by J. G. Sumner
“I’m right behind you.” Jasper nearly pushes me through the doorway.
“Wait, can I go?” By the time Kendall finishes her sentence, we’re down the hall and entering the stairwell.
“No! Go back to my flat and wait to hear from me. I may need your help from there.” We don’t wait for Kendall’s response before heading down the stairs.
My heart is pumping at max speed and my hands are trembling from the adrenaline surge that just flooded my veins. I’m going to get Kate and when I do, I’m going to beat the living shit out of Matteo. He’s going to pay for everything he’s done to her. I’ll make sure of it, even if I die in the process.
Chapter
Twenty-Three
Kate
I open my eyes. I’m not sure how long I’ve been out, but I’m startled by the fact that there’s light and I’m able to see my surroundings. Matteo has removed my blindfold. A smile creeps across my face knowing that I’m not in total darkness and I can see what’s coming at me and prepare for it. I’m still naked and tied to a bed, but somehow, it seems less scary.
My heart skips a beat when I realize that I’m not in my room anymore. I’m in a different place. It’s unfamiliar and unkempt. The walls are a dingy white, Velour blinds cover the windows, and the small table next to my bed is worn and beaten up. I look around some more in search for any clue of my whereabouts.
The humming of a train motoring down the tracks is the only sound I hear. It’s so close, it could be just behind the building. I try to think of where in New York I might find a train. Obviously, the subway is the first thing that comes to mind, but this is a freight train. I can tell by the whistle that blows as it gets further down the tracks. I believe this type of train runs along the Hudson River and goes to the Bronx, Long Island, and New Jersey. That’s a huge geographic area to cover and will be like looking for a needle in a hay stack. I’m not sure how anyone is going to find me.
Again, my mind wanders to what I’m going to do to escape. The thought of running down a busy street naked almost makes me want to wait until someone finds me. Perhaps there’s something I can use to cover myself up if the opportunity presents itself. I guess I’ll have to cross that bridge when I get to it.
A door slams and my heart skips before it speeds up. I’m scared. I’m tired of random men coming into my room and having their way with me. I’m sick of lying here defenseless and unable to fight back. I don’t want to be a victim. I just want to go home. A tear escapes my right eye. The warm wetness loosens the present Demetrio left on my face the last time I was awake. As I suspected, it’s still there. No bathing for me. This appears to be a very effective way to rid me of all my dignity. I don’t think I could feel much lower if I tried. I’ve hit rock bottom.
The dirty white door in front of me squeaks open. I hold my breath, waiting to see who will show their face behind it. While I hope that it’s someone who will rescue me, I know without seeing the person that it’s the green-eyed monster.
My suspicions are confirmed after only a few seconds when he pushes his way in with a tray of food. Almost as if on cue, my stomach lets out a loud gurgle. I’m famished. I look down at my hip bones and note that they’re protruding further than normal. I think I’ve lost probably close to ten pounds in I don’t know how long. My body feels weak, my tongue is dry, and all of a sudden, I’m dying of thirst. It’s weird how the sight of food instantly triggers a reaction from my body.
Without a second thought, I attempt to sit up in bed, but I’m immediately pulled back by the restraints holding me in place. I’m eager to see what’s on the tray. The smell of chicken soup lofts through the air, and my stomach growls again. I pray that he’s going to give me the opportunity to put something in my mouth, and not make this into some other torture technique.
“Look who’s awake. I presume you’ve had a good rest.” For whatever reason, Matteo is chipper today. This I’m glad for. I might be able to work it toward my advantage.
“Yes, sir.” Nodding is not an option if I have any hope of tasting what’s on that tray.
“Ah, and you’ve remembered how you’re supposed to speak to me. I guess rewarding you with keeping off the blindfold worked.” Matteo puts down the tray on the table next to me.
