18. Tilly

18

TILLY

T hree days later. I’m still tied to this bed in Phoenix’s trailer, parked at an unknown location. I need to get out. I know he’s insane, a fucking psychopath, but I have to pretend I’m into him if I want to stay alive and find a way out of this mess.

My eyes dart to his computer screens, trying to ignore the heat that rises to my cheeks at the sight of him. I can feel his eyes on me, studying my every move. I shift my weight, testing the restraints, hoping they might loosen, but they hold firm. Each passing moment is a battle between my desire for freedom and my confusing connection with him.

“You’re staring, beautiful girl.” His deep voice breaks the silence, and I’m unsure how to respond.

His fingers tap away at the keyboard again, and I know he’s back in his world.

I let out a breath, watching as his fingers dance across the keys. His concentration is intense, eyes fixed on the screen. He mumbles under his breath, muttering about algorithms and backdoors. I glance down at the restraints, knowing I’m his prisoner, but my heart beats faster when his eyes find mine.

“You want something, Tilly?”

I swallow hard, cursing myself for the heat that creeps up my neck. He knows how he affects me. I can’t give him the satisfaction of a response, so I keep quiet, looking away.

“Talk to me, baby. I know you want to.” His voice is almost a whisper now, and he leans back in his chair, stretching out his legs. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

My mind races, the darkness of my thoughts startling even me. I want to scream at this man, to tell him how much of a monster he is, but I can’t deny the twisted pleasure that flares whenever he touches me. It’s sick. He’s sick. But I can’t stop thinking about it—about him.

The silence stretches thick with unspoken words. I know I should hate Phoenix, but instead, I find myself wanting more, even as I lie here, tied up and helpless.

What has he done to me?

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “Phoenix, I was close to finishing my computer science degree this year. All that work, all those late nights coding and studying, had to be for something.”

He leans forward. “You don’t need some paper to prove your skills, Tilly. I can teach you everything you need to know and more.”

I shift against the restraints. “But it’s not just about the knowledge. It’s about the accomplishment, the sense of achievement.” I shake my head. “You wouldn’t understand.”

Phoenix stands, making his way over to the bed. He sits beside me, his fingers tracing patterns on my bare skin. “I understand more than you think. This degree, this path you were on was all leading you toward a mundane existence, working for some soulless corporation.”

His touch sends shivers down my spine, and I hate how my body responds to him. “That’s not true. I wanted to create video games, to bring joy and escape to people.”

He leans in closer, his lips brushing against my ear. “And you still can, but without the constraints of the system. With me, you’ll have the freedom to explore your creativity.”

I try to pull away, but his grip tightens. “You’ve taken away my freedom, Phoenix. How can you claim to offer it to me in the same breath?”

His eyes bore into mine, a mixture of desire and determination. “You’ll see once you accept your new reality and let go of the past. I’m not your captor, Tilly. I’m your guide to a world beyond your wildest dreams.”

“You’re right, Phoenix. I must let go of my old life and accept the new.” I need to play along and give him what he wants to hear. “It’s just hard, you know?”

As I speak, I clench my thighs together, a subtle movement that draws his attention. His eyes darken as he takes in my flushed skin and erratic breathing.

God, why does my body betray me like this?

“Are you turned on, Tilly?” His voice is hoarse.

I lick my lips, unable to meet his gaze. “No. I... ”

He reaches out, his fingers gently tracing the outline of my panties, the damp fabric clinging to my skin. “You’re soaked, baby.”

My breath catches in my throat as he teases the lace edges of my underwear. “It’s just... I can’t help but be turned on by your proximity.” I squirm a little, fighting against the restraints, knowing full well what effect it has on him.

He groans and climbs onto the bed, parting my thighs wide. His eyes never leave mine as he lowers his head between my thighs. “You smell so fucking sweet, Tilly.”

His nose brushes against my sensitive skin, sending sparks of pleasure through my body. I can feel the warmth of his breath, the tickle of his stubble, and I can’t stop the soft moan that escapes my lips.

“Please, Phoenix...” I’m not sure what I’m asking for. Do I want him to stop? Or am I begging for more?

He chuckles darkly, the vibrations sending shivers down my body. “Don’t worry, baby, I plan to take care of this pretty little pussy.”

I close my eyes as he tears my panties off, and his breath is hot against my core. His mouth hovers so close, but he teases me, drawing out the anticipation. I rock my hips, needing more, craving his touch.

And then he swipes his tongue right through me, circling my clit. I jolt at the sensation, moaning shamefully.

