Chapter 25

My feet hurt from dancing,and I needed to pee. When the music stopped, I whispered to Bredon, "I need the ladies' room."

"I will escort you." He held out his arm.

Before leaving my room earlier tonight, I'd had to promise not to leave his side.

We began to make our way to the back staircase, which was not opulent and rather narrow for a public area.

A couple stopped Bredon, and after introductions, it was apparent that the man wanted to speak with Bredon about business.

I waited patiently for the discussion to end. However, my need became pressing.

I tried to think of other things. I stood with my thighs pressed tightly together, but I needed to go. I lightly rested my hand on Bredon's forearm.

"One moment, Marceau." Bredon turned to me.

I hoped my expression didn't show the relief I felt. "If you would excuse me. I'll be right back."

Bredon looked like he might follow me, but the other man began talking.

I made my way up the stairs, carefully ensuring I didn't step on the hem of my dress. Once on the second floor, I noted that the lighting was not bright. I knew that the ladies' room was to the right.

Talia had described the layout in detail in case I became bored and wanted to escape.

It appeared that I was the only one using the facilities. The silence was rather eerie. I hurried to wash my hands and smooth my dress over my hips. The quiet was making me feel anxious. I tried to recall the last time I'd been in a ladies' room alone.

I opened the door to the hall and glanced to my left and right. Something felt…off.

Don't be silly. Bredon would be waiting at the steps for me.

Suddenly, a man stepped in front of me, cutting me off.

I had to stop so fast that my shoes slid on the waxed floor, and I almost fell to my knees.

He grasped my arm, balancing me. "Hello." His voice was gravelly.

I took a step backward, causing him to release my arm. "Excuse me." I started around him again. I did not like his touch or that he was lurking in the shadows.

He blocked me. "You are a pretty thing."

I tried to recall Talia's description of the floor. Could I turn around and find another way?

"I like pretty things," he said. His face was mainly in the shadows, but he wore a patch over his eye.

"Bredon Redd is waiting for me." I lifted my skirt and, again, tried to pass.

He grasped my arm again, but this time much more tightly.

I tried to pull away because he might be leaving bruises. His grip was punishing.

"Human," he spat. "But you'll do." He began pulling me down the hall, past the ladies' room.

"Please. I need to leave. He's waiting," I cried. My warning bells were blasting.

When he didn't stop or release my arm, I began to claw at his hand. I needed to get free.

He slowed as we neared the corner.

I turned into his body and ran my nails down the side of his face without the patch.

"You bitch." He threw me against the wall.

I swear, one moment, I had two feet on the floor; the next, I was flying, only stopping when my body, specifically the back of my head, connected with a wall. I was stunned for a few seconds. I shook my head, hoping to clear it. Come on. Come on, I coached myself. I needed to escape from this man. "Bredon. Bredon." I screamed as I was lifted from the floor.

"Soon, you will be screaming my name." He pressed me against the wall.

His breath was putrid as I tried to catch my breath.

He ripped the bodice of my dress open and palmed my breast roughly.

I refused to beg for mercy. I wasn't going to escape unharmed, but I was going to damage my attacker.

He pulled on my breasts and pinched my nipple painfully.

I lifted my leg, bringing it up between his thighs with all my strength.

"You cunt," he spat as he bent in half.

I took off, running toward the stairs. I had no idea if the man was following me. I only knew that I had to get away. "Bredon," I screamed. I saw the staircase opening only a few steps away when I was tackled from behind.

The air was forced from my lungs as I landed face-down on the floor.

I fought to stay conscious. I knew that I needed to keep fighting. It was my only chance to save myself. "Bredon," I cried.

His hands yanked my legs apart.

I could do little from this position, but I wouldn't give up.

The man lifted the skirt of my dress and tore my panties from my body.

"No." I tried to crawl out from under him. "No." It felt like my spirit was leaving my weakening body. "Bredon," I sobbed as everything turned foggy,