Page 82 of His Captive

“All my prayers were answered when I walked into your father’s scummy diner and saw you serving the tables,” he tells me, and if I wasn’t tied to the bed, I’d sock him straight in his smug mouth.

“That smile, those eyes. I thought I was seeing a ghost. Everything was her, even the way you moved. It was unbelievable. I knew then that you were the key to my revenge. So, I did some digging. Your poor dad was struggling…but he was coping. I bought the diner off him for a fairish price but,” the sarcastic bastard shrugs, “that cancer just kept on eating away at your mama.”

I launch myself at him, wanting to claw the skin off his face, but the ropes cut deeper into my flesh and my efforts get me nowhere.

“I convinced your father to take a loan from me. Enough to pay off the treatment and get you through college.” I can’t hide the look of shock from my face.

“Yes, Miss Carlson,” he sniggers at my reaction. “You have me to thank for that education that you’ve been putting to such great use,” he says, again sarcastically.

“My father wouldn’t have got into his debt if it weren’t for you. All that stress, it killed him.” I scream. Just seconds ago I’d almost felt sorry for him but now, I want to hurt him. There’s no excuse for destroying innocent lives.

“Oh darlin’, the stress didn’t kill him.” He looks around the room as if checking that no one will hear him. Then he leans in close enough for me to shudder under his breath.

“I did,” he whispers.

Anger pumps me with adrenaline, and if I weren’t bound down so tightly, I swear I would find the strength to take the life from his body.

“You’re a fucking monster. No wonder your wife loved Ethan, instead of you.”

The back of his hand stings my cheek as he strikes it hard and I yelp like a kicked puppy.

“Get control of yourself. I haven’t finished the story yet,” he snarls.

“So...” He straightens out his jacket and slides his palm through this hair, sweeping back the strand that fell loose during his violent outburst. “I had my little gift to Ethan. Steadily paying off her debt to me, and so desperate for a clean slate. I just needed a way to get you to Ethan. And then I saw it. Ethan’s picture in the paper, the butterfly hanging in his office like a fucking prize. A taunt for me. I knew it had to be the same one that he broke into my home and stole. All for her. For Millie.”

It’s the first time I’ve heard the name of the woman everything centers around, and it shocks me. The name doesn’t seem powerful enough for a woman who’s started a war.

“You were never meant to make it out that night, Lysetta. I planted you, because I know how Ethan’s head works. How he wouldn’t have been able to let you go. That he’d get attached, and the stupid cunt proved it when he paraded you around town a few nights later.

He wanted me to see you together. He wanted me to feel like I’d lost to him again. When all it did was confirm that my plan was working.”

“This still doesn’t explain why you chose me. There are women that would have done it willingly if you were paying enough.”

“You’re not listening, Lysetta.” He raises his voice. “It had to be you. Perhaps I should show you instead.” Sorrento reaches into his inside pocket and pulls out his wallet, flipping it open, he holds it out for me.

My eyes blink when I see the photograph. At first I think the picture is of me. The blonde haired, blue eyed girl in the picture stares back at me like a reflection.

My body surges with heat and my brain screeches inside my head. I want to scream, but my mouth is too dry.

In front of me is the real reason Ethan wanted to keep me. I was his replacement for her. My eyes burn with tears but I hold them back, taking deep breaths to stop myself from letting go.

This whole situation is sick.

“You seem a little disturbed dear, can I get you a glass of water?” He smiles, standing and rounding the bed.

“I’m assuming Ethan took your virtue during your stay with him… a shame” he rolls his eyes.

“How would you even know something like that about me?” I cry out.

“Please. You reeked of virgin from the moment I saw you. It made you even more perfect for my task…it’s a shame, because I would have really enjoyed taking that for myself. Still. We will have our fun before I put you to rest.” He strokes my hair and I dodge my head away from him.

“I’ve promised Rick he’ll get his turn too. Don’t tell him I told you, but he’s got a bit of a thing for you,” he smiles.

I buck against the bed. Desperate to escape this hell. I have no idea where I’ll go after, but I will fight until I’m either free or dead

“Good…Rick likes it when they struggle,” he snarls before he leaves the room.

My head is trying to process all it’s taken in. Not helped by the fact I keep slipping in and out of consciousness.

---