UN-Breakable Read online

  “You’re just so beautiful, my little bird.”

  I felt my body twitch, its last twinge of rebellion kicking in and wanting to kick him, hit him, scratch his eyes out. But before I had a chance to decide on any or none of those, there was a sudden loud and persistent banging on the front door.

  “Damn it!” he whispered to himself, removing his hands from me and standing up. “I’m coming!” he yelled to whoever continued to knock aggressively.

  Glancing down at me, he breathed a long and harsh sigh. “You? You just saved your life. But I want you here and ready when I get back. You understand?”

  I didn’t hesitate, regardless of how much I wanted to. “Yes, Master.” I glanced up at him then returned my eyes to the floorboards before me, but not before I saw the cocky grin spread across his face.

  “I said I’m coming; stop hitting my damn door!” he yelled again, pulling my attention back to him. He looked confused like he didn’t know what to do with me now, and he definitely wasn’t happy about whoever was annoyingly pounding on the door. “Stand up, Gwen. I want you standing here, waiting under that halo of light until I come back. No matter how long that is. And do not make a sound. You won’t get any more fucking chances!”

  As I stood, fighting the protest in my cramped muscles, I nodded my head agreeably and whispered appropriately, “Yes, Master.”

  “That’s my girl.” His creepy smile reappeared just as he shut the door and walked away.

  I was left alone, naked in my little closet. This time with no blanket to hide behind. One might think I’d spend the time berating myself for giving in. Maybe even contemplate everything that had happened and try to reason with myself about my choices. But nothing came. No remorse. No guilt. No fear. Dear God, no happiness. Absolutely nothing. I felt nothing.

  Staring straight ahead at the door, I began counting the different squares and inspecting the pattern in the various shades of wood that were present. I was used to standing for long periods of time. This wasn’t the first time he’d forced me to do so. It was, however, the first time I did it willingly. I quickly became lost in the wood, the faces I could make between the grains when two men’s voices filtered through the closet door.

  “That wasn’t the agreement, Nick,” my tormentor, my master, spoke angrily.

  I pictured them in the living room, both walking toward the bar in the corner, their footsteps easy to hear and follow on the hardwood floor. Master’s voice wasn’t loud, but it wasn’t quiet either. He was most definitely becoming aggravated and upset again, the same way he’d sounded on the phone earlier.

  “I’m not here to discuss any agreements. You know as well as I do. I’m here to give you Boss’ warning.” The new voice spoke in defiance, strong and confident. I pictured him tall and muscular, void of fear, standing up to the evil monster I’d so easily given myself to a few minutes before. “You knew this was coming.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Whatever,” Master spoke again, his voice deflated. “Here, have a drink.”

  “I’ll take water if you have any. I don’t mess with that stuff.”

  Master grunted, clearly unimpressed with this man’s values. I, on the other hand, was surprised and wished I could see him more clearly. He was somebody who stood up to the evil one, fearless in the face of such a demented person, who had values I could respect.

  As if God himself heard my request, the closet door slowly slid open, stopping once there was about a six inch gap. The calm façade I’d allowed myself disappeared in an instant. My heart began pounding, my breath caught in my throat. He’d think I did it on purpose. Even though I hadn’t even considered escaping for once. Surprised by my thought, I didn’t know what to do. Pull the door closed? Try to get the new person’s attention? Stand still and hope neither noticed? All the ideas and expected consequences of each began tumbling through my mind as I stared forward, trying not to panic as I decided what to do.

