God, I feel awful.
Sucking in a deep breath, I type out a quick message, ignoring her last message.
Artistchick96: hey... are you home?
Nattybatty95: No, but I will be in about a half hour.
Nattybatty95: Why what’s up?
I hesitate, my heart pounding in my chest. As bad as I feel about keeping Nat in the dark, I’m not sure if I want to do this. But if I don’t give her at least something, she might grow suspicious.
Artistchick96: I want to meet up. To talk about something.
I’m barely done pressing send when the screen lights up with another ding.
Nattybatty95: I’d definitely be down for that. Burning rubber to get home.
Artistchick96: See u there
Another ding.
Nattybatty95: What’s this all about? Is it Danny?
I turn off the phone instead of answering. It'll take too much to type to tell my story, and I'd rather think about what I’m going to tell her on the way over. I still haven't decided if I’m going to tell her the truth yet, or make up some story.
But whatever I’m gonna do, I need to go there quick so I can get back before Zander’s home. Glancing at the clock on the wall it's almost one, so I don’t have too long, but it's still plenty of time.
Don’t leave here without telling me. His words echo in my mind before I can take a single step.
For a moment, I’m frozen with indecision, not sure what to do. Zander was explicit about not going anywhere without asking for his permission.
But Natalie's my friend. And she needs to see me to feel secure. I can’t leave her worrying about me like that.
Deciding that Zander will have to get over it if he finds out, I quickly get dressed and take off without looking back. He’ll get over it. I glance at my purse a few times, wondering if I should text him. But I don’t. Instead, I turn up the radio and try to relax, but it’s impossible.
A heavy weight settles on my chest just thinking about opening up to Natalie. I don’t know what I should do. Tell the truth. Or lie.
There are no pros to either one. I tell the truth and Natalie goes nuts, wanting to call the police. I tell a lie, and I feel like a shit face asshole.
I lose either way.
Whatever I do, I’m still going to apologize for being an absentee friend these past few months. It’s really not fair how I’ve treated her after all she’s done for me.
When I pull into my usual parking space at the apartments, I don’t see Natalie’s car anywhere, but I figure she’ll show up any minute as I step out of the car and head up inside. The familiar scent of Natalie’s perfume hits me as I step through the doorway and I feel a sense of nostalgia.
I’ve been so wrapped up with Zander, I forgot how much I’ve missed my friends these past few days.
I walk down the hallway and go into my room. I toss the keys on my dresser and head over to the closet to grab some more canvas, but before I can open the doors, my eyes are drawn to a note on my bed.
My stomach drops in my chest when I pick it up and read it:
Ari
I know I haven’t been the best friend to you lately, always bugging you about the problems you’re having with Danny, but I’d just like to tell you I’m just concerned about your well-being. I don’t mean to be intrusive when I’m trying to figure out what’s going on. I just care about you and want what’s best for you. I really do hope that you’ll tell me about your problems one day.
Until then,
Love always,
Crazy Nat
Tears sting the back of my eyes as I read the message.
“Oh Nat,” I say softly, swallowing back a large lump in my throat, “Why do you have to make this so damn hard?” Now I’m really dreading our conversation. A part of me wants to leave now before she comes back, so I don’t have to deal with the situation. But I’m not going to take the easy way out. I’m going to wait until she’s here to decide which action I take.
I reread the message several more times before placing it on my nightstand and walking back into the living room to wait for Nat.
I flip through channels on the TV, thinking Nat is going to walk through the door any minute. But almost thirty minutes later, she's still not here. I glance at the time, my anxiety growing. Zander said he’d be back at six, and it’s almost two.
I turn back on my phone to text Nat to see what’s going on. Before I can type a letter, the last message she sent before I turned my cell off pops up.
Nattybatty95: Hey I’m going to stop by A.C. Moore to get some supplies so we can chat while we paint. I have a feeling this is gonna be a juicy talk. ;)
Artistchick96: Okay. I’m here at the apt already... but can you hurry? I need to leave here by 5:30.
No sooner than I’m done texting, there’s a knock at the door.
My heart jumps in my chest, my hand gripping at my shirt. It’s Natalie. It has to be. She’s probably back with her hands full of painting supplies. I let out a breath and try to shake off the dread.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
“Coming,” I call, slowly getting up, and moving as fast as I can.
I take a deep breath when I place my hand on the door handle. Muttering a quick prayer, I swing the door open and put on a cheery smile, “Hey Nat-”
My heart freezes as I see Danny standing only a foot away with a demented grin on his face. He’s dressed in his usual dress pants and dress shirt, except his eyes are bloodshot, his hair isn’t finely coiffed as usual and his clothes look rumpled.
“Expecting someone else?” he sneers. A whiff of alcohol hits me and I immediately know he’s been drinking.
“Danny?” I gasp. “What are you doing here?” It’s hard not to tremble and keep my voice even. I wasn’t expecting this at all. Zander’s words come to me unbidden.
Don’t leave the house without telling me.
“I’ve come to collect my debt,” he growls, his eyes boring into me with a hatred that causes my skin to prick.