“So fucking sweet,” he murmurs, his voice rough with desire.

Then he pulls away, leaving me gasping and wanting. I open my eyes to find him watching me, a fierce look in his eyes. “I love how responsive you are. It’s like your body knows you belong to me even if your mind isn’t there yet.”

My heart flutters in my chest at his declaration. Play along, and he’ll think he’s won you over. “Yes, Phoenix,” I whisper. “I belong to you.”

His ice-blue eyes darken, and he leans in, his lips hovering above mine. “That’s right, baby. You’re mine.”

I nod, my body thrumming. “Please, Phoenix. I need you.”

With a growl, he captures my mouth in a hungry kiss, his tongue plundering. As I respond to his kiss, I know I’m falling deeper into his web, but I can’t bring myself to care. All I know is that I need him now more than ever, all while hating him simultaneously.

Phoenix leans back, his eyes devouring me as he slowly moves his mouth back between my thighs. His tongue tracing patterns over my clit.

“Phoenix,” I breathe, my body arching toward him. My restraints prevent me from touching him, from running my fingers through his hair, so I can only lie here and let him have his way with me.

He chuckles, the vibration against my sensitive flesh causing me to buck my hips. “You taste even better than you look, baby.”

His tongue flicks against my clit, sending sparks of pleasure through me. I can’t help but moan, my body moving of its own accord as he teases me with skilled strokes. His hands hold my hips down, preventing my escape as he feasts on me .

I’m lost in a whirlwind of sensation, my breath coming in short gasps. “Oh, Phoenix!” I call out, my body tensing as I spiral toward release.

He moans in response, the vibrations sending me over the edge. With such power, my climax engulfs me, my body trembling with the intensity of it.

Phoenix slowly pulls away, a satisfied smile on his lips. He kisses his way up my body, pausing to nip at my neck before claiming my mouth in a passionate kiss. I can taste myself on his lips. When he finally pulls away, I’m breathless and needy. My body is throbbing with unfulfilled desire.

“That was incredible.” My voice comes out in a husky whisper. I’m still processing just how fucking amazing this man is with his tongue.

He stands, his eyes burning into mine, and adjusts his pants. “Just remember who gave you that pleasure, beautiful girl. You know you want to be mine.”

A flush of heat rushes through me at his words. I am his. Owned. My mind rebels at the thought, even as my body responds to his dominant tone.

“You have a lot to process, Tilly. But understand this: I will take care of you. I’ll give you everything you need.” He runs his fingers through his hair, a hint of vulnerability flashing across his face. “I’ll keep you safe.”

I want to ask him to keep touching me, to erase the darkness that still lingers in my mind. But the words die in my throat as I recall the reality of my situation. I am his prisoner, dependent on his mercy .

“I know you do, Phoenix.” I keep my tone soft, not wanting to provoke him. “And I’m grateful.”

He nods, a crease forming between his brows. Then, with one last intense look, he turns away and returns to his computer, leaving me tied to the bed.

Alone with my thoughts, the full weight of my situation crashes down on me. I’m tied up in some unknown location, held captive by a man I barely know, a man who claims to want to protect me. But what about the things he’s already done? The lies, the manipulation, the stalking? My mind reels as I try to reconcile the man who just brought me to an explosive climax with the one who kidnapped me, faked my death, and severed ties with my loved ones.

I shift on the bed, testing the restraints once more, despite knowing they won’t yield. I’m a prisoner to my desires as much as I am to Phoenix’s whims. His kiss set my soul on fire even as my mind screamed for me to run.

How can I feel such conflicting emotions? How can I crave his touch and fear him at the same time?

Phoenix draws my attention. He’s fully engrossed in his work, already in his element, as his fingers fly across the keyboard. Despite everything, there’s no denying his talent and his mastery of technology.

I hate that I want him. I hate that my body betrays my mind. But in these moments, tied to this bed, with only Phoenix to keep me company, the lines between captor and captive blur.

“You’re still staring.” His voice startles me, and I heat, realizing he’s caught me watching him again. “You know, most girls would be freaking out if they were in your situation. But not you. You’re taking it all in stride.”

I open my mouth to respond, but no words come out. The truth is, I am freaking out. I’m terrified. But I refuse to give him the satisfaction of seeing me break.

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Don’t worry, baby. It won’t be much longer until you’re truly mine.”

A shiver traverses down my spine. Does he truly believe that I’ll ever willingly accept this life? The idea fuels my determination to escape, but I must bide my time, for now, playing the role he’s scripted for me.