CHAPTER 003
1167 Words
Trapped in the Dark
Harper jumped awake with her muscles rigid while she examined the faintly illuminated room around her. The usual oppressive darkness had receded enough for her to identify the room's furniture without having to use Garrett’s remote to change the lighting.
Her body relaxed as relief swept through her and she allowed herself to settle deeper into the soft pillows. She relaxed momentarily before reality crashed back into her.
She really had to pee.
She kicked away the blankets and scanned the room urgently seeking a bathroom. Two doors stood to the right. The closest one had to be it. She hurried across the room but discovered that the door led to a gigantic walk-in closet.
“Nope,” she whispered as she spun and sprinted toward the second door. The discovery of a bathtub inside brought her close to tears of relief.
With her task completed she took a moment to breathe freely and observe her environment. The bathroom featured sleek black tiles and a rainfall showerhead along with a deep bathtub where someone could easily submerge. The sight of the bathtub made her muscles scream for a warm bath. Given all she had endured lately Selene recognized her body needed a hot bath.
A sense of caution gripped her thoughts while she tried to relax. Garrett’s true intentions towards her remained completely unknown to her. No clue what his endgame was. She needed a potential exit strategy ready in case things took a turn.
Her eyes darted around for a window. Nothing. Just endless walls trapping her in. After a frustrated sigh she accepted that searching for a way out meant she would have to return to the bedroom.
She hesitated, debating her next move. The sensation of Garrett's hands clinging to her earlier made her feel nauseous.
Shower first. Escape later.
As she activated the shower water she moved quickly to secure the door before removing her fragile nightgown. The moment the steaming water made contact with her skin she felt a shiver run through her body. She finally understood the extent to which her body had been gripped by tension at this moment.
She allowed the warmth to penetrate her muscles as she remained standing longer than advised. She reached out for the bottles displayed along the shelf and tested each scent before choosing honey. The only scent that brought her memories of home was honey. Of safety.
While she massaged shampoo through her hair she became lost in spiraling thoughts. What was next? What did Garrett expect from her? When she screamed no one ever came to help before. No one cared. She understood she had to handle things by herself.
The steaming water failed to eliminate the tightness of her anxiety as it twisted around her belly.
After much hesitation she exited the room and covered herself with a heavy towel. She discarded the idea of wearing the nightgown because she suspected something better might be hidden in the closet. She had to choose something superior to what she received.
With her hand she cleared the mirror of steam and glimpsed her reflection. Her long dark hair stuck to her moist skin and hung down past her waist. The single aspect of her being which she genuinely cherished was herself. Her father’s eyes stared back at her from her reflection and triggered a sharp pain in her chest. She couldn’t afford to break down. Not now.
She held her body steady as she opened the door and entered the bedroom.
Still alone. Good.
Moving decisively she approached the closet to find something she could put on. At first glance, nothing useful. In the rear of the closet she found a bag hidden away.
Her heart jumped when she opened the bag but sadness followed swiftly when she saw what was inside. Tight dresses. Skimpy underwear. A joke. A mockery of a wardrobe. This was the attire Garrett had in mind for her to wear?
Her stomach churned yet she had no alternative option. She would choose this dress over the nightgown or the towel.
She entered the dress and tugged the hem downwards hoping it would extend its coverage.
A voice cut through the quiet.
“Oh good, you found your clothes. You might have considered waiting before wearing them.
Harper’s breath caught in her throat.
Garrett was sitting on her bed. When had he come in? How had she not heard him?
She stepped back while her heartbeat pounded against her ribs.
“What… what do you mean?”
A predatory edge appeared in his movements as he slowly stood while amusement danced in his eyes.
She tightly gripped the fabric at her sides between her fingers. She glanced at the door. If she ran—
They will be unnecessary soon, he whispered.
Her stomach dropped.
He reached her position before she could respond as his hands secured her waist and forced her into the wall. His scent surrounded her—something sharp, powerful. Overwhelming.
A hard object pressed against her belly while bile burned its way up her throat.
She fought him off with all her strength but her muscles remained feeble.
She shouted "No!" with a sharp tone but he showed little response.
His lips brushed against her neck. “Come on, baby. I’ll make you feel good.”
She shoved at his chest. “Stop. I don’t want this.”
His grip tightened. “You sure about that?”
Her heartbeat pounded in her ears. She could hear people outside. They had to hear this. They had to know what was happening.
No one came.
Her pulse raced. She was alone. Completely alone.
Garrett moved his hand downward until his fingers wrapped around her thigh. She thrashed, trying to get away. He gripped her breast tightly with his other hand.
“No!”
He stopped his movement and pulled back only slightly to turn his attention to her face. His expression darkened. “Are you telling me no?”
His voice sent an icy chill through her veins. She had never before witnessed anyone defy him in this manner.
His grip tightened painfully. “Think carefully about that answer. I am the sole person responsible for your protection in this place.
A warning. A threat.
She swallowed hard. Her chest was gripped by fear while a fiercer emotion smoldered below. She wouldn’t give in. Wouldn’t let him take this from her.
Her eyes locked with his but her limbs shook underneath the firmness of her stare.
Her voice remained steady as she declared, "No." “You are not my mate.”
Silence.
Then, slowly, Garrett stepped back. His lips curved into a smirk while his eyes revealed a different truth.
He wasn’t done with her.
Not yet.
Harper held her breath until he turned away and headed for the door. Before leaving, he glanced over his shoulder. You’ll find out how persistent you can be about that statement.
The door clicked shut behind him.
- Writer
