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Chapter 7-8

My mind is completely racing. I am angry, scared and uncertain about what is about to transpire.  I am scared because I don ́t know if I am even going to get out of this madness. Everything I knew has been a lie. To think that April only befriended me for Craig ́s dad makes me want to vomit. The one person I thought saved me, who I considered to be my sister, has now single handedly ruined my life! All these thoughts and emotions have me trembling. I can feel my legs begin to buckle, but I know I have to be strong if I want to get out of this alive.  

Outside the door I can hear their voices getting closer and closer. Just then I hear April tell the men that we are in my room. My eyes fill with tears over her betrayal. April unlocks the door with her spare key. As they open the door I can see the fear on her face. It was not what I was expecting. She looks as distraught as I am. Her is face full of sorrow. She doesn´t say a word. All she does is look down at her feet. I began to feel my body fill with rage. I can't believe she won't even look me in the eyes! As she moved to the side, Craig's father with three other large men carrying guns pushed their way into my room. I grabbed Craig ́s hand to make sure he didn't do anything. Before anyone could say anything I angrily asked April how she could betray me when I thought she was my friend! The tension filled the room as they pushed their way in. Now Craig had placed himself in front of me keeping them from getting to close. Just then Craig snarled,

¨You don't have to do this and you know it dad ̈ he continued

¨It's not too late to let us walk out of here because I am not going to let you take her ̈

̈No ̈, I shouted at him. Just then he turned towards me and I stopped him. 

̈ ̈Craig, I told you I will comply with his wishes ̈ I was trying to be strong, but my voice started to crack. Mr. Whitman reached towards Craig as if to calm the situation. Craig quickly pushed his hand away. 

̈ ̈Dad are you kidding me ̈, he angrily shouted at him as if he was appalled. Mr. Whitman calmly stepped back, now he has this sly smile on his face. He was unphased by Craig ́s unwillingness to let them take me. You could tell he is a very confident man. Things always goes his way. He was just standing there staring at us with that smile. Him and his men were all dressed very well. They were wearing Armani suits and they were all physically fit. Their lean bodies and jet black hair made them almost irresistible. Mr. Whitman has these crystal blue eyes that looked right through you. Finally, he decided to speak. I was so scared. I didn't know if he planned on killing Craig or maybe he will just kill both of us. My palms began sweating as I gripped Craig ́s hand.

̈Look Craig, you know how this can go, I don't want that for you. I came here because I knew you were about to ruin your life by telling her ̈

Now looking more serious, he calmly leaned in closer to Craig.

̈Son, you knew when you killed her father there was no turning back ̈

¨You know we have to deliver her to them¨

¨These men get what they want and if she doesn ́t go willingly then we have no choice ̈ 

¨Seriosly son, you followed and tracked her every move for almost a year¨

¨What is wrong with you¨ he snarled 

¨She was your mark and the last thing you should of done was fall in love with her¨ he barked.

He ran his hand threw his thick dark hair as he paced back and forth. Mr. Whitman angrly went on to explain how me knowing about their secret society could only mean two things. I become a willing member after the deal is done and partake in the activities just like April has or I die. There is no turning back now! I could tell he didn't want to kill Craig. I felt torn because this is the man that took my father's life for trying to save me. I hated him so much for what he has done! I just wanted this to be a nightmare that I could wake up from. I felt my face burning with rage over the thought of how all these people have ruined any chance I had at a normal life. I ripped my hand from Craig ́s. Just then they all looked at me. My face was flushed as tears began to flowing down my cheeks. 

¨I won't  go so I guess you'll have to kill me ̈

I stood there angrily and emotional! I knew in that moment I would rather die there then let these men take me. I could never do the things they wanted me too! No! No, they were not going to win this time! My dad didn't die in vain I told myself. Mr. Whitman started to laugh. 

̈What's so funny I shouted at him ̈!

He looked at me and explained that I could die right there if that is what I wanted to do. They couldn't take me kicking and screaming and they wouldn't. No, he told me with almost a snicker in his voice as if he was amused by my refusal. 