I train my eyes on it. There’s a large Styrofoam container with a lid. It could be soup, but it’s hard to tell. Whatever it is, my mouth has already started to salivate uncontrollably. There’s a roll with butter melting on top. The idea of tasting warm buttery bread is like heaven. I close my eyes and can already taste the morsels of goodness.
“Would you care for something to eat?” Matteo removes the lid to the container. It’s matzo ball soup. The room is saturated by the aroma of chicken, matzo, and carrots. It’s torturous having the food right in front of me and not being able to reach out and grab it.
“Yes, please.” I’m eager like a dog begging for a treat, but I don’t care. I just want to put something into this stomach that’s cramping up from hunger pains.
“Do you promise to be a good girl?” He’s wearing the sadistic smile I hate so much. I don’t care. With every second that goes by, I grow more and more eager.
I can barely say the words. I swallow hard, and force out what I need in order to have a shot at that soup. “Yes, sir.”
He takes the spoon and feeds me the most delightful thing I’ve ever tasted. Despite the fact that I’ve inhaled it, I can taste every incredible ingredient. Matteo waits for what seems like forever before he allows me to have the next bite. I swallow it down just as fast as the other. I can’t get enough fast enough. “Please, can I feed myself?”
“Now what would be the fun in that? I enjoy watching the privileged girl beg. You’re just like Massimo. You both were handed everything. You rode on the coat tails of your parents and never looked back. How nice it must be to have that luxury. Nah, I think we’ll continue doing it my way.” The green-eyed monster puts down the spoon and leaves the room.
Are you freaking kidding me? I get two bites and that’s it? That could barely satisfy an ant. My stomach gurgles and cries for more. “Please, can I have some more?”
Silence. Not a sound in the apartment or wherever I’m being held. “Please.” I tug on the restraints hoping by some chance I’ll gain enough freedom to grasp that bowl and guzzle it down.
“Don’t even try. You’re not going to get out of those. I learned my lesson the last time. I’m not sure how you got out of that hog tie, but you did. I won’t make that mistake again.” The green-eyed monster reappears through the door, pulls up a chair and sits down. He picks up the spoon, and I’m just about to pant as he puts another bite into my mouth. This time, I savor it. I let it sit on my tongue and work its way into every crevice of my mouth. Sheer bliss is the only way I can describe it. I finally swallow it down and look to Matteo for the next bite.
“This is kind of fun. I love watching you beg as though you may never eat again. It makes me want to wait to give you your next meal. Maybe you’ll plead even more.” The snicker that comes out of his mouth makes me want to hit him. He’s a sick man who derives pleasure in cruel ways. I can’t believe people like him actually exist.
Once I finish the soup, Matteo feeds me tiny little pieces of bread as if he were feeding a bird. It’s pure torture, but at the same time, so satisfying. Despite the little amount of food I actually ate, I’m absolutely stuffed. My stomach has clearly shrunk in the time I’ve been here. I guess I should consider it a blessing. Maybe now my stomach won’t hurt as badly in between the meals. Matteo picks up the cartons and takes them into the other room.
I settle into bed, feeling somewhat content. A full tummy does wonders. I almost feel like a new woman. I close my eyes and try to think of happy things. For just a moment, things aren’t so bad.
“Don’t get too comfortable. It’s time to repay your debt.”
My eyes pop open. The green-eyed monster is standing in the doorway. He’s naked and holding his erection i
n his hand. He starts to walk toward me.
“You didn’t think you would get to have such a wonderful meal and not expect to give me something in return, did you?”
I swallow hard. Is this really what it boils down to? I have to have sex in order to get fed? What kind of cruelty is that?
He walks to the end of the bed, leans over, and starts to suck on my big toe. I cringe when his mouth touches me. That mouth is poison. There’s nothing good that comes out of it.
“Relax, princess. You might actually enjoy it. I’m not as bad as you think.”
The words fall out of my mouth before I even think about them. “Not as bad as I think? You’ve kidnapped me twice. You’ve beaten me to a bloody pulp, and now you’re forcing yourself and several men on me. Please, tell me what your definition of bad is. I’m curious.”
