Kanara
I sat there, scrubbing the flooring in the room. My fingers ached as I put in unnecessary force. I was hoping to scrub away my shame… like how I rubbed my body raw in the shower. I want every trace of what happened last night–gone.
I finished cleaning up my mess, tossing the scrub brush into the bucket that sat next to me. I sighed, running the back of my forearm across my brow. My stomach rumbled, sending vibrations up my core. I shoved myself off the floor, grabbing the bucket to take back downstairs.
I exited the room, the bucket weighing heavier than it actually was. My wrists ached, my arms felt like they’d pop out of their sockets. I winced with each step I took down the stairway, taking care to not slosh the water out of the bucket. My feet finally hit the bottom floor, my chest heaving up and down. I wanted so badly to sleep, but I was terrified of what would happen if I did. Pursing my lips together, I willed myself forward.
The mansion was bleak to say the least. The walls were full of unnecessary art pieces, plants lined the desks that popped up here and there. It wasn’t homey at all. As a matter of fact, it gave off air bnb vibes if anything. Trying to lure you in with a false sense of security, then rip it away.
Continuing forward, I followed the carpeted path I took when I retrieved the cleaning supplies and bucket. I turned a corner, the back area finally coming into view. I picked my pace up slightly, my need for food making me move quicker. The smell from the kitchen wafted into my nose, making me salivate.
The sounds of clinking, chopping and conversation hit my ears as I entered the bustling kitchen. One of the maids halted with what she was doing, raising a brow at me.
“What are you doing here?” Her voice was hollow.
“I– am done with this.” Confusion riddled it’s way through me. They weren’t this rude before.
“Over there, out in the back. Dump it out and leave it.” She turned her attention back to helping out one of the chefs. I tucked my head down, moving forward. I was met with the immediate cool October air that sent chills all over my body. With my teeth chattering, I turned the bucket over, dumping the contents out into the small basin that had a drain. I placed the bucket down, turning on the faucet to rinse my hands off.
Rubbing my hands on my pants, I went to head inside. I was met with a maid blocking my way.
“What do you think you’re doing?” She folded her arms, tapping her foot.
“I– was doing what you told me to do.” I raised a brow at her adjusting myself. She eyed me up and down, scoffing. My stomach rumbled loud enough for her to hear. Her nose scrunched into disgust.
“You’re not fit to lay with Dimitiry.” She turned, gesturing for me to come through. I glared at her, making my way over to the door. As I stepped through the frame, she put her foot out, tripping me. I fell face first, smacking my nose on the hard floor. The room erupted in laughter as snot, blood and tears ran from my face.
“W-what the f**k!?” I hissed, pinching my nose.
“You’re nothing but a dog!” She spat, grabbing a trash bucket from the counter. She tipped it, emptying the contents onto my head. Raw chicken pieces hit my hair, along with discarded pieces of vegetables. “ So eat like one!” she giggled as humiliation washed over me while pain blinded me.
I was surrounded by more laughter while I struggled to get up.
“I can’t believe how f*****g petty you are. Calling me a dog…” I gritted my teeth, glaring at them. “I am more important than either of you. My family is the reason why I was married into this hell hole…” I picked a piece of food out of my hair, throwing it at the maids face. She gasped as it hit her cheek, sliding down and plopping on the floor with a sick thud. The room fell in silence as I huffed, stomping my way over the counter. I grabbed a banana and a muffin.
“f**k you!” I flipped them off, taking a bite out of the pastry. I turned, huffing as I exited the kitchen. I might not be able to fight against Dimitiry, but I can fight against these assholes.
Stuffing the muffin in my mouth, I walked down the corridor back to the room. As I ascended the steps, I finished it, then started working on opening my banana. I peeled it, stepping foot on the landing and walking to the room. Entering it, I took a bite of the fruit, making my way to the balcony that rested off to the side.
I opened the curtains, pulling the sliding door and stepping out. It overlooked the vast lawn that led to the street. The sound of distant barking rang throughout the right of the yard. As I slowly ate my food, I watched the security scour the outside. If I can plot their timing and shift changes–I might be able to get out of here.
I leaned on the banister, chewing as I scanned the guards. My gaze shifted to looking over the fence. The mansion wasn’t too far off from the busy street. Brooklyn was bustling with activity, car horns echoed over the concrete buildings. This plot where the Mikhailov’s built this home was leveled back in 2030. It was tucked in the back of Sackett St. Nestled just next to the Gowanu’s Canal. I was able to see the top of the church I went to. My heart ached at the thought of Father Levi, my mind wondering to the last visit I had with him.