“What? What are you talking about?” I try to move, to slam the door in his face, but my body feels frozen, paralyzed with fear. He takes enough of a step in that I can’t slam the door. I can run though.
“I followed you here,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “You know what?” I ask after swallowing the lump growing in my throat and being as firm as I can manage. “You’re making me feel uncomfortable. I think you should leave.” It’s hard, standing up for myself. But I don’t have to take this kind of abuse from Danny. Not anymore. My hand feels hot as I push slightly on the door.
“You’re really asking me to leave?” Danny demands in disbelief, his nostrils flaring as he splays his hand on the door, keeping it from shutting.
“You’ve been drinking,” I say, “and don’t look well. It’s for the best.” My heart beats chaotically. If I just act like everything’s fine, it’ll be okay. I’m in control. “Please leave.” I hold his gaze, straightening my back and willing him to go and leave me alone.
For a moment, I think Danny is going to comply with my wishes, his head bowing. But when he looks back up at me, my blood runs cold.
“I don’t think so,” he says, his voice dark and deadly. Without warning, he rushes forward.
Crying out in alarm, I try to slam the door, but it smacks against his foot and he forces it open with a feral grunt. The door hits me straight on and I stumble, falling onto the floor. Heart pounding like a hammer, I scramble forward on my hands and knees while simultaneously reaching for my cell in my pocket.
I open my mouth, preparing to scream as loud as I can. But cold, powerful hands clamp down on my mouth from behind, muffling my cries. His hard body falls on top of me, knocking the phone out of my hand, but I grab it, forcing it into my blouse to hold onto it.
Kicking and bucking, I struggle violently, but I’m no match for Danny’s strength. He presses down hard on my neck, cutting off my air supply. I strain against his grasp, my heart pounding so hard
I think it will burst. Danny increases the pressure, growling in my ear like the monster he is.
I grow weak, my vision dimming black around the edges.
It only takes about five seconds for me to go limp.
“I gave you to him,” I hear Danny’s voice growl from somewhere far away as I fade off into darkness. “But now I’m taking you back.”
Chapter 27
Zander
“You look like shit.”
I look up at Charles and see him smile. Grunting a humorless laugh, I lean forward and toss the papers back to him.
“I guess that’s what happens when you get your hands dirty,” he says with a glint in his eyes.
“You couldn’t be happier, could you?” I ask him.
“Just surprised you risked your pretty boy face,” he says with a smirk.
“You’re not the only one,” I mutter beneath my breath. My father hasn’t let it go. Everyone knows. I’m a disgrace. Or so my father tells me. I haven’t responded to him, and I won’t. He’ll never understand. She’s worth more than anything. She’s worth far more than my reputation. If my father could understand that, my mother may still be breathing.
“What’s going on with her?” Charles asks me, catching my attention with his tone.
“What do you mean?” My heart races a little faster with him questioning me about her. I don’t want anyone to question it.
“The money-” he starts to ask, and I cut him off. I’m so fucking sick of talking about money. So much fucking money runs through my hands. I don’t need it. I’m tired of chasing it. I just want to live a full life. One with her.
“I’ll give her the money, but it’s not going to him. It’s just for her.” My voice is flat, but firm.
“So it’s just the month?” Charles asks.
My stomach drops at his question. She said she doesn’t want to leave me and I believe her, but only time will tell if she’s actually happy. If I can give her enough. “I’d rather it not be.”
His brow raises as he leans back in his seat, the leather groaning. “It seems... expensive.”
I shrug, not knowing what to say.
“How do the contracts work?” Charles asks.
“It’s just a month,” I explain, and my voice is flat. “After that, I’m keeping her.”
“Paying?” he asks, resting his ankle on his knee and tapping his foot.
“No.” I’m harsh with my answer, narrowing my eyes. He raises his hands defensively. “She’s not a whore,” I say and I practically spit the words. Is it too much to think she’d want me without my money? I don’t entertain the thought. I refuse to think she’d leave me. She’s not in it for the money. She’ll stay when the contract is over. I’ll make sure of it. Whatever she desires, I’ll give it to her. I’ll spend every cent of my wealth on her to keep her happy.
“I’m just asking out of curiosity.”
I’m about to tell him to mind his own business when he adds, “They're an interesting thing, the auctions.”
I glance at the screen on the computer as he talks. The living room is empty, the house quiet and cold without her in it.
“I imagine a woman would put herself up for auction… if she knew about it.”
I check the cameras to the house again, but Arianna’s not home yet. She knows to be home when I get back. My only request is that she greet me when I get home. If I had it my way, she’d never leave, but I’m not so selfish to think that’s possible.
“Your sweetheart isn’t home yet?” Charles asks me, and there’s a slight mocking tone in his voice. I just give him a sharp look and don't say anything.
“It’s different, seeing you like this,” he says.
“Like what?” Weak. I’ve never felt as though Charles was an enemy, but his tone makes me question.
His answer surprises me. “Like you give a fuck.”
I stare at him, searching his face for his intentions, but I don’t have to guess.
“I’m jealous,” Charles admits and then looks away, staring past me and out to the window behind me. The dark night of the city sky playing shadows across his face.
