Chapter 5 Sweet torment

SARAH **

I pushed the door open, taking a step in. The room was dimly lit; I couldn't even see a thing. I closed the door behind me, then began my search. I scanned the dark room with my eyes, hoping I could see him or at least something to hold onto.

"Don't keep me waiting, Sarah, over here," I heard his voice behind me. I slowly turned, hoping to see him, but he was nowhere in sight. He should at least turn on the lights. Why is he scaring me?

"How am I supposed to come when I can't even see you?" My mouth trembled.

"I'm here, just right beside you." I felt his hands trail down my exposed thigh, his rough breath on my neck. He grabbed my waist, slamming me against his hard chest. For a second, my breathing stopped; I couldn't even blink my eyes. I remained stiff, like someone who just got electrocuted. Why in God's name is this guy bent on tormenting me?

"You are mine, Sarah, mine alone." His voice was low and husky.

"Please let me go. I can't survive the cruelty in here; everyone hates me. Just let me go back and continue my simple life. Whatever my mom did, I swear I wasn't a part of it. I don't even remember what my mom's face looks like. Please just punish her for her sins and let me go. I'm innocent." Tears pricked the corners of my eyes.

"Fine! But first, you must tell me how you're gonna pay back the $50,000 your lover ran away with!" His jaw clenched in anger. Don't tell me he's responsible for that too? My heart twitched.

"You know about that? Or you are..." I paused, not wanting to accuse him. I mean, what if he's innocent? My subconscious mind told me. I waved it off, not wanting to believe he's a good person.

"That's none of your business, Sarah." Somehow, I liked how my name sounded intimate in his mouth.

"Tell me how you plan on escaping from their wrath. You think you can raise $50,000 in two years? That's a big joke!" He continued. He was right; if he eventually lets me go, how do I face those mean people? But staying here isn't a good idea either. No one is kind here. I must get out of here, even if it means I will get killed. I'd rather die than stay here, I concluded in my mind.

"Somehow, I will just go back and negotiate with them, or work for them till I raise $50,000. Then I will be free," I blurted, and he chuckled.

"So easy? Work for them? You don't care to know the work they'd want you to do?" He questioned. I never thought of this. What if they turn me into a prostitute? Because that's the only way I can raise such a huge amount of money in a short period of time. Gawd! I'm stuck here.

"No way! Why would they want to turn me into a prostitute? They can't possibly be so wicked!" I disagreed.

"I never said that, you know! You came to that conclusion yourself," I heard his voice. It was then I realized he was no longer standing next to me. This darkness is killing me.

"You think they'd give a fuck about what you feel? Hell no, Sarah. No one fucking cares about you!" His harsh voice muttered from the other edge of the room.

"Just shut up already!" I heard him growl in anger. At that moment, I knew I had messed up. I just asked him to shut up. The next thing I knew, he was next to me, pinning me to the wall.

"Please..." I pleaded, hoping he'd let go of my neck. He's choking me so badly that I could barely breathe.

"You're messing with the wrong guy, Sarah. I'm not a patient person. Don't get me annoyed!" His eyes blazed like a scarlet coast. I grabbed his arm, trying to break free from his hold, but the further I struggled, the tighter his grip got.

"I'm sorry. Just let go of my neck," I pleaded again.

"Don't go thinking you're some kind of big shot, Sarah!" He spoke coldly, his voice devoid of emotions.

"Please... don't hurt me," I muttered as everything became blank.

***

"I love you; can't you see it? You also see me as a monster," I heard him say. I forcefully opened my eyes, wondering who he was referring to.

"You're awake? Are you okay?" I chuckled at his silly question. Look who's asking if I was okay-someone who nearly got me killed. "Sarah, are you okay?" He asked again, ignoring the fact that I chuckled. Unlike the dude earlier, he looked worried and concerned. Why is he hell-bent on frustrating me? One minute he's nice; the next minute he's cold. What in God's name does he want?

"My head hurts so badly," I muttered weakly. "Hold on." He left, and shortly, he returned with a bucket of water and a piece of cloth.

He dipped the piece of cloth into the bucket, then placed it on my forehead.

"I'm here; you will be fine," he assured, smiling. My cheek reddened. Gawd, I'm blushing. I quickly covered my face, trying to hide my embarrassment. He grabbed my hands, pinning them to the bed.

"What... are you doing?" I stuttered.

"What do you want me to do?" He lowered his head, his mouth a few inches away from mine.

"Nothing, I... I..." I stuttered. The next thing I felt was his soft lips on mine. For a moment, my breathing stopped, and my eyes widened. I prayed silently that he would never stop.

I closed my eyes, enjoying the sweetness of the kiss when suddenly he broke it. I almost asked why he stopped but held back.

"You don't want me to stop?"

"What? I never said that," I stuttered.

"Can't you see it, Sarah? Why can't you see how much I love you?" What? He's in love with me? How?

"See what?" my hands trembled as I reached up to touch his face.

"I love you, Sarah," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

His eyes locked onto mine, searching for confirmation. I saw the faintest glimmer of hope in their depths, and my heart skipped a beat. Slowly, a smile spread across his face, and he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close.

"Don't say no to me, Sarah, please," he whispered again, his breath sending shivers down my spine.