by A. L Long
I was beginning to think I was truly going insane. There was one last hope as I walked over to the French doors leading to the balcony. Taking hold of both handles, once again, they wouldn’t move. I could feel myself begin to hyperventilate as I pulled back the thin curtains only to find that there was only a mural of the city on the other side. Falling to my knees, I knew there was no escape. This had to be the work of Mr. Colin. He was the only person that would go to such an extreme to make me think I was crazy.
As I sat on the floor, I knew there was no way to get word to Xavier to let him know what happened to me. I wasn’t even sure what day it was or how long I had been out. Feeling completely defeated, I sunk further to the floor and curled up into a ball, pulling my knees to my chest. Unable to hold back the tears, I heard the sound of a lock turning. All I wanted to do was hide, but I knew there was nowhere to go. Standing to my feet, I looked around the room to find anything I could use to defend myself. Spotting a lamp on the nightstand in the bedroom, I hurried over to it only to find that it had been bolted to the table and there was no time to figure out how to pry it loose. Searching around the room, nothing could be used to protect myself.
The only option I had was to take a seat on the bed and wait for whoever was coming in. Hearing the door open, it wasn’t a surprise to see that it was Mr. Colin that entered the room. If I had the strength to kill him, I would have in a heartbeat. Staring at him in his arrogant glory, I felt small and insignificant. Standing tall, I asked with confidence, “What do you want?” without addressing him by the name he instructed me to call him.
“Aren’t you forgetting something, Tessa?” he asked with annoyance.
Walking up to him, I rolled my hands into fists and began pounding them against his chest. “Why can’t you just let me go? Please just let me go.”
The tears came full force as he took my wrists to stop me from hurting him further. Halting efforts to escape, he ordered, “Stop! You will never win, Tessa. More than that, I will never let you go.”
~Eleven~
It had been four days since I found myself in this suite. I only knew this because of the meals that were brought to me, morning, noon, and night, all of which I had hardly touched. There was no desire to eat, only sleep. All I wanted to do was wither away into dust and be swept away. I was losing hope that Xavier would be able to find me.
Escaping to the one place that I knew he would be, I closed my eyes and thought only about the meadow and Xavier. The place where I knew I would find happiness. As quickly as I was there, it was gone. The sound of the door opening woke me from my dream, taking the happiness with it and exchanging it with hatred. Sitting up in the bed, I waited for Mr. Colin to appear just like he did the past four days. This time, however, was different. I had no meals coming. They had all been delivered and were rotting away on the small table. There had to be some other reason he was here.
When he came into view, he was holding a bag. I wasn’t sure what was inside, nor did I care. Sinking back under the covers, I prayed that he would just go away. It was only wishful thinking as he pulled the duvet from my body and ordered. “Get yourself cleaned up. We are leaving.”
When he threw the bag onto the bed, I grabbed it to find that there was a change of clothes inside along with makeup and various toiletries. Looking over to him, I hinted that I wanted to know where he was taking me. The dumbfounded expression on my face must have been enough for him. “Don’t worry, Tessa. I am taking you to a place that Xavier will never be able to find. Now hurry, you have fifteen minutes.”
Sliding to the edge of the bed, I stood on wobbly legs, making every effort to walk to the bathroom. As I looked over to the living room, Mr. Colin had already made himself comfortable on the couch. It was clear that he planned on waiting while I cleaned up.
Entering the bathroom, I was just about to close the door, when he cursed, “The door stays open.”
What the hell? Does he not have any respect for privacy? It wasn’t as though I could do anything. Everything that I thought about using against him had been bolted down. This suite was childproof with no way of getting into any mischief. About the only thing that wasn’t bolted down was the toilet paper dispenser, and even that was made out of plastic.
Turning the water on in the shower, I dumped the contents of the bag on the counter and grabbed what I needed and got inside the glass enclosure. I did have to admit that the hot water spraying against my body felt good. I hadn’t taken a shower since I arrived here, fearing that Mr. Colin or Simon would show up.
I was able to shower, fix my hair, and apply enough makeup to make me look presentable in the fifteen minutes he allowed me. I wasn’t sure where he was taking me, but based on the clothes that he had chosen for me, it didn’t appear to be anywhere safe. The dress was black with a low-cut back and extremely tight on my body, showing off my curves. I was more than uncomfortable in it, and when I put on the five-inch heels, I felt like I should be working Hollywood Boulevard.
Doing the best I could in the overly high heels, I walked out of the bathroom to the living room where I knew Mr. Colin would be waiting. Tugging on the hem of the skimpy dress, I looked up to see that an arrogant grin was plastered on his face. I could have taken my shoe off and stabbed him in the head with the heel, but I knew I would be stopped the minute I worked the buckle loose.
“Just as I pictured. You look just as expected,” he gloated.
If his vision was to dress me up like a cheap whore, he achieved his goal. Tugging at my dress, yet again, I hissed, “A fucking whore.”