He bites my toe and I scream out in pain. I swear he bit the damn thing off. Tears flood my eyes. I can’t control the heaving of my chest as I fight back the sobs.
“Never talk to me that way. That was your last reminder.” The green-eyed monster begins slowly licking up my leg as though nothing ever happened. There are so many things going on in my head right now, but the thing that screams out the most is what woman likes to be licked like this? It’s disgusting. And how can he hurt me one minute and try to derive pleasure, or whatever he’s trying to do, in the next?
He makes his way up to my folds where he slowly gives them the attention they would normally scream for. I gasp for air. My body is defying me as it becomes aroused. How can this be happening? I don’t want this man anywhere near me, but my body is pleading for more. I squeeze my eyes shut just wanting it to stop. I wiggle my hips trying to get out of his grip. The green-eyed monster grabs onto my hips and prevents them from moving as he dives in deeper. I try to squeeze my legs together to force his head away. His elbows push my legs down. There’s no escaping. “What do you want from me?” I scream at the top of my lungs.
“Don’t be upset. Massimo isn’t the only man in the family. I’ll make sure you enjoy this before I take what’s rightfully mine.” He continues lapping at my folds before shifting his attention to my bundle of nerves.
It feels amazing and horrible at the same time. I’m a freaking mess. If I let myself go, then I will let myself down and betray Tony. If I don’t, the assault won’t stop. What choice do I have? I close my eyes and come up with the only reasonable solution I have. I fake it. I stop my silent pleas and forcefully increase my breathing. I concentrate on making my body appear to respond the way the green-eyed monster wants.
I’m focused. This allows me to not feel what he’s doing. I don’t care at this moment. I just have to get this done. It’s the only way I’m going to be able to save my sanity. Within moments, I do what I need to make the green-eyed monster think that he’s stimulated me.
I begin to slow my breathing down. I keep my eyes closed and refuse to look at him. The bed shifts as he gets up. Could this have worked? Is he going to leave me alone now? I take a sigh of relief and breathe in hope. I give myself an imaginary high five. I did it.
Just as I’m starting to relax, footsteps indicate he’s returned to the room. A warm wet cloth wipes away the crustiness of my skin. I allow him to do it. Finally, I’m getting rid of the remains from Demetrio.
I’m surprised by his tenderness. He’s never been like this with me. I slowly open my eyes to gauge the look on his face. I need to know what he’s thinking, so I can prepare for what’s coming next.
“I can’t have my son all over you while I’m making love to you. I promise you’ll fall in love with me. You’ll never want to go back to Massimo. You’ll want to run away and live a life of luxury with me.”
Is he frickin’ crazy? This man has gone from hating me to now expecting me to fall in love with him? I can’t keep up with his mood swings. What the hell is going on?
“Why on Earth would I fall in love with someone who only hurts me?” I bite my bottom lip and squeeze my eyes shut in preparation of the beating I’m sure is coming. I’m shocked when he tenderly rubs the back of his hand against my face. I open my eyes and look at him, searching for answers I can’t possibly come up with.
“You’re so beautiful. Sometimes, a woman needs to be taught how to treat her man. I think we’ve established a basic understanding and as long as you behave the way you’re supposed to, I’ll make sure you’re pleasured.” He gently caresses my breast. “I love the way your body responds when I make you cum. I can’t wait to make you feel that way again.” The green-eyed monster delicately kisses the tip of my nose before throwing the towel on the floor. He bends over and begins sucking on my breasts and slides his fingers into my sex. “You’re so wet for me,” he mutters over my nipple.
Huh? What the hell is going on? I’m at a loss of what to do. Is this some sick game he’s playing, or does he really want me to fall in love with him? Can I use this to gain his trust and weaken him until he unties me? I decide to momentarily go with what he’s doing. My life could depend on it.