  Suddenly, a glass slammed against the bar, and footsteps sounded behind the door. A moment later, master walked to the kitchen, followed by the man I’d listened to moments before. Although the light in the kitchen was bright and his back was facing me, making it impossible to see his face, it didn’t stop me from taking in every inch of him that I could see. He was tall and very muscular. I almost wanted to smirk at my own assessment earlier. If I were in a better situation, I would’ve done just that. His tight black t-shirt stretched tautly over large and well defined shoulders. His jeans hugged each curve along his strong backside, down his powerful thighs, leading to well-worn black leather boots. He was a walking powerhouse. Watching the two enter the kitchen together, I realized they must work together, or at least be in some sort of business together. Especially after listening to what they’d said earlier, it only made sense. But if that was correct, I wouldn’t know who would be the worst master of the two. What if I made myself known, only to find myself in a worse condition later on? That thought, and knowing I’d already given up, made my decision. I’d quietly shut the door, hoping to earn some trust from the evil monster I already knew. Maybe one day I’d finally have the opportunity to kill him after all.

  Waiting for the right moment, I took deep calming breaths, trying to alleviate my nerves. I wanted to know where the two men were before I stepped forward and reached out to close the door, but I was unable to hear what they were saying. Whatever it was, it was muffled and didn’t sound pleasant. Quickly deciding I’d either run out of time or fail completely, I leaned forward, lifting my arm toward the door. I’d almost reached the doorknob when he, the WWE lookalike, walked through the kitchen doorway and stepped into the living room. My delay, my procrastination, may have just become my final farewell. Returning to my stock-still stance, arms at my side, I stared at him, anxiously waiting to see what would happen next.

  He stopped almost as quickly as he’d appeared. His body instantaneously rigid as he looked at me, taking in every inch of my unconcealed body. I couldn’t see his eyes clearly with the light shining from behind him, but I saw the shock and surprise flash across his face. I imagined it matched the look on mine as well, my eyes refusing to lower while they waited to see what would happen. We stared at each other for what seemed like minutes, but I knew it was only seconds. His shock was quickly changing to anger and disgust.

  Considering what might have triggered the sudden change, I remembered my nakedness. With dried blood lingering on my face, hair, and chest, I wished I could move into the shadows. Yet, even while ashamed and embarrassed, I was unable to pull away from his powerful stare. I was trapped, both physically and mentally. My chest was rising and falling rapidly, fear growing immeasurably as I watched his emotions continue to play across his features in rapid succession.

  His jaw began grinding, the slight dark beard mesmerizing me as I watched it move. Without turning, he called out, “Alex,” his voice far angrier than before. “Get me another water before I leave.”

  Refusing to end the visual connection we had, he softened his features ever so slightly and angled his head toward my closet door. He was silently telling me to shut it before Master came through the room. He didn’t say the words. He didn’t mouth them. Yet, I understood completely. With one short, but shaky nod, I agreed.

  His body tensed and he turned immediately, ending our silent appraisal of one another, and returning to the kitchen. I didn’t waste the opportunity this time. With a shaky hand, I reached out, grabbed the knob, and closed the door as quietly as possible. Silently thanking God for whatever had just happened and whoever that may have been, I closed my eyes and sighed.

  What the fuck? You’ve got to be kidding me! I didn’t want to deal with this idiot in the first place. My plane out of Jacksonville, Florida was leaving tomorrow morning and I was planning on a new life, a new start far away from all this shit. Preferably on the other side of the continent. When Boss had told me to go take care of this one last thing, I wanted to protest, remind him he’d already agreed I was done and free to go. But I k
new that might’ve opened an entirely new can of worms. So, I’d obediently done as he’d said. Now, as I stood there staring at this low life loser handing me a second bottle of water, I knew that can was suddenly the size of a dumpster and there were roaches the size of rats crawling around everywhere.

  Taking a drink, I heard the faint, almost silent, click of the closet door in the other room, and breathed a small sigh of relief. She’d understood, listened when I thought she might try something outrageous instead. But if I were honest with myself, I wasn’t surprised. All the fight seemed to be absent from her eyes. They were almost lifeless, only the small flicker of hope mingling with fear when she saw me. She certainly wasn’t a new acquisition here.

