Page 130 of The Road Less Traveled By

But this is probably going to end differently, and that’s terrifying. I don't know his plan. Is he going to kill me quickly? Is he going to finish what he couldn't the first time? Is my family alright? He had pictures of them all, and there’s no doubt in my mind that he would follow through on the threat if I didn't cooperate.

“Bree,” I hear a voice say. “I’m coming for you, little lamb.”

I all but gag at the way his voice sounds, and then the whistling starts.

I can hear it more clearly since I’m not hiding in my closet, and as he ascends the stairs, the same step creaking under his weight, I look around for something I could use as a weapon. I find nothing as I hear his footsteps echo through the hallway, getting closer and closer as my breathing picks up.

I’m panicking. I’m falling apart. I’m going to die.

But this time, I’m not going down without a fight. Even with my legs and arms secured to my bed frame, I’m going to do anything I can to hurt him.

“I’m almost there, Bree. Are you ready for me? Are you shaking with excitement over being back here? I know I am.”

Don't throw up. Do not throw up, Bree.

He knocks on the door, no doubt another taunt because he knows I’m strapped down, before it creaks open, and he stands in my doorway.

He’s wearing the same outfit from that night, same boots, the same ski mask so most of his face is covered.

My pulse is thrashing underneath my skin, and I try to pull my legs to my body, but the restraints don’t allow me to move much. I want to hide, but I can’t. I try to shake my wrists out, but that doesn't work either.

I’m panicking. I can barely breathe, and he’s watching me struggle because he knows I can’t leave. I feel his gaze on me, and a few drops of cold sweat run down my face.

“God, Bree, do you know how long I’ve been dreaming of this? Of your fight? God, it turns me on just thinking about it.” He comes over to the bed and stands at the foot of it.

“The only thing I’ve dreamt about is you being dead,” I bite back, not wanting to play into this stupid game. I’m not his victim. I’m not the mouse he’s trapped and can do with as he pleases.

If he wants me to succumb to him, he’ll have to kill me.

He scoffs a bit, as if I said something crazy, and I lower my gaze from his, not wanting to look this sick fucking freak in his eyes.

“Sweetheart, I know that’s not true.” He comes closer to me, his hand grazing my face before he forces my gaze into his. His eyes are dark—almost black—as he looks at me. “God, you’re so beautiful, and it’s allmine. I’m the only one who will see you for the rest of time.”

That’s not true. No. Vince and Nico have to know I’m missing by now. It has probably been hours since Ralph took me, and they should’ve got an alert that someone was on the property, right?

Please be looking for me.

I should try to get some information from Ralph, but playing into this game of his is something I’d rather not do.

He lowers his head, and I flinch as he nips at my ear, my body shivering with nausea. “See? Even your body reacts how I knew it would.”

“How long was I out?”

“I only gave you a mild sedative so I could transport you here. It took me two hours to set everything up for your arrival. Isn't it perfect, Bree? Isn't it just how you remember it?” His eyes sparkle at his masterpiece, and I have to hold down my nausea as he looks around the room. “Everything is the same. We needed a redo, Bree, and this is it.”

I’m torn. Do I play into his games, or do I try to overpower him? Maybe if I’m good, he’ll uncuff me. Fuck it, I have to try, right?

“I-It looks wonderful,” I choke out, my throat feeling like I swallowed cotton balls. “Exactly like I remembered it.” It’s not a compliment, but to Ralph’s ego, it is.

“God, I knew you would love it. I know you so well, little lamb.” His hand comes back to caress my face as he sits next to me. “We’re meant for one another, Bree. I know you know that now. I knew this would convince you.”

He kisses my neck, and my body starts to shake with fear. I don’t want this. I don’t want him touching me. “Get off,” I whisper.

“Bree, if you ruin this, I’ll fucking kill them. I’ll kill them all. So sit still and let me touch you.”

He’ll kill them.

“No,” I whisper. “You won’t kill them because then you’ll lose me.”

---