16. Tilly

16

TILLY

D isoriented, I wake up, my mind blank. Slowly, like creeping tendrils of fog, memories begin to emerge.

The carnival. Phoenix. His trailer.

The intense passion and roughness of his touch. The pleasure he gave me was unlike anything I’d experienced before. But then the rest hits me.

He drugged me. He tied me up. My hands shoot up, tugging frantically at the bindings.

And then, as if that’s not terrifying enough, the worst part comes flooding back. Phoenix told me he’d severed all ties with my loved ones and faked my fucking death!

How is that even possible?

Glancing around the trailer, it quickly becomes clear I’m alone. Phoenix is gone. I’m tied up, restrained, a prisoner. My heart starts to race as my mind spins with everything he’s done—the drugs, the lies, the faked death. I can’t let him control me. I have to get out of here .

Tugging at the restraints, I’m determined, and my joints crack as I contort my body. I manage to slip one arm free—a small victory. I focus on the other tie, which is tighter and more stubborn. I twist and turn my wrist, maneuvering with all my might.

The minutes feel like hours.

What if Phoenix comes back and catches me trying to escape?

Slowly, inch by inch, I work my way out of the restraint. Finally, with a sharp tug, my hand slips free. I rub my wrists where the rope grazed my skin. But I’m free now.

I stand and almost collapse back onto the bed as my head swims. God knows how long he’s had me sedated in here, but it feels like I’ve forgotten how to use my legs. With a pounding heart, I push off the bed more gently and stand for a moment, trying to steady myself. Once I’m sure I’m okay, I head for the door and try to open it.

Locked, of course.

I knew it would be, but I had to try. My eyes scan the room for another way out. Windows—maybe they’re my escape route. I move quickly to the main area, then the kitchenette.

Locked. Damn it!

There’s a small window in the bathroom, and I rush over, my heart sinking as I see it’s locked, too. There has to be a way out.

And then I spot it—a skylight in the ceiling. It’s my only hope. I search the kitchen for something to stand on and find a set of steps. Carefully, I climb up, every muscle tense with anticipation. I reach the skylight and push, feeling a rush of relief as it gives way. It’s not big, but it’s enough.

I force the skylight open and feel a rush of cool, fresh air—freedom. Climbing up through the opening without hesitation, I stick my head out, already imagining myself back home, exposing the psycho who took me and his faking my death. I’ll be back where I belong, not trapped in this nightmare.

I hear the trailer door open below as if the universe is conspiring against me. Every muscle in my body freezes. And I hope and pray that it’s not Phoenix.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Phoenix’s voice is a low growl.

Panic takes over, and I scramble to escape trying to haul my ass out of the hole, but he’s too fast.

He climbs up after me, grabbing my leg with an iron grip. I kick and squirm, desperate to break free, but it’s useless. He’s too strong, and with a swift movement, he drags me back into the trailer, slamming me down on the bed.

“Stop it! Let me go!” I scream, trying to wriggle out of his grasp, but it’s like trying to escape a vise.

“Enough!” he snaps. “You’re not going anywhere. This is for your own good. You have to understand.”

His words are like a slap in the face. “For my own good? Are you insane? You drugged me, tied me up, faked my death, and now you won’t let me leave! How is any of this for my good?”

Fear and anger begin to mix, clouding my judgment. Tears well up in my eyes as I realize how unhinged this man truly is.

“You don’t understand,” he says, his voice softening. “I did what I had to. Your old life had to end. But I promise I’ll keep you safe now.”

“Safe? Are you kidding me? I’ve never felt more afraid in my life! You’re a stranger, and you’ve taken everything from me!”

My words hang in the air, thick with emotion. Phoenix’s eyes search mine, and momentarily, I see a flicker of uncertainty.

“You don’t get it. The world out there is dangerous. I’m the only one who can protect you now.”

I open my mouth to argue, to plead, but he cuts me off with a fierce intensity in his eyes. “This is how it has to be. In time, you’ll understand.”

“You’re out of your mind!” I scream, my chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. “You can’t keep me here, tie me up, and expect me to understand!”

“Tilly, please. Just rest. Everything will make sense soon, I promise.”

Before I can protest further, he secures the restraints once more. I’m trapped, unable to move, and my thoughts race as my eyes frantically search the room for any sign of hope.

“Just relax, okay? I’ll be right here,” Phoenix says, stroking my hair.

I want to scream. I want to fight. But exhaustion washes over me like a wave. The terror and adrenaline take their toll, in addition to the drugs still lingering in my system. Despite my fear and confusion, I feel my body surrender to his demands. My eyes flutter closed, and I struggle to keep them open, to stay alert, but it’s no use.

As my consciousness slips away, my mind struggles to make sense of the situation.

The last thing I remember is Phoenix watching me intently. Is it concern I see in his expression? Or something more sinister? As sleep overtakes me, my mind fights to stay alert, but the darkness consumes me. For now, I am his captive, and my fate is in his hands.