̈Sweetie, if you don't go we will kill you and then we will have to kill my son¨ he went on.

¨You don't have to go because we already have your replacement in place¨

¨I knew Craig would try to intervene so we found a beautiful replacement that shares the same DNA as you ̈

All the anger drained from my body. I started to feel like I might pass out. Craig turned towards me grabbing me at my waist just as my knees began to buckle. His eyes were filled with sorrow. As I gripped his arms I began to cry. 

¨Not my sister¨ I mumbled almost as if I couldn´t get the words to come out of my mouth. I knew he wasn't kidding. How could I let this happen to Samantha? It didn't matter if I gave up my life because they would just take her. The tears were now just streaming down my face. I could feel my eyes starting to swell as the mascara streaked my face. I whispered, ̈no I will go ̈. 

Craig wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his chest. He began squeezing me so tight. I could hear his heart pounding so loudly. I nuzzled my face into his silky shirt and just wept. So many thoughts began to run through my head again. How could I love this man? How could this be happening to me? I couldn't comprehend how we even got here. Craig then angerly said to me, ¨I will never let them touch you¨!

¨I will find a way to get you out of this¨

Mr. Whitman grabbed Craig by the shoulders. He leaned into his ear and whispered ¨it doesn't have to be this way son¨ he then pleaded with him.

̈ ̈Come with us. You can stay with her until the party and you will see that she will be treated well ̈ 

He sounded as if for one moment he might have cared for his son. Mr. Whitman didn't want to have to kill him and he knew they weren't taking her without him resisting. I pushed back away from him and interrupted him. 

¨I will go if Craig is coming with me and I promise to cooperate ̈ 

I felt my heart sink as I knew my life was about to change forever. I just knew that Craig wouldn't let them hurt me so I needed him with me. I knew I was safe with him. 

It was the longest ride of my life. No one said a word the whole way there. Mr. Whitman took a separate limo, but made sure one of his goons rode along with us. We drove for what felt like forever. As we pulled in I realized we were at the same mansion from the night of the party. I remembered that fountain and the sound that the water makes when it splashes along the sides of its marble walls. I also remembered that long driveway that lead up to the house, only this time I was full of fear. When the car came to a stop, Mr. Whitman ́s guard stepped out and ushered for us to follow. Craig stepped out first while helping me out. He pulled me in tight and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. We followed the man into the house and through the ballroom. He took us down a long hall that led to the West wing. There was an oversized wooden door that had a code entry lock. He punched in the pin and told us to follow him. 

It felt like there was a thousand steps. They were large and bulky made from grey stone. When we finally reached the bottom he took us down another long hallway. It was oddly white. The walls were so bright and looked as if it was just painted. There were several doors also with code entry locks. Up in the corners of the ceiling were cameras that seemed to follow us as we walked through the hallway. Finally, we reached a door. It was just the same as the others. It was so white and you could hear a small beeping as he typed in the numbers. When the door opened he told us to go in. Craig abruptly pushed past him while pulling me along. Once inside the man closed the door and locked us in.

I have to admit, the place was gorgeous! It had all white leather furniture with a large white fluffy rug in the living room. Pictures of exotic places filled the walls. The kitchen was also white and had all stainless steel appliances. It had two sinks and an island with a stove top that was flawlessly clean. The cabinets and refrigerator was fully stocked. It had everything you could possibly need. I could hear my shoes tapping against the marble floors as I made my way into the bedroom. In the center of the room there was a huge king size bed with a beautiful desk that looked like it was handmade. Dressers lined both walls and the drawers were filled with men and women's clothing all in our exact sizes. I thought to myself this had to be planned for a while now. The place was well stocked and beautifully decorated. There was huge mirrors throughout the entire place. I caught a glimpse of myself as I passed one making my way into the bathroom. I looked so disheveled.

My eyes were swollen and my hair looked so unkept. I walked into the bathroom where a huge roman tub sat in the middle of the room. I turned as Craig began to enter the room, ̈I just want to be alone right now". I reassured him I just needed some time to process everything and he understood. I closed the door and locked it behind me. I'm not sure who I was trying to keep out, but I just knew I needed to be alone. 