It was a crisp Sunday morning, July 10th. Exactly two months before I was to be wedded off. I was finally told who I’d be married to. I remember sobbing on the bench in front of the statue of Christ. I was devastated that my time was coming to an end. My father ordered me to be locked up in my house for those two months, to assure the Mikhailov family I wouldn’t be “tempted” by other men. I never was. Heck, I had my flings but that’s all they were. I never formed a connection with anyone.
As I clasped my hands together, praying in front of Christ, Father Levi slid next to me. I had my eyes closed, my prayer leaving my lips as he muttered words next to me. I couldn’t quite catch what he said. I finished up my prayer, making the sign of the cross.
“Amen…” I whispered, keeping my eyes low.
“Amen.” His voice, husky and rough. It made my core burn something fierce when he spoke. My heart ached while he shifted in the seat next to mine.
“Father– I’m lost.” I softly spoke, gripping my hands in my lap. Silence. I tilted my head slightly, glancing at him as he stared at the statue. His strong jaw clenched, his brows furrowed. I wanted to reach out and touch him, but I knew better.
“Here’s your handkerchief…” His voice was firm as he handed me the cloth. I blinked, then looked up at him. He turned, his fake smile plastered on his face. “Sorry it took so long to get back to you. The blood refused to come out.” He chuckled wearily while I held it in my hand.
“Father L–Levi I…” I stammered out, my fingers trembling.
“God doesn’t give us more than we can handle… child.” My eyes widened as he reached out, tucking a piece of my hair behind my ear. His facial expression dropped as he pulled his hand from me. He quickly looked away, clearing his throat.
Bewilderment crept its way into my chest. Does–does this mean I might have a chance?
“Father I–” my sentence was cut off.
“Ms. Smirov! It’s time to leave.” Jayce's voice interrupted me. The words I so desperately wanted to ask choked into my throat. Father Levi stood, turning to me. My heart sank as that smile he wore was plastered on his face. Of course I was misinterpreting things. Sighing, I hauled myself off the bench.
“I will see you next week?” His words seemed hopeful. My lips pursed into a thin line.
“Yes.” I lied, not having the heart to tell him I wouldn’t be showing up. A flare of his genuine grin flashed, then dropped. My heart ached to see that again, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to.
I swung my banana peel over the balcony's edge as that memory fleeted away. I released my grip, watching the fruit’s carcass drop into the bushes below. I took a deep breath and pushed off the railing. My body ached as I slowly made my way to the bed. I crawled onto the top blanket, my limbs giving out as my face planted onto the covers. My lids slowly closed as sleep crept in through the corners of my vision.
My dream slowly drifted into my mind. I was back at the church, sitting and praying in front of the Jesus statue.
“You can pray as much as you want, Kanara…” Father Levi's voice slid through my ears, snapping my head upward. He placed his hands on my shoulders, leaning down and whispering over my lobe.
“But you’re riddled with sin.” His voice was husky, sharp and final. His digits wrapped around my throat, pulling my head backwards. My lips parted as I stared up into those wonderful eyes of his.
“Wish to repent my little canary?” His grip tightened, my breathing becoming shallow. I nodded as best as I could.
“Then sing for me–” He released me, my body igniting into a fury of lust. I took in sharp breaths as an unseen entity whispered into my skull. My legs parting, my eyes rolling back into my head. I couldn’t move my limbs, my mind going blank while Father Levi’s voice rang out around me.
“You want this heavenly mouth on you don’t you?” the words were far, yet near at the same time. I chewed my lip, nodding.
I couldn’t see anything going on, the room was foggy as it felt like someone was lapping at my c**t. My back arched, my nerves tingling as my core tightened.
“Oh–fuck!” I whispered out, pleasure erupting around my body. I’ve never felt this way before and I didn’t want it to end. My muscles tightened as a grip on my thigh sent shocks up my leg. Moaning, my head rolled to the right. I sucked in a breath when something entered into my v****a. My legs clamped shut, an orgasm ripping through me.
I flung my body forward, gasping for air. My vision blurry, my mind confused as the church in my mind slowly dissipated into my current jail cell. Tears slipped from my eyes and down my cheeks. It was such a vivid dream.
