Page 145 of Cavern of Silence
"They get old. I'm ready to return home."
"Where is that?"
"France."
I nod.Pretend she's an ordinary passenger."When will you return?"
"I'm not sure. My husband's business affairs are complicated."
I gaze at the back of the plane. Malin and Gustave are drinking, but Gustave's eye meets mine, and he winks.
I close my eyes, and my heart races. No matter how often men hit on me or manhandle my body, it always creates the same anxiety level.
Emilia clears her throat. She reaches into her bag then taps on the note, where it says,Don't be scared over what happens next, but act how you normally would.
"I'll get your water." I spend the rest of the trip trying to calm my nerves and do my job. The journey from Colombia to Mexico is over four hours. Throughout the flight, Gustave gets handsier, and each time, Emilia taps her bag.
I'm not sure what to think but repeatedly recite not to be scared and to not do anything out of the ordinary.
The bell rings, and I inform the passengers to get ready for landing. Instead of putting his seat belt on, Gustave walks toward me. I glance at Emilia, and she taps her bag again.
He puts an arm around my waist and says, "When we land, you're coming with me."
"I'm sorry?"
"I need company tonight. You'll do."
My heart pounds and insides quiver. I've not had any of the men attempt to take me with them when we've landed. I'm not sure how to act, and even though Emilia warned me not to be scared, I am.
He leans into my ear, palms my ass, and murmurs, "Breathe. I won't hurt you. Resist a bit."
I push his chest, and he backs me up against the wall. "Do you need consequences of disobeying a global leader?"
A tear falls. It shouldn't, since Emilia warned me he won't hurt me, but my insides won't stop trembling. "No. Please don't. I'll go with you."
He presses his body so I can't see anyone but him and says, "If you fight me again, there will be. Understand?"
I nod. "Yes, sir."
He releases me and returns to his seat next to Malin.
Emilia taps her bag again.
I sit in my seat, put my hands over my face, and take deep breaths, trying not to have a panic attack.
It's pretend. Whatever is going on, he's playing a role. Focus on getting Millie to a safe place.
The plane lands. Emilia and Malin leave with Millie and get into the car waiting on the runway. Gustave motions for me to go when Roman comes out of the cockpit.
"Julieta, where are you going?"
"She's going with me," Gustave replies.
"But—"
"You understand consequences, right?" Gustave growls.
Roman shuts his mouth, closes his eyes, and steps back.
