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“No,” the word squeaks past my lips.
“Then change and get out of my sight before I fuck you until you beg me to stop, and believe me, I won’t be gentle.”
As badly as I’m tempted to see him do it, I want to explore the island. His lips flutter against mine, and it’s the softest kiss, gentle, kind like he is telling me a secret with his lips. I’m frazzled and confused, and my knees tremble, barely holding me up.
“Okay,” I mumble, and a moment later, he releases me like I’m a hot branding iron on his skin. Lifting a hand, I rub at my throat while my heart thunders inside my chest. I can still feel his grip there. My lungs burn as if I’ve been holding my breath, and I sigh loudly into the room.
“One of the guards took Celeste to the mainland for supplies. Only Clyde and Marie are here right now,” Julian explains. “If you need anything, I can still text them to pick it up for you.”
“I don’t need anything,” I say, my voice still breathy.
With one last lingering look, I dart across the room and over to the foot of the bed where my suitcase is. It’s not like I’m wearing anything overly revealing, a pair of sleep shorts, and a spaghetti strap top, but I’m not going to push him or give him another reason to shackle me to the bed because he will. I have no doubt in my mind that he will do everything possible to remind me of the power he holds.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see him turn away from him. He pulls out his phone, giving the device his undivided attention. Quickly, I change out of my PJs and slip into a pair of shorts and a dressy tank top. Momentarily, I pause and consider putting on a bathing suit but decide against it. I’m not going to be going into the ocean alone, especially not when I can’t swim.
Julian has his nose buried in his phone, so I slip out of the room without notice. I’m bubbling over with excitement as I walk through the house.
The island isn’t very big, but I plan to search every inch of it. I enjoy being with Julian, but I want more freedom, and I need to see my father. To warn him of what’s to come. Eventually, Julian will forgive me for escaping.
The mansion is set right on the beach and is the focal point of the island. Julian claims there is only one way on and off the island, but I don’t believe him. What if there were an emergency? With the placement of the house as it is, there is nothing but open concept throughout. Every window you look out of, there is ocean and beach. It’s peaceful, and part of me wants to stay here in this bubble of perfection forever.
Rushing down the stairs, I enter the kitchen, which is empty. The French doors that lead outside are wide open, letting the breeze from the ocean in. Where should I go first? I walk out the doors and look both ways. I see nothing but the beach for miles.
The air is salty as I breathe it into my lungs, but I love it. Love the freedom that surrounds me, the sound of the ocean, and the way my toes feel in the sand. Randomly choosing, I go left and head away from the mansion.
Walking along the beach, the water creeps closer and eventually washes over my feet. The water is cold, and a shiver runs down my spine. I’m not sure how long I walk before coming to a small area that’s overgrown with trees and vegetation. I almost don’t see the small boathouse peeking out in between the green leaves.
I consider turning around because the last thing I want to do is go trespassing into something, but there is a nagging at the back of my mind that tells me to investigate further.
Julian said there were no other boats on the island. Was he lying? Or is this boathouse empty? Maybe it’s not a boathouse at all?
Curiosity gets the best of me, and I continue walking toward it. My steps are hesitant, and fear coils deep in my gut. It could be nothing just a small abandoned outbuilding, or it could be something bigger than that.
Just a small peek inside, I tell myself. I just want to know what’s inside.
As I get closer, walking deeper into the overgrowth, I realize how old and run down this building is. The slats of wood are debilitated, and the paint on them is chipped away by the elements. Smiling to myself, I feel as if I’ve won a trophy.
I bet Julian has no idea that this is here. I get to the door and tug on the handle, which is barely hanging on. I find it’s not locked but cracked open. The hinges creak as I pull the door open and stick my head inside.
