21. Now

Iwatch as the waves crest the shore below me. My stomach has been nauseous all day, and the salt from the sea air helps. I wish I could leave the house and go for a walk, but I know it’s pointless. Rex has to work, and I’m only allowed out for a thirty-minute stroll once a day, if he can accompany me. I guess I should be grateful he’s letting me sit outside on the terrace. That I can have fresh air now, and I’m no longer in that small cage. The basement and cage are somewhere I don’t ever want to return to.

I glance around at all the green around me. It’s beautiful here. I could be happy here. If only I wasn’t here against my will.

Lying back on the lounger, I read my book. It’s one I had read many times in high school. I glance at the room behind me and sigh. It’s almost as if he took my childhood bedroom, placed it in a time capsule, and brought it here. I even have the same frilly purple and white curtains along the window. The bedroom door slams open, and I take a deep breath, trying to get back into the role I’ve been playing lately. I slowly stand to my feet and shuffle into the bedroom. He gives me a big smile, and I fight to return it.

“I have a surprise for you, kitty,” he says with a small laugh. He seems happy today. In a really good mood. I just pray it stays. When I give him another shaky smile, he sighs, moving closer to me. He pulls me into his arms for a tight hug, and I shakily wrap my arms around him.

“I love you, kitty,” he says before releasing me and moving back to the hall. I grip the wall for support and curse my shaking knees.

He returns with a small cupcake, red velvet, my favorite, and a candle, handing it to me, then reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small silver lighter. Lighting the candle, he waits for me to make a wish.

Please, someone, anyone, save me.

I take a small breath then blow out the flame. He removes the candle and takes the cupcake back, then holds it to my lips, and I take a small bite. I fake a small moan of appreciation, and his eyes flash with heat. I chew, forcing myself to choke down the treat that was once my favorite thing.

He hands it back to me and then leaves the room again. I set it down on the small desk and stare at it. Why is he bringing me a cake?

“How long have I been here, Rex?” I whisper as he brings in some shopping bags full of new clothes for me. I have gained a bit of weight, and my shorts won’t button anymore. He sets them on our bed, and I feel sick when he comes over and kisses my temple. I try not to freeze and keep my body relaxed. It only angers him when I resist. He sighs into my hair and helps me to my feet. I choke down the bile as he strips me of my clothes.

“We have been here for about three months, kitty. Happy birthday,” he finally answers. I close my eyes and try not to cry. I have been here, trapped with this monster, for three months! I have been missing this long, and no one has been able to find me. I take a shaky breath in and move towards the bathroom. I’m going to be sick.

I almost don’t make it to the toilet, and I cringe when he comes up behind me, holding my hair back. When my stomach has stopped revolting, I push back and take Rex’s hand as he helps me to my feet. I move over to the sink and splash my pale face with cool water.

Again, I have to fight the urge to shudder as he steps up behind me. I avoid looking at his gaze in the mirror because I know my eyes will show all the lies I’m keeping. He presses a kiss to my head, and I slowly relax and lean back against him.

Reaching for my toothbrush, I quickly clean my teeth. He spins me around to face him and presses a soft kiss to my lips. I swallow down the bile once more, praying I don’t throw up on him. His temper is so precarious, and I really don”t want to aggravate him again.

“I need to change,” I mumble, and he nods before dropping to his knees in front of me. I freeze, my heart races, and I feel like I’m going to puke again. Please. Please don’t propose to me. Don’t take away one of the only good memories I have from the old days.

He lifts the tank top from my stomach and presses a kiss on my belly button. He glances up at me with tears in his eyes. My pulse races and my legs become weak.

No, no. I shake my head, and he gives me a huge smile. I need air. I need space. I’m about to pass out.

“No, Rex,” I whimper, and he stands, pulling me into his arms. I go limp, and he holds me up. My vision starts to fade, and I give in to the darkness as he whispers into my ear, “Now, I’ll always be with you. I’m inside of you.”

End of part one