As the tub began to fill, I sank down into it slowly. The water was so warm as it covered my body. My head began pounding from crying so much. I had so many questions that just kept flooding my mind. Why did Craig do this to me? Am I going to live when this is done? Who is this man that I have been sworn too? I began to cry again. I couldn't take it anymore. I just wanted out. As the water began to cover my neck I slide even further down into the tub. I just wanted out! I didn't want to be here anymore! I couldn't stand the thought that I was being sold off to the highest bidder. I tried to shake off the nightmarish thoughts that were going through my mind. What if they sell me to someone else? Mr. Whitman said I had to stay a member if I wanted to live. They would never let me go now since I know to much. What if they just sell me into the s*x trafficing trade? I couldn't bear the thoughts anymore and I submerged myself under the water. I thought about what this would mean for Samantha if I killed myself, but I couldn't bring myself to get up. The water had now made its way out of the tub and under the door. I could hear Craig trying to get in. I closed my eyes as I let out my last breath. As Craig stood outside the door becoming more and more panicked he began to try and knock it down. After a couple good blows the door flew open and he began to yell.

̈No, god no ̈!

He pulled me from the water and laid my naked body on the floor. He started sobbing.

̈ ̈What have you done Jade ̈ he cried out.

In ran one of Mr. Whitman ́s men who heard the commotion and he pushed Craig to the side as he frantically began CPR. It wasn't long before I started coughing up the water that filled my chest. Craig now placing his hand under the back of my head. My hair dripping wet fell through his fingers. He kissed me and muttered, ̈Jade don't ever do that again ́. Craig now turning towards the man who had just saved me ordered him to leave us alone. He picked me up off the cold floor and carried me into the bedroom. I couldn't say anything. I just layed there as he sat me down on the bed and I began to cry. Craig found some clothes in the closet and began dressing me. I was emotionally drained and I just laid there. When he was finished he pulled down the large white comforter and helped me get into bed. My hair was still soaked and so was Craig. He quickly stripped off his suit and climbed into bed with me. He held me all night and watched me sleep. The next morning when I woke up, he was still just staring at me. I covered my eyes hoping that all this would go away and I would be back at my home in my bed. Craig tugged at my arm as if he wanted to see my face. 

¨I am so sorry Jade that I have done this to you ̈ his voice was so quiet and remorseful. 

̈ ̈If I could take it all back I would ̈ he continued as he began to look away from me. 

I knew he meant everything he was saying. We hadn't known each other long, but in the past few months we had grown so close. I would always catch him just looking at me with this smile that melts my heart. He often would push my hair back from my eyes or tuck it back behind my ear while caressing my face. When he would kiss my lips he would do so softly and slowly and then look deep into my eyes. I never had anyone touch me like that and when he told me I was beautiful I truly believed him. He just made me feel so loved. I couldn't help but to keep asking myself how we ended up here? How could this man be a killer?! A paid killer at that! 

All I did know was that my life has been a lie and that the only good thing left in it was him. I turned towards him and wrapped my arms around him and slide my head onto his bare chest. He turned and pulled me in closer and our legs intertwined into one another. We laid there for a while. No talking, we just laid there in each others arms. I honestly in that moment felt so much love for this man! I knew if we ever got out of this I wanted to marry him one day. Even knowing what I knew of him. I didn't care because I loved him so much!

                                                                      Chapter 8

A few weeks has passed. Craig and I are still living in this strange little apartment hidden away in the basement of the mansion. We don't have any windows, clocks or televisions so it made it hard to keep track of the time. Craig wouldn't let us nap because he was afraid it would be harder to know what time of day it is or Month. He tried his best to keep us on a normal schedule. We have no clue if it is night or day or what the weather is like outside. Craig made a small calendar so we can keep track of what day it was and hopefully we would know what season we were in just in case we could escape. I often wonder when the party would take place because we haven't seen anyone since the night in the tub. Every morning I wake up asking myself I if today will be the day. Honestly, I am starting to get to the point that I just want it to be over with already. I will say, not all of our time spent down here is bad. 