Standing to his feet, he was at my side in an instant. His hand came across my cheek, almost causing me to lose my balance in the five-inch heels. “You need to show some respect. No possession of mine will ever use such language or regard themselves as such.”
Placing his hand on my chin, he forced it upward, making sure that my eyes met his before pressing his lips to mine. I was so disgusted by him that if I’d had any food in my stomach, I would have spilled every ounce on him.
When we walked out of the suite, I immediately recognized where I was. He was crazy. He replicated the suite from the Four Seasons hotel in the basement where the training room used to be. It was beginning to make sense that he wanted to move me. Sooner or later, Xavier would come to his home to find me. Making our way up the stairs, Simon was waiting at the top with his arms crossed at his chest, acting like he was a man not to be messed with. He was another person that I would have thrown my heels at.
There was a car waiting for us as we left the house. Simon held the back door open as we climbed inside. Being this close to Mr. Colin was a little too close for comfort, but as I scooted closer to the door to put some distance between us, he grabbed my arm and said, “You are pushing your limit, Tessa.”
The last thing I wanted was to be punished again for my disobedience, so I moved closer to him with my nearly bare leg touching his covered one. I guess I should be thankful that it wasn’t skin on skin, at least this time.
Keeping my head turned toward the side window, I focused on the trees, counting each one as they passed by. I needed to do whatever I could to tame my anger. When we got closer to the city, my eyes focused on the cars and the tall buildings in the distance. I wasn’t sure where we were going, but knew that it was probably to meet a client.
In a residential area just outside of LA, which was filled with big mansions on five-acre lots, we pulled up to a security gate where a hefty guard was standing. When he came out of the guard shed, Simon rolled down the window as he waited for the guard to come over. Looking back over to Mr. Colin, Simon addressed the guard by saying, “Mr. Gates is here to see Mr. Sakai.”
The guarded took sideways step and looked through the window inspecting the back seat. His eyes fell upon me and I felt as though he was undressing me as a grin appeared on his face. Walking back to his station, he opened the gate and allowed us to drive through. I had no idea who this Mr. Sakai was, but maybe I could convin
ce him that I had been taken against my will.
When the large house came into view, it was absolutely spectacular. If I hadn’t known that I was in LA, I would have thought that I was looking at a house from Japan or a Bruce Lee movie. Rolling down my window to get a better view, I was in complete awe at the architecture of this home. The steeples were high with pillars supporting each one of them. About half-way down the pillars were Japanese lights that looked like Capistrano lights, only on a much larger scale. The front windows were clouded in white, which matched the front doors, which were also clouded.
Simon turned off the car and headed to the back passenger door opposite of the driver’s seat. Opening the door, he moved to the side and allowed me to get out. I couldn’t take my eyes off the home. Someone with a lot of power lived here, I was certain. Mesmerized by the beauty, my fixation was broken when I felt a hard pull on my arm. As he dragged me toward the entrance, I used all of my strength to pull away from Mr. Colin. Free from his clutch, I stepped back only to be stopped by Simon.
Mr. Colin spared no restraint as his hand came down across by face. As much as my cheek stung, I wasn’t about to break down and give him the satisfaction that he had hurt me. Placing my hand across my cheek, I turned my head and began rubbing away the sting. When I looked up, a handsome Asian man who I guessed to be Mr. Sakai was standing at the entrance. He looked just like I felt. My guess was that he didn’t take kindly to abuse.
“Mr. Gates, I believe your actions were uncalled for,” he stated, holding his hand out to me. “What might your name be, love?”
“Tessa.” I answered shyly as I placed my hand in his.
“A very beautiful name. Welcome to my home,” he responded, taking me by the hand and leading me inside.
I would have loved to see the expression on Mr. Colin’s face, but I didn’t dare look back to see just how pissed he was. I knew that if I did, I wouldn’t be able to hide the enjoyment that someone finally stood up to him.
The further I was led into the home, the more my mouth surely hung open. Not only was the outside of the home amazing, the inside was just as remarkable. There was so much of Mr. Sakai’s Japanese nationality displayed. I could tell by the décor that he took pride in his heritage. Entering a large room, he offered me a seat on a cushion that was placed on the floor in front of a large bamboo table. When I was comfortably seated, he took a seat beside me with Mr. Colin seated on the other side of the table.
A young woman in a kimono came into the room carrying a tray with a small decanter and three small cups with dragons and fig trees painted on them. Kneeling before Mr. Sakai, she set the tray on the table, bowing before him, before she rose to her feet and left.
I wasn’t sure what was in the decanter as Mr. Sakai began pouring the liquid in the small cups. When they were all filled to the rim, he set one in front of me and then one in front of Mr. Colin and himself. Holding the cup up, he said, “Idaina kankei ni.”
I had no idea what he said, but Mr. Colin must have because he responded back, “To great relationships.”
Holding the cup to my nose, I breathed in the scent wondering what it was I was about to drink. The scent was fruity and smelled divine. Taking a small sip, I wondered what it was that I was drinking. It was sweet and bitter at the same time. I really liked the flavor and needed to know what it was. “Excuse me, Mr. Sakai, can you tell me what this is?”
