Page 9 of Captured Beauty
“Mhmm, mhmm!” I mumbled before my body suddenly went lax and darkness covered me.
Sitting in my office, I brought the glass full of brown liquor to my mouth as I watched the monitor.
Goosebumps covered my skin. An expanding feeling filled my chest watching as my caramel-coloredbeautyin distress started awakening on the bed. She was curled in a ball, palms together resting under her head.
“What are you gonna do with her?” Rock questioned, standing in front of my desk. Since she had been brought in, I’d been watching her on the screen. She looked peaceful, unknowing that her life was about to change. It caused a rushing feeling to move through me.
My eyes stayed locked on the monitor. “I haven’t decided yet.” One corner of my mouth lifted as I swirled the ice cubes around. I hit a button that unmuted the screen when Azeira’s upturned, honey-colored eyes fluttered open.
She groaned and shifted in the bed. Slowly lifting, she rubbed her eyes and looked around with furrowed brows and squinted eyes.
“What the fuck?” she muttered, blinking a couple times. Her eyes widened and the panic that covered her face made my heart quicken.
Frantically, she looked around the room. “Hello!” she shouted. “Where am I?” Her eyes locked on the door and she jumped up, rushing to it. I brought the glass back to my mouth, finishing the liquor inside.
I dismissed Rock. “You can leave. On your way out, let Lillian know to get the food ready,” I said, referring to my cook.
“Will do.” He left the room.
My eyes never left the screen.
“Hey! Can anyone hear me? Open the damn door!” Azeira shouted, pounding her fists against the door. Not only was the room she was in soundproof but the only way to get in and out was by use of the approved handprint.
“Hello!” I allowed Azeira to go through the motions a little longer. She moved around the room, trying to figure out where she was and how to get out. She went from anger to panic quickly. “Please, I don’t know why I’m here but you’ve got the wrong person!” My smirk heightened. Watching Azeira frantic and confused caused adrenaline to rush through my veins and my heart to pound like a wild beast was locked up inside me. Seeing no one was going to come to her rescue, she walked back to the bed, folding her shoulders forward in defeat and dropping her chin to her chest.
Finishing my liquor, I placed the glass on my desk and pushed away from it.
I left my office and headed down the hall to the door that led to the basement. My estate was large. Most people didn’t understand why one person needed this much space, but it worked for me.
Stopping in front of the door, I took my keys out my pocket and unlocked the basement door. After hearing the click, Ipushed the door open and started down the steps. Making a left, I walked to the bedroom door and again placed my hand on a scanner and once it clicked, I turned the knob.
At first Azeira didn’t react. But once I shut the door, her head popped up and she stared at me with wide, frightened eyes.
“Yo-you!” she stuttered.
With my lips pressed together, arms crossed over my chest, and eyes cut into slits, I stood there, silently watching the torment pass over her face. The realization hit her hard and made my stomach erupt in flames.
“Why am I here?” she shrieked, hopping off the bed.
Azeira stalked toward me with fire burning in her eyes. “What am I doing here? Did you kidnap me?” Her finger stabbed into my chest. With each word, her shrieking grew louder. Still, I stayed silent. She was trying to play tough but her hands shook and her breathing was heavy. I could tell my nonresponse made her more upset.
“You don’t hear me talking to you?” She lifted her hand, sending it across my face. My reflexes kicked in and I grabbed her wrist and gripped it tightly, causing her to wince.
“Unless you want me to snap this tiny wrist like a twig, I advise you to keep your hands to yourself,” I gritted. My voice was low, jaw tight.
“Let go,” she cried, her face twisting in pain.
Narrowing my eyes, I shoved her away from me, causing her to stumble. She rubbed her wrist and stared at me with hate radiating through her orbs.
“I was gonna have something to eat brought to you, but I think you can wait now.”
Her eyes scanned the room, landing on the door across from us. She darted her attention back to me before rushing to the door and snatching it open. I wasn’t worried. It was the bathroom and there was nothing in there that could help her.
Azeira slammed the door behind her.
Scratching my jaw, I turned and placed my hand on the scanner. As soon as I heard the click, I twisted the knob. Walking down the hall, I stopped Lillian on her way to the room.
“You can take that back to the kitchen. She won’t be needing it right now.” I glanced at the tray. She had made Azeira a grinder sandwich with waffle fries.