Craig and I cook together every night. He is such an amazing chef. The other night we prepared Chicken Cacciatore with garlic bread. Although I hate Mr. Whitman, he does make sure we get whatever we request. Every Tuesday we take an inventory of what we are running low on then we send it back up in the delivery chute. Usually the next day it will come back down with all of our request. We thought about trying to escape through it, but his father has a guard there around the clock. For the most part, we are trying to just make the best of the situation. We often play board games to pass the time. Craig surprises me sometimes with little gifts he makes for me. I keep them in a old pasta box just so I can look at them when this place starts to get to me. The nights have gotten a little harder on us as we often find ourselves fighting off the urge to be with one another. One night things went a little further than they should have gone. I hate that I have to tell him to stop. I wanted him so badly, but I know the consequences of our actions. Since then, we have learned to not take it that far. I get bored so I am often cleaning to try and pass the time. Tonight while I was putting our clothes away, Craig volunteered to make dinner all by hisself.

¨He must be getting tired of me¨ I chuckled to myself.

As he starts to cook you can just smell the aroma of garlic filling the rooms. He is sauteeing garlic, onions and freshly cut potatoes. It´s one of my favorites! I don't know if it is the olive oil or something else that he uses, but they just melt in your mouth. It wasn´t long before I heard him yell for me to come and join him at the dinner table.

As I walked out of the room, I saw he had prepared the table for tonight. Craig place two long red candle sticks that give the room a soft glow. He also set the table with some beautiful china that is usually stored under the island in the kitchen. The table cloth is white and it has a red rose petal pattern that match the china. I am honestly taken aback by home much thought he put into setting the table for us.

Just then Craig pulls out my chair, ¨have a seat my love¨.

I sit down as he walks over to the chair next to me. He he began filling our glasses with some red wine. When he finished pouring the wine he placed a glass in front of me. I then proceeded to take a sip while he unwrapped a basket of warm garlic rolls. I have to admit, I am truly impressed!

¨You did all this for me¨ I asked?

Craig stopped what he was doing to reach for my hand.

¨I love you Jade. I would do anything for you¨

As he finished his sentence he gently kissed my cheek. Still to this day he gives me butterflies. I truly am truly deeply inlove with him. I sat there just taking it all in. I couldn´t help to gaze over at him. Craig is really dressed for tonights dinner. He put on his favorite pair of navy blue dress pants with his white button down long sleeve shirt. He always rolls the cuffs back to where it exposing a small tattoo that he has on his left forearm that red 082908. I had asked him once what it meant, but he never told me. I felt a little under dressed as I only put on my grey cotton sweats with my pink v neck tee. He must of noticed me pulling at my shirt in an attemped to make it look less wrinkled because he just started laughing.

¨What are you doing Jade¨ he asked as he picked up one of the serving bowls.

¨I look a mess Craig. You could of told me to put something nicer on¨ I protested while fidgeting some more with my shirt. 

¨You always look beautiful Jade¨ he quickly interjected while kissing the top of my head. 

He sat back down at the table. He opened his cloth napkin and laid it across his lap. Craig seemed a little more serious tonight. He quickly picked up the bowl of green beans and scooped some onto my plate. 

̈Is everything ok” I asked.

I started to get worried that maybe he knew something that he wasn't telling me. My mind begins to race just thinking about what it could be. What if he knows this is it?! What if I am being taken tonight? With my elbows now on the table, I start to rub my forehead as the fear starts to build. 

̈ ̈Yes babe, everything is good ̈ Craig quickly replies.

He pulls my hand down from my head.

¨Everything is fine I promise¨

¨I love you¨

¨Just relax and enjoy dinner¨ he says with this reassuring look on his face.

Craig reached for his wine glass. While taking a large swig from it he told me that he did want to talk to me about something.

¨I want to talk to you about something that is serious, but it isn´t as easy as I thought it would be¨ he chuckled.

I let out a huge sigh of relief while reaching over to place my hand over his. 

̈ ̈Craig just tell me because whatever it is we can work it out ̈  I said sincerely.