“It is an ancient drink handed down from generation to generation. It is called sake. I am glad that you like it. Most Americans find it is an acquired taste,” he replied.
As I slowly sipped my sake, I listened to what was being said between the two men. Even though I couldn’t understand a word that was being said, I knew that they were talking business and that business was me. I was just about to protest and demand that they share what they were talking about when the young woman entered the room again.
Gazing up at her, Mr. Sakai said, “Aiko, please show Ms. Tessa to her room. Mr. Gates and I are almost finished here.”
Bowing her head, she stood beside me holding out her hand, wanting to assist me to my feet. Looking at both the men before accepting her hand, I asked confused, “Why would she be showing me to my room?”
“This is going to be your new home, Tessa. I am sure you will be very happy here,” Mr. Colin advised.
As much as I thought this house was beautiful, I was in no way going to stay here. Sliding on the cushion away from the table, I pushed from a kneeling position to my feet and looked down at Mr. Colin feeling inferior at his sitting height. “There is no way that I am staying here. Matter of fact, there is no way I am going to stay anywhere with you or him.”
Walking to the door, I slid it open only to find that there were two very large Asian men standing on the other side. I tried to push past them, but my effort was halted as they took hold of me, keeping me from advancing any further. What kind of place is this? There was no way that I was going to stick around to find out. Lifting my foot, I first dug my heel into the foot of the man to my right and then again to the man on the left. They had no other choice but to release me.
When their hands fell away to comfort their feet, I made my escape, only I underestimated their strength. It wasn’t long until I was again in their hold. Looking back at Mr. Colin, I did the one thing I thought I would never do. “Please, Mr. Colin. I will do whatever you say. Please don’t leave me here.”
~Twelve~
When I was shoved into a dark room with only the light of a small window, I wished I was back at the staged hotel room at Mr. Colin’s home. This room was less than desirable. At least the bedding was clean, and the bathroom seemed to be clean as well, even if it was out in the open with no doors for privacy.
I felt like I was in a prison cell. I never thought that Mr. Sakai would be a monster just like Mr. Colin. I thought that the way he stood up to him, that he would be the one person that could get me out of here. As I have learned, never trust anyone. The only person to trust is yourself.
Taking hold of the foot of the bed, I moved it over with a little effort so that it was under the small window. Taking off my heels, I stood on the bed to see if I had enough height to look out the window. If anything, I wanted to see where I was and if maybe, by chance, I could find a way out of here.
Pushing on the window, I tried to open it, but it wouldn’t budge. It was stuck, and I needed something to pry it open with. It wasn’t easy to see anything inside the room, but I knew that there had to be something that I could use. Stepping down from the bed, I took a seat on the edge and tried to think of what I could use. Tapping my foot against the hard floor, I didn’t know how I could have missed it.
Lifting the mattress from the bed, I looked down at the frame. Just as I suspected. The bed was old, and the springs used to support the mattress were built into the frame. Thankfully, most of the wires across the frame were worn and rusted. Searching for one that would be the easiest to break away from the frame, I finally found one near the top and began working it back and forth hoping that it would weaken the metal and soon break off.
I was having no luck and was ready to give up. Taking a break, I sat on the floor and waited to try again in a few minutes. Rubbing my hands together to soothe the soreness, the sound of footsteps coming my way could be heard through the door. Rushing to get the mattress back on the bed and the bed back where it was, I jumped to my feet as quickly as I could.
Sitting on the bed, I acted like I had been up to nothing and waited for whoever was lurking outside the door to enter. When the door opened, the young girl that had served us sake was on the other side, holding a tray with a rice and chicken dish on it along with a small teapot and cup.
As she entered the room, her eyes never met mine and when I began to speak, she acted like she couldn’t hear me. All I wanted was her help. Taking hold of her arm to get her attention, she looked me straight in the eye and shook her head back and forth. Walking over to the bed, she placed the tray on it and turned t
oward me.
Bowing her head, she was ready to leave. I knew that I could take her out since she was smaller than me, so I grabbed her by the shoulder, which caused her to face me. She did some sort of karate move, sending me to the floor. Before I could stand to my feet, she was out the door. Looking at the tray, it was just my luck that instead of receiving a fork and knife, which would have been very useful, there was only a set of wooden chopsticks that I had no idea how to use. Picking up the sticks, I put them between my fingers and tried to pick up a piece of chicken. Unsuccessful, I wondered how many people starved before mastering the use of chopsticks. Forgoing the sticks, I scooped my hand under the rice and put it to my mouth, before dropping it in.
When I finished the meal, which I had to admit was pretty tasty, I placed the tray on the floor and resumed freeing the piece of wire from the bed frame. Working it back and forth, I was finally able to break it off. Moving the mattress back onto the frame, I moved the bed closer to the window so I could stand on it in order to reach it.