  When I had left the kitchen earlier, I’d planned on continuing through the house and walking out the door. Alex had been given his final warning. I’d done my job. I was going home to finish packing and get a good night’s sleep before I needed to leave for the airport. I never imagined I’d find someone like her in such a place as this and in such poor condition. I wasn’t a fool. I was fully aware of the side business Boss had been involved in over the years. The sex trade was too lucrative for him to pass up. But thankfully, I’d never been forced to personally take part in it. Until tonight.

  She’d stood there, frozen in complete fear. Her body was only partially hidden by the closet door. Other than the ratty blonde hair that hung over her shoulder and partially hid her breast, she was granted no modesty. She had a multitude of bruises covering her honeysuckle skin, her face looked red and tear-stained, and her ribs were far more pronounced than they should’ve been. The dried blood that lingered beside her lip, along her jaw, and down her chest almost made me end Alex’s life right then and there. But I’d learned the hard way years before, not to take one of Boss’ men without permission. Fighting against every urge I had to take her away from there, I stood there staring, unable to say or do anything I wanted to. I watched in horrid fascination as she stood absolutely still under the hanging lightbulb. The glow made her appear like an angel, almost heavenly. But I knew better. I knew what that stance was. I knew what the closet was used for. And I knew far better than anybody what would soon become of her.

  Replacing the lid on my water, I grabbed the one Alex was holding out for me as he waited impatiently for me to take it from him. “I’ll be back,” I spoke loud enough that I knew she’d hear me while Alex would only assume I was warning him again to complete the job Boss had assigned him.

  Turning away from the sick bastard, it took immense control not to open the closet, throw her over my shoulder, and take her with me. But not only would Alex be a problem, the two men who were waiting for me outside would never allow it. They were two of Boss’ top recruiters and trainers. They’d take me out before ever losing a piece of their business.

  Reluctantly forcing my feet one foot in front of the other, I quickly made my way out of the nasty, old house, eager to get inside my truck and get the night over with. I didn’t know how or when, but I knew without a doubt I would get her out of there. Or I’d die trying.

  “Let’s go.” I nodded to the two guys waiting outside, walking briskly past them and toward my black quad cab truck waiting on the street. I didn’t want to answer their questions, explain anything to them. Not when I had to figure out how the hell I was going to deal with this new development. Maybe they’d let me drive in peace without the inquisition. Doubtful. But one could hope.

  It had been at least an hour, if not two since the muscular man had left. I spent some of the time debating what the best course of action would be at this point. In all the time that I’d been here, I’d never seen the somewhat tender look that my master…no, Alex had given me. I’d obeyed him before, but I’d never once uttered the words ‘Master’ to him, regardless of how often he tried to force it out of me. Deciding that giving him what he wanted would most likely produce better results than rebelling again and fighting back, I chose to continue where I had left off. I don’t know why I felt a twinge of hope after seeing that man, Nick as he was called, but I did. Maybe I’d finally lost myself, my sanity, completely. Maybe this was only the beginning of the end. But deep inside, I was a fighter, and I’d continue to fight until the day came that I couldn’t fight any longer. I wasn’t as broken as Alex may have believed.

  The remainder of the time I spent thinking about how Nick had stared so intently at my naked body. I hadn’t felt like he was looking at me inappropriately. On the contrary—I felt his anger over my condition, my captivity, and my future. It was hard to explain. But the more I thought about him—his facial expressions, his body posture—I was certain I understood him in a way I’d never understood anyone before. Without saying a word aloud, he’d convinced me not to give up, to continue to fight another day.

  Alex had been pacing the kitchen floor, angrily talking on the phone, and slamming cabinets and drawers repeatedly. My body trembled any time I’d focus on him and his unseen actions or words. I knew what damage he could do when he was upset. It took much practiced willpower to keep from imagining those thoughts again and again in my head. Thankfully, I had something else to distract me now. Only the loud interruptions brought me back to where I was and the fear that surrounded me.

  Shifting my weight from foot to foot, I listened as the house grew quiet. I was growing tired and hungry. I wondered how much longer it would be and felt my eyes begin to drift closed. Fighting against the fatigue, I lifted my eyes as wide as possible, rolling my neck in hopes of waking up. Just as I debated the idea of sitting down and suffering his wrath, the floorboard nearest the closet creaked, the doorknob turning a moment later.