Before I could shake the sleep off my groggy mind, the bedroom door flung open, slamming into the wall. I jumped, falling backward and almost falling off the bed. Dimitiry stood, looming in the doorway. A man stood behind him, he looked middle aged with white hair.
Dimitriy took a step through the frame, his brows pulled together as his jaw twitched.
“You– b***h!” His nostrils flared as he strode up to me. My body froze even though my mind was screaming at me to move. He quickly reached the edge of the bed, shooting his hand out and grabbing me by the shoulder. Yanking me to him, he moved his other hand up to my hair, gripping it tightly and pulling hard.
“Dimitiry! Wh-” I was met with a slap across the face. Tears stung my eyes as my cheek flared with a heat I couldn’t describe.
“You don’t disrespect my employees.” He spat, leaning over me.
“I wouldn’t have too if they had manners!” I hissed at him, grabbing his wrist with my free hand. I dung my nails into him as I stared daggers into him. He chuckled, pulling me and throwing me to the floor. My body skidded, the carpet burning into my skin.
“This is doctor Malcom.” Dimitiry raised his hands, adjusting his cuffs. I groaned, pushing myself up onto my hands. “I was going to have him use a local numbing agent to remove your device…” My gut dropped as the words left his mouth.
“No! I–”
“Shut the f**k up.” He took a step toward me, my body flinching to his presence. He raised his hand, gesturing for the doctor to come in. Malcom walked in, his head hung low.
“Chop chop… I have to get back to the club.” He bent down, grabbing me and pulling me to my feet. He dragged me to the bed. My mind snapped.
“No!” I screamed, thrashing against his hold. I twisted so hard, my skin burned as I moved within his hold. I did the only thing I could think of. My knee shot out, crushing into his groin. He released me, collapsing to the floor.
I scrambled as best as I could, bolting for the door. The doctor did little to get in my way. I slipped, falling to the floor. Pain erupted throughout my body as my limbs hit the marble. Flailing around, I finally managed to get back on my feet, moving quickly and getting to the top of the stairs. My chest screamed at me as I made my descent. I could hear Russian being spewed at me as I hit the lower floor.
Willing my legs to go, I pushed forward. My lungs burning as I rounded the corridor's end, heading for the door in front of me. Bursting through the heavy doors, I gasped the sweet cool October air. Grinding my teeth, I jumped down the steps. Adrenaline coursing through my veins moved my arms and legs like no tomorrow. The grass slapping against my bare feet, my hair whipping in the breeze while tears streamed down my eyes.
“Ataka*!” Was yelled behind me, the sound making me glance over my shoulder. My eyes widened as a guard in uniform stood some forty feet behind me, pointing. A German shepherd sat perfectly at his feet. It snarled, lunging at me as soon as those words hit the air.
*attack*
Scrunching my brows, I turned my attention back to the path in front of me, moving with more purpose. The panting from the animal behind me increased and grew closer. Panic rose within me as its hot breath hit my ankle. My body jolted, snapping my foot up. Teeth gnashing echoed through the air, the realization that it just barely missed me sent my adrenaline into over drive.
My muscles burned, my lungs screamed as I sobbed, the gate barely getting closer. Before I could wrap my brain around what happened, I was slammed to the floor. I instinctively put my hands up, covering the back of my neck. The weight on my back was intense, shoving all the air in my lungs out. I felt a dull pressure, then a pain shooting through my knuckles. I screamed a blood curdling sound as the animal on my back tore into my hands, ripping chunks of my hair out.
“Ostanovka*!” The words came to me muffled, a warm sensation dripping from my knuckles had me choking in breaths. Sobbing, I tried to get up. I moved my fingers in front of me, the color of my face draining as large lacerations etched their way into the tops of my hands. Bone shone through on my middle knuckle.
*Halt*
“ Shlyuka*!” Dimitiry’s voice came through the distorted buzzing that filled my ear drums. A sharp pain shot through my ribs as his foot connected to me. Coughing and spitting, I curled into myself, protecting my organs as he continued to beat me.
*w***e*
“Pull one more f*****g stunt like that…” His voice was full of disdain as he stopped his assault, bending over and grabbing me. “I will chop you up and feed you to the fish in the canal.” He did a horrible sound, clearing his throat then bringing the phlegm up and spitting it into my face.
Humiliation, pain and rage burned through me while he dragged me back to that house. My heart plummeted into my stomach as the doors behind us closed, the sound of the latches clicking rattled my bones with a devastating loss I haven’t felt since the day my mother died.