Inhaling slowly, I will myself to calm.
Inhale. Exhale.
Inhale . . .
I’ll find a way. I know I will.
I have no other choice.
I’m no one’s victim.
Exhale . . .
6
Ivy
Through the haze of my dream, I can see a bright light peeking in. My eyes hurt. They blink rapidly as I take stock of where I am. Lifting my hands, I rub at them, but as I do, I notice the chill in the air. My body aches, and as the world appears before me, I know why.
I’m not in my bed, nor am I in a bed at all.
No. Instead, the vision in front of me makes me shake. Now the cold makes sense.
I fell asleep outside.
Sitting up, I look around me.
Still on the grass that sits nestled against the beach. Still on an island in the middle of fuck knows where. Still cold.
I pull my jacket tighter.
Now, in the harsh morning light, I can see the land in the distance. From where I am, a giant estate sits on the property. It’s too far to be sure if it’s a house or even a hotel—that’s how large it is—but clearly, I went around in circles last night on my tour, so it’s obvious I’m on an island. But if I’m on an island, there has to be a way off.
A boat?
Yes. There has to be one somewhere.
I just need to search.
I’m about to stand when I hear a sound behind me.
My back goes straight because that is not the sound of a person. It’s the sound of an animal.
Then I hear barking.
Vicious, loud, scary barking.
My fight-or-flight kicks in. I need to get out of here.
A dog is coming, and it’s coming to attack, so I weigh my options. I don’t know where to go. On the one hand, I can jump into the water, and on the other, I can run to the beach.
Or . . .
I shake my head. No. I can’t run back to the house, but there really is no option. I’m screwed either way, and the water is probably freezing.
Shit.
What do I do?
In the distance, I can see trees. That’s the only safe bet. Before I can second-guess my decision, I’m up and running.
My feet pound the grass beneath as it cracks under the pressure. The ground hard and brittle from the cold winter months.
Wind hits my face, and my lungs expel oxygen.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
I’m running so fast, my vision starts to haze from the exertion, but I hear the sound gaining on me.
And then it’s right behind me.
I wasn’t fast enough.
I fall.
My knees hit the cold earth; hands next. Loose gravel scratches me, causing a burning feeling to radiate inside me. I need to get up.
The sound intensifies, and I know I need to get up now.
I’m just about to push off the ground when I hear the words.
“Stop,” he bellows, and I know I have only spoken to him once, but I know the sound. I would know that voice anywhere.
I might not know his name, but I know his voice. Not heeding his warning, I push off anyway, but the growling stops me.
I turn slowly to find the scariest dog I have ever seen, and he’s poised to attack.
Looking down his long nose at me.
Teeth bared. “Liggen.”
I have no idea what he’s just said to me, but then I realize he’s not talking to me. He’s talking to the dog.
The snarling dog who is now in a down position staring at me.
“What are you doing out here?” he says, and I look up at him.
At this man I don’t know.
Nor do I want to.
In the light of the early morning, he looks even more handsome than he did last night. I know I shouldn’t think that, but even if he is a killer, it doesn’t change the truth. He might be psychotic, but maybe that’s his lure.
I shake my head back and forth; his appearance or mental capacity shouldn’t be on my mind. The only thing I should care about is how I’m leaving.
“Did you sleep out here?” He steps closer, and I try to retreat, but that elicits another snarl from his watchdog. “Answer me.”
“Yes.”
“You tried to escape?” I can hear a hint of dismay as he nods to himself. “Even in the dark.”
“Yes,” I hiss back. “Even in the dark.”
“You’re lucky you didn’t get hurt.”
“Better drowned than . . .” A shudder draws down my spine.
“I will not touch you.” His words come out with conviction. Unwavering, with no trace of a lie. It doesn’t make me feel any safer, though. He might say he won’t rape me, but can I really believe him?
He took me, so how can I trust anything he says?
“Then why am I here?” My eyes narrow suspiciously as he steps closer. His stone-cold features give nothing away. Then he turns on his heels and starts walking back to the house.