He then chuckles again. I could tell he was nervous. He then shakes his head while returning the bowl to the table. I noticed he had an envelope sitting next to him. My eyes widened a bit as he began reaching towards the sealed letter.

̈ ̈What the heck could it be ̈ I thought to myself.

He reached inside the envelope. When he removed his hand he had a ring made out of a bottle cap. As I noticed what he was holding, Craig stood up and he pushed his chair back. Before I could process what was happening he dropped down onto one knee. As he takes my hand I start to shake.

¨Oh my gosh, is this what I think it is¨ my mind started racing as my heart began pounding in my chest.

I have waited for this day for so long. Craig is the only man for me. My eyes began filling with tears. As one ran down my race Craig´s hand met it to wipe it away.

̈ ̈Jade, I know this place sucks¨ he paused.

¨I know this isn´t a real ring, but when we get out of here will you marry me¨ his eyes were now focusing on the floor.

I began shifting around in my chair as I was in shock. Craig looked up at me. When our eyes met, I noticed he had this worried expression on his face. He glanced back down again at the marble floor. I took a deep breath. I am filled with such anxiety. My hands were starting to sweat as my body began trembling.

Finally I just blurted out, ̈yes I will marry you ̈!

Craig looked up with the biggest smile on his face. Before I knew it, he had picked me up out of my chair. He began smoothering me with kisses. I honestly can say that this is the happiest day of my life.

Later that night we were lying in bed together. I was fidgeting with my ring he made me.

̈Mrs. Whitman ̈, I said playfully.

Craig put down his book he had been reading. He slid down into the bed positioning his body against mine. Then he reached over pulling me in close.

¨I can ́t wait to marry you Jade ̈ he mumbled into my mouth as he began to kiss my lips. 

Craig then leaned back and gave me this look that I could just feel the love he had for me and he told me how beautiful I was. He then reached down and placed his hand under my top and began to rub my stomach. 

̈ ̈One day our baby will be in there you know ̈ 

̈ ̈One day I am going to be a father and you ́re going to be an amazing mother¨ he said as if he just knew. 

He leaned in again and we began kissing me. I just love the way his breath felt on my lips. As we were kissing, he once again began kissing down my neck and up around back towards my chin. He was now kissing my lips again a little harder this time. Our breathing was starting to get heavier now. I felt us getting lost in the moment. As he went to slide his hand underneath the rim of my pajama pants I immediately stopped him.

̈ No, stop Craig¨ I protested as I tried to push him back. He then mumbled again into my mouth while kissing me.

¨I love you Jade ̈

¨I can't wait any longer ̈ he then tried again.

This time I pushed him back off of me. Completely out of breath, I sat up on the bed. We both were breathing so heavily that neither one of us could catch our breath.

̈ ̈No Craig ̈ I said more firmly this time.

We both knew that we couldn't take it down that road. We knew that if we did it would mean death for him. Plus my poor sister would be dragged into this mess. I couldn´t let that happen. As I sat ther, Craig reached for me and pulled me back down onto the bed. 

¨I know Jade and I am sorry I did that ̈ 

The frustration in his voice was very clear. He began talking about trying to get them to come down here so he can kill all of them. As he grew angry, he told me we can just fight our way out. I almost agreed, but there is no sure way to know if we could ever truly get out of here. The next morning while we were sleeping we heard someone come barging into our room. 

̈ ̈Ma ́am get up and get dressed ̈ the man ordered.

Craig demanded to know where he was taking me! 

̈ ̈Calm down lover boy¨ he said with annoyance in his voice.

¨We have to get her a physical to make sure everything is still intact ̈ the man snapped.

Turns out they were taking me to see a doctor. I hurried to put on my clothes. I didn't really want to go, but I can ́t risk Craig getting into a fight with any of them. I looked towards him. He was still sitting on the bed. 

̈ ̈Don ́t worry, I will go and get this over with ̈  I said while quickly climbing back up onto the bed to give him a kiss.

