My freedom in exchange for theirs.
“You stink of him.”
Acco appeared suddenly, almost like he had materialised out of nowhere, and I sucked in a startled breath. He was too close. His face almost touching my hair as he sniffed at me. I reared back, only stopping myself at the last minute.
I needed to calm down. Yes I was scared, and yes, I didn't want to be there or anywhere near him, but it was what I had chosen.
It might be a choice I was regretting but it had been my choice And I was going to have to live with it.
My life for the children’s freedom.
It hadn't really been a choice. Anyone who knew me, knew I would give up my freedom for theirs in a heartbeat.
It was the one thing about me that Tommy hadn't grasped.
Acco had though, and he had used it to his full advantage. He had known what choice I would make.
It was quite possible that he had always known.
“I don't know what you mean, Acco.” I don't know how I managed it but my voice came out strong and clear. Not even a wobble in it. I sounded much braver than I felt.
The bravery vanished as his fingers curled around my chin, pulling my face towards him. Our eyes were just inches apart in the dark. It took every ounce of willpower I had not to look away from those strange serpentine eyes.
“You stink of him. Bloody Bones.” He ran his nose up my cheek and over my lips, and I forgot how to breathe. The air got stuck in my lungs for so long as he caressed his face against mine, that by the time I finally exhaled I felt dizzy and light-headed.
“Not even soap and water can rinse the stench of his seed from your body.” As quickly as he was there, he was gone, settling himself back against the seat. His eyes never left me. “It's no matter. I have cleaned you once. I can clean you again.”
I shuddered at the memory of his tongue against my skin. The way it slid with snake-like ease into every crook and cranny of my body. There had been certain areas he hadn't licked that day, but I knew this time he would be more thorough.
Acco wasn't playing anymore.
The game was over.
He had won.
And I was the prize.
“Strip, Briella.”
Frozen in place, I stared at him. My lips worked to form words but not even a sound came out.
“Take off the shirt that is obviously his.” Acco wasn't playing any longer, there was real anger in his voice. Cocking his head to the side, he let his eyes wander over my body. “Did you think I wouldn't notice, or maybe that I wouldn't care? Take Bloody Bones shirt off before I rip it from your body.”
It was no idle threat. Acco was done being kind, or his version of kind anyway. Any humanity he had was no longer apparent, like it had never been there to begin with.
My fingers shaking, I pulled the soft black material over my head. I wanted to hold it to my face and bury myself in it. The tee was clean, but it was Tommy's. It smelt of him. Offering me safety and sanctuary.
But not just that. It promised love and affection.
I wouldn't get any of those things with Acco, all I would get was…
“Now the rest of your clothes.”
The t-shirt dropped to the floor, landing in a puddle over my feet. Not daring to raise my head or open my mouth to protest, I popped the button of my jeans. The sound of my zipper lowering was loud.
“Quicker.” Acco rasped. Before I could stop myself, my eyes flew to him. He was leaning back, his chest rising and falling in small pants as he watched me strip off my clothes. He was enjoying the show. Whether that was me getting naked or my fear, I didn't know. It was probably both.
Slipping out of the jeans, I let them fall as well. Soon I would be naked, and naked always meant more vulnerable.
