5
“Let’s get you in the shower, while I find you something to eat,” Hunter tells me while pulling me up from the bed.
My knees are weak, mostly from the orgasm that wrecked my body moments ago, but also because I have eaten nothing all day.
“I’ll take her,” Ryker says.
Hunter lets go of me and walks out of the room without looking back. Worry worms its way into my stomach. Now that the sex haze has lifted, I see the harsh reality of this situation again.
I’m their prisoner, and right now I’m in Ryker’s hands–a man who isunpredictable and cruel.
“Don’t look so scared, Sugar. It’s just a shower.”
We step into the attached bathroom and I take in the small space. Just like the bedroom, there are no windows, and the walls and floor are concrete. The space holds nothing but a sink and a shower.
He turns on the spray and motions for me to step in. As I do, I brace for cold water, but am more than pleasantly surprised when warmth hits my skin.
Without pulling the shower curtain closed, Ryker steps away and leans against the wall while I wash my body and hair. I might feel embarrassed or self-conscious if he wasn’t also completely naked.
His eyes never leave me and when I glance between his legs, I find him hard again. Pretending like I haven’t noticed his cock pointing up to his navel, I finish rinsing my hair and turn off the water.
Ryker removes a blue towel from the cabinet under the sink and holds it open. I step into it and he dries me off, starting with my face and hair, then moving down until he finishes with my feet.
He straightens and throws the wet towel into the shower. My nerves finally get the better of me and I fiddle with my bracelet. His always watchful eyes notice, of course, and he takes hold of my arm to inspect the bracelets.
“Please, don’t take it off,” I blurt out.
“Wasn’t planning on it.”
“I mean when you kill me. It’s not worth anything. Don’t take it from me.” The thought of someone taking it from me is suffocating. This is all I have left of my mom; I need to hold on to it even after I’m dead.
Ryker doesn’t correct me or tell me he won’t kill me.At least he is honest.
“Annie, sweet as sugar and brave as a lioness.” He lifts my hand to his face and places a feather-light kiss on the inside of my wrist. “I’ll make sure no one takes your bracelets.”
I give him a tiny nod, not willing to say the wordsthank youout loud. He is planning on killing me after all, the least he can do is honor my wish.
Back in the bedroom, he hands me a large black t-shirt before pulling some shorts on himself. I put it on, letting the soft fabric cover my body.
Hunter walks in fully dressed, carrying a tray full of food in his hand. My stomach growls on cue.
I sit on the bed, and Hunter places the tray on my lap. I’m starving and the sandwich in front of my face looks delicious. I don’t even care what’s on it. Without waiting for permission, I simply start eating.
When I’m halfway finished with the sandwich, I peek up to find Hunter whispering something into Ryker’s ear. He nods, then both of their eyes fall onto me.
I almost choke on the half-chewed food in my mouth. I know my end is near, and I know I’m going to die soon, but somehow I keep forgetting it. They treat me with such normality that I keep suppressing the real reason I’m here.
“I’m heading to my room. You stay the night with Ryker,” Hunter announces, his expression blank.
Is he leaving me here for Ryker to finish me off? Is he sorry? Does he care?
I swallow what’s in my mouth, the food landing in my stomach like rocks, and suddenly I’m not hungry anymore. I keep my gaze on Hunter, telling him without words that I want to come with him, asking him not to leave me with his friend.
Not giving into my silent plea, Hunter leaves the room without another word, and that hurts. Disappointment wraps its way around me like a vine.
What was I expecting? A heartfelt goodbye? An apology?
The door closes, and the lock clicks. The sound seems louder than before, or maybe I’m simply more aware now.