddenly unsure of myself. He must have sensed it because he stopped, turned around to face me, and kissed me gently. It felt good to have the heat of his breath against my lips. “Where are your parents?” I asked.
“They’re still at work. Don’t worry. We have plenty of time.” His confidence helped support mine and I followed him up the stairs and into his room.
He stopped when he got to the door and waited for me. “Are you nervous?”
I looked him square in the eyes, “should I be?”
“No. Not with me.” He opened the door to his room and it was massive. He had his own private bathroom that looked like the size of my kitchen.
“Wow this is amaz-” he covered my mouth with his own.
This was the moment I’d been excited about. I couldn’t wait to tell Monica and Julie. His lips felt warm and inviting and I allowed myself to relax into the experience. The way he flicked and moved his tongue around my mouth was intoxicating.
My thighs set fire and my belly tingled. I craved to be closer to him.
He led me to the bed where we continued kissing. He stopped for a second, held my face in his hands. “Marnie, what happens here stays here. No one at school will know. This is just for us two.” He reached for the strings on my shirt and untied them, releasing the fabric. He unbuttoned the front of my blouse and exposed my bare breasts. His mouth then traveled to my neck where he placed a series of small kisses before making his way to the outline of my chin.
I met his mouth with mine and our kisses became hotter and more passionate. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer to me. He stood up and took his shirt off. I reached for the button of his pants and started to unzip them when we heard the doorknob turn and two voices talking. A man and a woman walked in.
I froze, humiliation burning in my cheeks.
They casually spoke to him in Russian before they realized what was happening. When the woman turned and saw us there, she said something to her husband which led them both to back out of the room. She said something to Dmitri that I couldn’t make out and then gave me a half smile before closing the door behind them both.
“Your parents, I presume?” I tried not to sound as caught off guard and humiliated as I was but I failed. The situation was awkward and I had no idea how I would face his parents after this.
He kissed my hand and said something in Russian to me, which despite my embarrassment, reignited my desire for him.
“Get dressed,” he said. “Let’s get something to eat.”
CHAPTER 4
H is parents’ awkward smile made me uncomfortable. I felt like they should have been more upset than they were. And Dmitri, too. He handled it calmly. Too calmly. There was no embarrassment from his end either. They were all handling the situation with extreme maturity. It was confusing. I expected his mother to scream bloody murder and call me a trollop before shoving me out the front door with only my humiliation to comfort me. Maybe it was a cultural thing? Perhaps where they come from sex isn’t as big a taboo as we Americans treat it.
And what was with them being home? I thought they were still at work. I wasn't exactly going to win the award for most wholesome girlfriend in the world.
“I’ll give you a minute. When you’re ready, join me downstairs.” He walked out of the door.
I buttoned my blouse and tied the strings. I’d rather have Janis smash my face into the cafeteria trash can than walk past his parents right now. Unfortunately, I couldn’t hide up here in Dmitri’s room all night either. I inhaled a couple of deep breaths before exhaling forcefully. I stood up and walked out of the room, down the stairs and into what appeared to be the dining room where Dmitri and his parents sat. “I-I’m really sorry about earlier,” I stammered.
“Would you like to join us for dinner?” His mother asked.
That caught me off-guard. “I’d be delighted, thank you.” That took some relief off of me and for a moment I felt like everything would be alright.
Dmitri was to my right and he gave me a sweet smile. I pictured what my life would be like as Dmitri’s girlfriend. Accepted into his family and on his arm for the whole school to envy. As I was a full tilt in my daydream, their help brought out the food. “This looks delicious, Mrs. Holin.”
“Please, call me Patricia.” Her accent was almost as thick as Dmitri’s. “We have plenty so let’s eat up!”
I was served a big plate of pasta with alfredo sauce. I picked up the fork next to me and dug into the pile of noodles, twisting it around and then inserting it into my mouth. There was something especially delicious about this dish. I couldn’t quite place the ingredient that was a combination of tangy and sweet. It was amazing and I’d never had alfredo pasta this good. Before I’d realized it, I’d finished my plate.
