Page 49 of Dark Bonds

Chapter 15

Frankie

I waketo the soft rustle of curtains as a gentle breeze carries the scent of jasmine through the room. For a moment, I forget where I am, lost in the comfort of clean sheets and the absence of pain that’s become my constant companion. I blink awake, squinting at the soft light coming through flimsy curtains. Wait, when did those get here?

A fresh glass of water sits on the nightstand, condensation beading on its surface, next to a small vase holding a single white lily. My breath catches in my throat, a lump forming that I can’t swallow. My fingers twitch, longing to reach out and touch the delicate petals to make sure they are real. It’s been so long since I’ve seen anything… nice.

As I reach for the water, my gaze falls on the unlocked door, which is slightly ajar. A chill runs down my spine, and my muscles tense involuntarily. My heart races with a primal fear that makes me want to shrink back into the shadows of the room. When did the outside world become more terrifying than the devil I know?

The cool water soothes my parched throat, a simple pleasure that feels like a luxury. I put the glass down, and last night comes crashing back. It’s like I’m there all over again.

The bar materializes around me in my mind’s eye. Thick smoke hangs in the air, stinging my eyes and clinging to my clothes. The bass thrums through my body, so loud I can feel it in my chest. Faces loom out of the haze, their teeth bared in what might be smiles but look more like snarls to me. A hand grabs my wrist, fingers digging in hard enough to bruise. Another snakes around my waist, then I feel hot breath on my neck, reeking of alcohol and desperation. I’m drowning in a sea of grasping hands and leering faces when suddenly?—

“That’s enough.” Valerie’s voice cuts through the chaos like a whip. “Frankie’s done for tonight.”

The memory dissolves, leaving me shaking in its wake. I curl into myself, wrapping my arms around my knees as I try to make myself as small as possible. I’m exposed and vulnerable out there. At least here, in this room, I know what to expect.

The devil you know, right?

The door creaks open wider, the sound making me flinch. Valerie enters, carrying a tray. The aroma of warm food wafts toward me—eggs, toast, and something sweet. My stomach clenches painfully, a low growl escaping before I can stop it. I press a hand against my abdomen, as if I could silence the desperate rumbling.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Valerie coos, her voice syrupy sweet. She sets the tray on my lap, the warmth seeping through the thin fabric of my nightgown. “You did so well last night. I thought you deserved a treat.”

I blink rapidly, certain my eyes are playing tricks on me. There are scrambled eggs, golden and fluffy, perfectly browned toast, and even a small bunch of grapes, their skin glistening in the soft light. My mouth floods with saliva, and I swallow hard. It’s more food than I’ve seen in months.

My hand hovers over the fork, trembling. I glance at Valerie, waiting for her to snatch the tray away and laugh atmy gullibility, but she doesn’t move. She just sits on the edge of the bed, her eyes never leaving my face.

“Eat up, Frankie,” she says softly. “You need your strength.”

I pick up the fork. It feels heavy in my hand and unfamiliar after so long. I spear a bit of egg and bring it to my lips with agonizing slowness. The moment it touches my tongue, I have to bite back a moan. Warm and salty with a hint of butter—it’s the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted.

As I eat, savoring each bite as if it might be my last, Valerie’s hand rests on my head. Her fingers comb through my tangled hair, her nails scraping lightly against my scalp. A shiver runs down my spine, but not entirely from fear.

When did her touch start to feel… comforting?

I freeze with the fork halfway to my mouth. This is wrong. I shouldn’t feel anything but hatred for her. That voice of reason sounds fainter now, though, drowned out by the warmth in my belly and the gentle pressure of her hand in my hair.

“You know,” Valerie says, her voice barely above a whisper, “I’m proud of you. You’re learning, adapting. That’s how you survive in this world. You’re progressing faster than any of the others.”

Her words sink in, and I feel this weird warmth spread through me. My cheeks heat up, and I duck my head, focusing intently on the remaining food. I hate how much I crave her approval, but I can’t deny the rush it gives me.

“Thank you,” I murmur, the words feeling clumsy and foreign on my tongue. When was the last time I thanked her for anything? I pause, then add, “What… What happened to the others?”

Valerie’s hand stills in my hair for a moment before resuming its gentle strokes. “They weren’t as special as you, Frankie, or as strong, but don’t worry about them. You’re here now, safe with me.”

I risk a glance up. Valerie beams at me, her whole face lighting up. For a moment, I can almost forget who she really is and what she’s done to me. Almost.

She stands, smoothing down her skirt. “Now,” she says, her tone shifting to something more businesslike, “there’s someone coming over later. A special client. I need you to be on your best behavior.”

Ice floods my veins, chasing away the warmth of the meal. My fingers tighten on the fork, my knuckles turning white. “I… I don’t want to,” I whisper, hating how my voice trembles, but I force myself to meet Valerie’s eyes in a small act of defiance. “What if I say no? What would happen then?”

Valerie’s expression softens, but there’s a flash of something else—anger or fear—before she leans down, cupping my face in her hands. Her thumbs brush away tears I hadn’t realized were falling. “Oh, sweetie. I know it’s hard, but remember, I’m here. I’ll protect you. Besides, this is nothing more than a meet and greet. You trust me, don’t you? You know I only want what’s best for you.”

Do I? The question echoes in my mind, bouncing off memories of pain and fear, but then other images surface—Valerie’s firm voice cutting through the chaos of the bar, her gentle touch as she brushed my hair, the meal she just brought me.

“Yes,” I say, the word escaping before I can stop it. “I trust you.”

The smile she gives me feels like sunlight after a long, dark winter. I bask in it, even as a small voice in the back of my mind screams that this is all wrong. I silence it, pushing it down deep, because right now, Valerie is all I have.

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