“Jealous?” I ask him, a smile creeping onto my lips.
“Not jealous of your face,” Charles answers with a smirk. I huff a laugh and lean back in my seat.
“It’s good to see you happy,” Charles says with a lowered voice. I meet his eyes and I know with everything in me he’s being genuine.
I prefer not to let the emotions dictate my response. I shake them off, leaning back in my seat and resting my chin in my hand. “I’ll be happy when Brooks is out of the picture.”
“Changing the subject,” Charles says, the grin fading from his lips. It’s quiet a moment until he answers, “Soon.”
“When is it happening?” I ask him as I pick up the slate block, and the edges seem sharper to me than they ever have before.
Charles shrugs, “It all depends on what you’d like.” He takes out his phone, tapping the screen and bringing up Brooks’ information. “He’s predictable. If you’d like it to look natural, that can be arranged. I suppose it just depends on when and where.”
I nod my head once, debating on what to respond, but Charles interrupts me, “We have a problem.”
There’s an urgency in his voice that makes me sit up straighter. I wait for him to continue as he watches the phone, his body stiff.
“Where’s Arianna?” he asks me.
“She should be at my place s-”
“He was at her place. He changed his routine. He went to her house.”
My hands grip the edge of the desk. “He’s on Fourth Street?” There’s only one reason that Brooks would go there. I take out my own phone and message Arianna to text me back and stare at the screen. Willing her to text me, but nothing comes.
I can’t wait. “When was he there?” I ask Charles, my voice fighting to hold back the panic I feel. She’s been gone for hours. My thumb taps across my phone and I call her. The phone rings and rings, but there’s no answer. Everything in me stills, he’s gotten to her.
Charles nods his head as he taps on the screen of his phone. “Three hours ago.” I hang up the phone and realize that’s right when she left. He was watching her. I call her again. Ring. Ring. Ring.
“Where is he now?” I ask him as my ice-cold blood slowly pumps through my veins.
“His place.”
“On Andrews?” I confirm, already grabbing my keys off the desk and leaving for the door.
“Yeah,” Charles says as he grabs his coat and comes up behind me.
“He has her. I know it.”
Charles nods his head, throwing on his coat as I open the door.
“You’re coming?” I ask him.
He nods his head once, the mask of indifference on his face morphing as he smiles at me. “I can’t let you have all the fun.” His humor does nothing to ease me. Right now nothing will make me feel as though I haven’t already lost her.
“We’ll get her back, Zander,” he tells me as he places a hand on my shoulder.
I don’t answer him. The door closes behind us as I stalk to the elevator with purposeful strides. I’m not letting him take her. I’ll kill him first.
Chapter 28
Arianna
Whoosh!
The sound of the whip sings through the air before lashing against my bare back. Crack!
A strangled scream rips from my throat, echoing in the hollow basement as blazing pain shoots up and down my flesh. I weakly struggle against my binds, sweat beading my brow. I’m suspended, naked, held up by chains hanging from the ceiling.
It’s useless to fight. My head lolls to the side as my aching body screams at me to do something, yet I’m too weak. I never had a chance. I woke up in this position, and every ounce of my body is sore from fighting.
Despair consumes me.
The only thing I feel is pain.
I scream and scream again until my voice is raw and cracking, shaking against my
binds, my back on fire. After several agonizing moments, my head drops forward and I hang limp against my bindings, my limbs trembling as a cold sweat breaks out all over my body. I don’t know if he’s going to hit me again, but I don’t even know if I’ll even feel it, my vision blackening around the edges.
“I gave you everything,” Danny says behind me, his boots thudding against the cement floor as he paces behind me, his voice filled with utter contempt.
My eyelids open at the sound of his voice. He hasn’t spoken since I woke up. My voice is sore from screaming, from begging and pleading. I can feel the cool air blowing over the open lashes and it stings with a pain that’s indescribable, but even that isn’t enough to scream over. The only movements, the only sounds I have the energy for are those that are instinctual. And even then, it’s dulled by exhaustion.
I lick my dry, cracked lips. “Danny... please,” my voice croaks as I cry weakly, tears streaming down my hot face. “You don’t have to do this.” I think I say the words, but my eyes are so heavy, my body so weak and the pain so unbearable, I’m not certain of anything.
“He wants to keep you?” Danny asks angrily.
I swallow back the lump of fear in my throat as I try to think of a response. I clench my sweaty hands, my fingers brushing against the rough metal and the raw cuts at the sharp cuffs shoot a pain down my arms that makes me wince.
“And you want him too, don’t you?” Danny’s words are just a whisper. His voice is eerily calm. I try to pick my head up, my throat too dry to answer.
I hear him drop the whip. My heart slams in my chest, and my body stiffens. I think that’s what I heard. Please God, please. I can’t take any more.
“Well he can have you back,” Danny whispers next to my ear. His breath feels so cold. Everything feels so cold. “As soon as I’m done with you,” Danny says as he wraps my hair around his wrist and pulls my head back too sharply, a scream tears through me as my neck is ripped to the side.
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