“Would you like more, dear?” Patricia’s question was innocent enough but her facial expression hinted to something darker.
“I’m full, thank you. It was delicious.”
“Thank you. Mr. Holin brought the recipe back from Russia on his last trip.”
“So what did you kids have planned for this evening?” Mr. Holin asked.
I looked to Dmitri for an answer to his father’s question when he began looking at me strangely. “Are you feeling alright?”
At first, I didn’t realize what he was referring to, but then I noticed that my eyelids were dragging. I tried to answer him but my speech slurred as I spoke. “Where’s the bath-bathroom?”
“Around the corner,” Patricia pointed.
I stumbled away from the table and around the corner heading toward the bathroom when my vision blurred blocking my ability to see. I fell to the floor and the last thing I remember was falling to the ground. Everything went black.
CHAPTER 5
S omething in the faint distance nudged my conscience awake. I tried to open my eyes but was distracted by the relentless pain jackhammering its way across my frontal lobe.I pressed my hand to my head to find that my hair was damp and stringy. I couldn’t remember anything. A noise coordinated with the movement of my hand and I realized something was around my wrists. Squeezing my eyes shut in an effort to get my eyes to focus, I opened them again to see the same dark room. I adjusted my legs as I sat up and realized I had shackles around my wrists and ankles. The cold concrete floor laid against the back of my thighs and I noticed I wasn’t wearing any pants. Looking down I noticed I wasn’t wearing anything but my bra and underwear. Panic gripped me. How did I get here? Who put me here? Tears flooded down my cheeks. “Help! Help! Somebody, please help me!”
“Shut up! You’ll get us all in trouble.” A feminine whisper echoed in the dark room. Her voice was shaky and low. As my eyes focused, I could see a slight outline of a figure sitting against the wall with a small, rectangular window overhead. I couldn’t see out but I could tell it was night outside.
From the mildew smell, the closest I could guess was that we were in a basement. It would explain the cold, wet feeling. I continued to try to make out what the rest of the room looked like when I heard several other voices, coughing or crying all in various levels of sound but all with a touch of fear in their voices. I turned my head back to the voice
that spoke out to me earlier. “Where are we?”
“Shhhh!” She snapped at me.
A series of footsteps above our heads shifted. The blood in my veins grew cold as I heard them get closer to our location. Then a light turned on and I gasped. There were at least 20 women tied to the wall in the same shackles I was wearing. They all tried to shield their eyes from the fluorescent light of the basement. The women appeared to know what the sound meant because they all got very quiet. There was the sound of a door creaking open and then silence for what seemed like forever before the door shut again and the light followed.
It was terrifying. The women seemed to collectively gasp in relief. “What’s going on? How long have I been here?” I whispered. Where was Dmitri? Where were his parents? And how did I get here?
The girl who spoke to me before tried to keep her voice low. “A couple of days ago they brought you in here with us.”
“Who? Who brought me here?” I asked.
“The family upstairs.” Her voice was a little stronger this time through the dark. “The husband and wife and son.”
I took a second to let her words sink into my brain. Dmitri’s family? Could this be possible? My mind races trying to recall any warning signs that I should have seen. The last thing I remember was sitting at their dining table eating before I felt nauseous. Could they have poisoned me? This felt like something straight out of a horror movie. How could this happen?
“Is there any way out of here?” I asked.
“If there were, do you think we’d all still be here?” Her Brooklyn accent was more present in her speech this time.
“What are we going to do?” I cried.
“The only thing we can do- survive.” I could see the outline of her lean toward me. “Just stay quiet and do what they say.”
“How long have you been here?” I stifled my sobs trying to act braver than I felt.
“I’m not sure; a few weeks I think.” She answered. “That’s my best guess.”
Trafficked Series: Marlene's Story of Survival and Justice Bundle, A Thrilling Human Trafficking Suspense Novel Page 2