Mr. Whitman ́s guard tugged on my arm to pull me out the door as I heard Craig yell out that he loved me.  Once outside our quarters we didn't go far. He literally took me a few steps down the hall before unlocking one of the other doors. Inside was what looked like a full clinic. A man with a Russian accent wearing a white lab coat quickly greeted us. 

̈ ̈Please don't be nervous¨ he replied while leading me towards a small hospital table. 

The room was so cold. As I looked around I noticed it had several blue curtains that divided the beds from one another. On the wall had a thermometer and blood pressure cuff. The table had white tissue paper pulled down all the way to the edge of the bed. I couldn´t help but notice the cold metal stirrups attached at the end of the table. As my eyes searched around the room I saw a hospital gown laid out for me to put on. The doctor stated that he would be leaving for a few minutes while I put on the gown. When he went to leave he turned to pull the curtain closed to give me some privacy. I could hear the metal rods making a loud clinking sound as he pulled it closed. I began to hurry to put on the gown so I could get this whole thing over with as quick as possible. Once I was dressed I climbed up onto the table waiting for the doctor to return. It was about fifteen minutes when I heard the men´s voices just outside of the room. As I sat there wondering when he would get started, the doctor flung the curtain open. Lets begin he said almost as if he was in a hurry. We didn't say much during the exam. Once it was complete the doctor adviced me he wanted to run some labs. Once he left the room I hurried to get dressed.

As we finished up, he then gave me some vitamins and I told me to take them daily. They were to help my skin, nails and hair grow so they look healthier. I picked up the bag and asked if I could go back to see Craig. As the guard was bringing me back to the room he handed me a bag full of wigs. He told me to try them on so I can get used to wearing them. Honestly, I didn't really care what he was telling me. I just wanted to get back to my fiance and away from these people. Once back in the room Craig was waiting at the door. 

̈ ̈What took so long¨ he asked angrily

The man snarled back at him, ̈It's none of your business and you better watch yourself ̈!

Angrily Craig started to rush over to him. In split seconds he had pinned the man against the wall. Craig was gripping his throat so tightly I thought he may kill him.

̈Stop Craig ̈ I pleaded.

Craig began squeezing the man´s throat even tighter. 

With his teeth gritted he angrily yelled at him, ̈ ̈Don ́t forget who I am and who you are ̈!

¨I can kill you before any of my father ́s men say my name¨!

¨Don ́t forget that ̈ he warned as he released him.

The man went for the door while holding his throat in pain.

Craig yelled out again.

¨You forgetting something ̈ he asked with such anger in his voice.

Craig stood there holding up the man's gun that he had taken off of him. The man ran back over to Craig and jerked the gun from him before quickly leaving. Once outside the room, We could hear him locking us back in. I was so angry at him.

”What are you thinking ̈ I shouted! 

¨He could of killed you and then who is going to protect me Craig ̈I snapped!

I was so mad at him that I pushed past him and threw the bag of wigs down onto the couch. 

̈ ̈Jade, you know I love you and I would never do anything to hurt you ̈Craig pleaded with me to forgive him.

¨I promise I won't do that again ̈ he said sincerely. 

I couldn't stay mad at him. I gave him a kiss and told him I was going to take a shower. 

¨I love you ̈ he shouted as I closed the door. 

As I undressed I thought to myself, I know he really does love me. For a minute I couldn't help fantasizing about how life could be if we ever get out of here. I reached down and held my stomach as I thought about what he said the night before. I want to be his wife and I want to have his babies. I stood there for a while so I could just be in that moment again. I was thinking about how good it felt kissing him. I also couldn´t help but to think about how much I wanted him. After washing my hair, I reached to turn off the shower knobs. As pushed the large glass door open, I reached for my robe hanging on the hook. I stepped onto the towel that I laid acroos the floor. The room was cold so I hurried to put my robe on. It was so quiet that as I was standing there I instantly got a bad feeling. I frantically yelled out to Craig, but there was no response. I opened the bathroom door and yelled again. There was still no response. I began to panic as I started to search each and every room. I couldn´t believe it! My worst fears have come true! He is gone! This can't be happening I cried!