I nod my head tightly in agreement, trying to calm my racing heart. I’m so glad to have the drugs coming on board, and not a minute too soon.
“Julianna, when I ask you a question, from now on, I expect you to answer me verbally and with a sir, understand?”
Even though he has asked in a kind and gentle manner, he means business. I don’t like this business, but I can tell by the way he exudes an air of authority and dominance that I don’t really want to tempt fate tonight, and I don’t need to know what kind of business he means—I already found out from Nick. Travis has been so good to me thus far. I don’t mind paying him a little respect; it is only a simple request, after all. He may play winning games with a poker face, but I’m beginning to read his thoughts and emotions through his eyes.
“Yes, sir,” I reply in a timid whisper.
Travis reaches in his pocket to pull out a bottle of pills that rattle when he unscrews the lid. I watch him place two pills in the palm of his hand. Why is he giving me two pills? I begin to question what it is I’ve agreed to take. He grabs the bottled water from the nightstand then looks at me expectantly. Instead of rolling my eyes, I just go ahead and open my mouth for him. I have a feeling if I said no originally, and didn’t comply, he’d find another way to make me take them. He outsmarted me, making me think the decision was mine to make. He places the pills on my tongue then lifts the water to my mouth, tilting it to let its contents flow past my lips. After he watches me swallow the pills, he notices the hesitant expression on my face.
“Do you have something you want to ask, Julianna?”
“I do...I do have one last question.” I’m not sure I want to know the answer, but I’ve always been a curious little shit, or so I’ve been told. “What is a sal..salt—“
As I try to remember the word Nick had used, confusion crosses his features for a second, then his eyes light up briefly in recognition. “Ah, you mean a saltire?”
I nod my head, but then remembering his orders, I quickly slip out a, “Yes, sir.”
He lifts an eyebrow, giving me an almost-worried look. “It’s what they call a St. Andrews Cross, Julianna. Some people use it for erotic bedroom play.”
Simply wonderful, I think to myself with sarcasm. “And the other ‘some people’?” I know I’m a glutton for punishment, but there it is; I’m too curious for my own good. I just can’t stop while I’m ahead. I’m sure he wishes I wasn’t so inquisitive, because I can see the thought cross over his features as he tries to answer me diplomatically. “The others...well, let’s just say they get a little more creative in nature.”
I close my eyes tightly, mumbling to myself, “Oh, geez.”
His index finger lightly taps me on the end of my nose, and at the same time, he grins and playfully says, “Suggest you be a good girl then.” I know he’s trying to ease my nerves, but I don’t find it amusing and I frown. I just want to go home, I want to be back in Adam’s arms.
Travis looks at me apologetically and lets out a long sigh. “Look, you’ve had a long day. Get some sleep.” He gently caresses the soft skin behind my ear. “I have your alarm already set for 7 am. Fresh clothes and breakfast will be by the end of your bed before you wake up in the morning. I’ll come retrieve you at 8 am sharp.” He raises an eyebrow to let me know he’s serious. “Please be showered, fed, dressed, and ready.”
I whisper, “Yes, sir,” and drag my eyes away from his handsome face. I get the feeling Travis can be nice and turn on the charm at the drop of a hat when he wants to. He exudes an unpredictability that changes with the flick of a switch. I surmise he can be quite deadly indeed, a stealthy, calculated killer. The thought makes me think I might fear Travis more than I do Nick. At least with Nick, I know what I’m getting by his borderline psychosis of hot-headedness. Knowing anyone or anything can push Nick’s buttons leaves him easily predictable. Definitely not the case with Travis—pushing his buttons can unknowingly lead to activating a ticking time bomb. One would never know when it’d go off.
Travis leans over and kisses my forehead, whispering to me, “Thank you, Julianna. Sleep well.”
Before I can respond, Travis is off the bed and leaving me for the door. When it clicks shut, the lights go out, and those damn dimmer lights turn on behind the red curtains, taunting me. I let out a huge breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I suddenly feel all alone, missing Travis’ comforting presence. I slink my weary body down into the comfort of the covers and sink my head into the soft pillow. I lay there for a long moment trying not to allow myself to think about Adam, Jake, and my dad. My life has spun out of control, and I wait desperately for the sleep medicine to take hold before tears start escaping.