Chapter
Twenty-Four
Tony
Jasper and I arrive at the building where I was standing just yesterday. I could kill myself for not listening to my gut. Kate was here, but she’s not now. I know this without even entering the building because I can’t feel her anymore. There isn’t that warm sense that comes over my body when she’s around. There’s no goose bumps on my skin. There’s nothing. I could be standing in front of any random building.
I follow Jasper inside anyway. Perhaps there’s a clue of some sort. I’ll take anything just to know my baby is still alive. Jasper talks to the doorman, flashes some identification, and we are granted entry. I have no idea how Matteo would get in and out of here with Kate, but he’s managed to find a way.
Kendall happened to have a key to Kate’s old apartment that she never gave back after Kate moved. Jasper opens the door and slowly goes inside. When he’s sure everything is clear, Jasper waves me in.
The apartment is barren. There’s a couch, an end table with a lamp, and that’s about it. I would expect more from my cousin, but I guess he was just using this place as a temporary holding cell.
I venture down the sage-green hallway toward what I assume is the bedroom. The door is already cracked open and I slowly enter through it. There is a mattress that is worn and ratty. I can’t imagine anyone staying on it. Next to the bed is a chair I recognize from the picture that was sent to me. This is where Kate was forced onto her knees to do who knows what to Demetrio. Vomit burns in the back of my throat. I force it back down. I can’t look anymore, so I quickly back out.
Jasper walks down the hall toward me. “There’s nothing in the other bedroom. It’s completely empty.”
I motion to where I just came from, unable to speak. Jasper nods in understanding. I sit on the couch and place my head in my hands. I’m defeated, hopeless, and I don’t know what to do. I want nothing more than to find Kate and hold her in my arms. I want to bathe her in love and wash away all the tears and pain she’s endured.
“Where is she?” A voice calls from over my shoulder. It’s Kate’s dad. I called him on my way here and got him caught up to speed on what we’d found and our plan. I’m so ashamed; I can’t even look at him. I had the opportunity to save Kate yesterday, and I failed. How is he ever going to forgive me?
“They’re gone. I don’t know what he’s done with her, but they aren’t here.” I rub my temples in hopes some explanation will pop into my head. Nothing appears.
Charles doesn’t say anything, but instead comes and sits down next to me. “Son, you’ve got to stop beating yourself up. We’ll find her. There’s no way that man is going to get out of this city. We’ve got every agency on this case. We will find her.”
How can this man be so calm? How can he have any respect for me whatsoever? I did this to her. This is my fault. I raise my head to speak, but he cuts me off.
“Quit it. I’m sure I can figure out everyt
hing that’s going on in your head. The bottom line is you love my daughter like I would want a man to. You would give your own life for hers. I’ve never seen her happier than when she is with you. We will find her. When we do, she’s going to need your strength to get through everything. I’m sure that asshole has done a number on her. It’s going to take all of us to make her whole again.”
The words and emotions I want to let out are stuck in my throat and unable to escape. A nod is all I can muster. The strong Charles Anderson that everyone sees is really a kind and gentle soul who loves his family. Even though I haven’t married his daughter yet, he already thinks of me as a son and has taken me under his wing. I couldn’t have been luckier to become a part of this wonderful group of people who have welcomed me. They won’t replace my own family, but they’re definitely a close second.
Jasper returns to the living room. He looks down at the floor, and I know he’s found something that I won’t like. In his hand, he’s holding what appears to be a picture. “What is it?”
Jasper pauses before speaking. “I want you to study it before you react. It’s not her fault.”
I stand up, walk over to him, and snag the photo from his hand. I take a deep breath to prepare myself for looking at it. There she is lying in a bed, naked. Her arms and legs are tied down and the ex-agent Manchetti is on top and clearly raping her. I can’t breathe. My chest grows tight. I grasp on to the back of the couch in an attempt to brace myself as I bend over from the wind being knocked out of my sails. I drop the picture to the floor unable to hold it anymore. Why is he doing this to her?
“What is it?” Charles asks as he bends over to pick up the picture.