  I lowered my eyes immediately, unsure of what mood he might be in. His worn leather loafers stepped into view, and I found myself silently wondering why he wore them if he wasn’t going to put a penny in the slot that was there. My grandfather had worn the same shoes, always making sure there was a shiny new penny displayed on top. It was one of only a few memories I had of him. But one that always made me smile. Looking down at Alex’s shoes, I was thankful for the distinct difference, as I longed for a life I’d never truly been allowed to live.

  “Gwen?” he said quietly, almost reverently, and pulled me out of my thoughts.

  Lifting my eyes, I kept my head tilted downward. “Yes, Master?” I whispered, almost choking on the word.

  He grinned, most likely satisfied to see I was still being compliant. “Good. You may go shower, but only ten minutes. After that, come directly back to the living room. I’ll be waiting.” He stepped to the side, allowing the door to fully open, and me to walk past him.

  I was taken aback, bewildered by his actions. He’d never once allowed me to walk through the house without escorting me. Was this a test? A trick I’d somehow fail before knowing the rules? With nervous, tentative motions, I took a step, bringing me beside him, but my feet faltered.

  “I can go alone to the bathroom?” I asked, keeping my eyes lowered. “Master,” I added quickly, making sure he heard my efforts.

  He chuckled, the evil sound grating against my nerves. “Don’t worry, I will be watching. As you’re fully aware, there are no locks on that door and no windows to escape from. But since you did as I asked, I think it’s time to begin...” he trailed off as the phone in his hand began to ring. His words made me wonder what more he might reveal, but my curiosity wasn’t enough to make me wait.

  Refusing to respond and ruin any headway I’d made, I hurried past him, around the corner, and into the bathroom. Quickly shutting the door behind me, I leaned against it and closed my eyes. I knew I was limited on time and took a few deep breaths, slowly exhaling as my body relaxed. I hadn’t been allowed out of that room, for any reason, alone. Even my bathroom necessities were supervised. Never mind how embarrassing it was, he was there no matter what. Watching. Waiting. Controlling. Now I had ten complete minutes to myself. Nobody touching me inappropriately as I tried to wash. Nobody directing my body to move or bend so
he could enjoy his perverse visualizations. Nobody.

  I hurried to the shower, turning the knob, and made sure the water was warm. I didn’t want to waste a single moment. Jumping inside, I pulled the stained glass doors closed and stood under the falling water. It felt amazing. For just a few minutes I was able to forget everything around me, where I was and what had happened. I was me again.

  Feeling my cheeks pull tightly, I reached up, completely in awe to find a genuine smile form on its own. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d smiled. It felt invigorating. I knew I could do this. Whatever game it was that he wanted to play, I was ready. Between the brief hope that Nick had given me, and the small gift Alex had just bestowed, I had a renewed purpose. I would get out of here alive!

  Two weeks later

  Discipline. Misleading trust. Complete compliance and unearned reverence. I’d learned how to fake many things during the past six months, and even more during the last fourteen days. I’d even learned how to forget who I was and be who Alex wanted me to be, sometimes getting so lost in his game that I wanted what he wanted. It hadn’t been easy. He was a wicked and sick person. But with each day, I was given just a shred of trust. I’d build on that until the moment was right, and I’d kill him. Nothing, not even time, would change that.

  Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, I looked past the long vertical crack that zig zagged upward and took in my appearance for the first time since I’d arrived. Any other time I was in this room, I purposely avoided my reflection. The bedrooms only held a single bed each, a dresser, and one had an old wooden trunk. So, it was easy to forget what I looked like. Until now. Staring back at me were the same blue eyes, long blonde hair, and bright rosy lips. But there was no life behind them at all. He had stolen everything from me and filled me with a vulnerability and hatred I’d never experienced before.