The space was drenched in natural sunlight thanks to the tall windows that towered almost three stories high, and I drifted over to them. The picturesque sight of landscaped gardens and the thick forest beyond greeted me. Unfortunately, it didn’t give me any clue as to where I might be. I could be anywhere. The view was stunning, but it only amplified the cruel reality of my captivity.
The windows were designed to only open at the top, and there was no way for me to grip the smooth glass and climb.
Well, I striked that off my list of potential escape routes.
“Focus,” I whispered. “There must be a way out of here. You just need to find it.”
I continued my exploration, taking note of every detail that could potentially aid in my escape. Even though the pool areadidn’t provide me with a quick way out, any information I could gather was worthwhile.
“Nothing’s impossible,” I said firmly, trying to banish the doubts clouding my mind. “You’ve faced worse than this, Liza. You’ll find a way out.”
With a renewed sense of purpose, I turned my attention back to the pool. I’d enjoy the freedom it offered while I could. For now, I needed to stay strong, stay focused, and most importantly, stay alive.
I opened the door to the pool house bathroom and found a brand-new swimsuit waiting for me on the smooth marble countertop. With its elegant gold accents, the sleek, black one-piece exuded a sense of style and sophistication. I raised an eyebrow at the unexpected gift but figured there was no harm in going for a swim.
“Better than sitting around here feeling sorry for myself,” I said under my breath as I changed into the swimsuit. Once on, I admired how well it fit me, and it struck me, once again, that whoever chose it appeared to know my size perfectly. I tried not to let it creep me out.
The instant I stepped out of the bathroom, the invigorating touch of the pool area’s cool air against my skin made me shiver with goosebumps. I took a deep breath, allowing the scent of chlorine and the earthy aroma of the potted plants around the pool to fill my lungs. It was a welcome change after being cooped up inside the lavish prison of the bedroom.
The water lapped invitingly at the edge of the pool, and I waded in until I reached the perfect depth for swimming. With each stroke, I tried to let go of the tension that had been building since my abduction. The water was nice against my skin, and my taut muscles started to relax. For a moment, I allowed myself to forget about my predicament.
It didn’t last long.
While I swam, I studied the cameras. They followed my every move, providing a constant reminder that I was being watched. I realized that the bathroom I’d been sleeping in was the only area I was confident did not have cameras. The fact that my captor might have been watching as I’d changed into the swimsuit made me feel queasy.
“Yes, Liza,” I ridiculed myself, the sound echoing through the room. “Because watching me change is the most unforgivable act he’s done.”
No matter where I went or what I did, there was always someone watching and monitoring my every move. The thought both infuriated and terrified me, but I refused to let it break me. Instead, I used it as fuel for my resolve to escape.
Floating on my back, I stared up at the ceiling. “You need a plan. A real plan.”
I took another moment to assess my surroundings, committing every detail to memory. The tall windows, the potted plants, the cameras—they all held potential clues for my escape. I just needed to find the right combination of elements, and the perfect opportunity to make my move.
As I sliced through the water, I was sure of one thing: I wouldn’t rest until I had reclaimed my life and escaped from this nightmare. No matter how impossible it seemed, I would find a way out, and when I did, there would be hell to pay.
After completing my laps, I treated myself to the whirlpool, where the gentle pulsing of the jet against my back was soothing, yet it also sent a whisper of desire through me. I pressed my hand to my stomach. This was not the time or place for such thoughts. I was still a captive. For now, I had to keep my focus on escaping.
“Get a grip,” I said under my breath as I moved away from the jet and swam toward the edge.
“Miss Liza?” Anna’s voice echoed through the pool house when she entered with a tray filled with delicious-looking food. “I brought you some lunch.”
“Thanks, Anna,” I said, quickly hoisting myself out of the pool and wrapping a towel around my body. I’d use this as another opportunity, but I’d learned to stay away from anything personal with Anna. This time, I’d try to learn more about the house itself and its occupants. Maybe even figure out where the staff slept.
“Can I ask you something, Anna?” I tried to sound casual as I took a seat at the table.
She poured me a cup of coffee, the aroma strong enough to mask the scent of the chlorine in the air. “Yes, Miss Liza. I’ll… I’ll tell you what I can.” She was so hesitant. Was this master genuinely that daunting?
“Where do the staff sleep? Is there a certain area of the house for that?” I asked, watching her closely for any hint of unease or suspicion.
“Um, well, we have our own quarters in the east wing,” she said hesitantly, giving me a curious look. “Why do you ask?”
“Curiosity, I guess.” I kept my tone light. “I’m just trying to get a better idea of this place, since it looks like I’ll be here for a while.”
Just as she was about to leave, I said, “Anna, one more thing. Do all the staff live in the east wing?”
She paused and turned back toward me, her brow furrowed. “Not exactly,” she said hesitantly. “Some of us do, but there’s also a separate house on the property where some of the others live.”
I cheered internally at gaining this new information. “A separate house? Where is it?” I tried my best to sound casual, as if it were just another question to satisfy my curiosity.
