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With a nod, I silently follow Niko through a double set of doors that lead back inside, making a point not to look back as I do.
I trail after Niko as he navigates the hallways leading back to my room. I swear this house is like one huge maze. A stone, maze fortress.
I try to take note of objects that seem memorable. A large vase by the entryway. An ominous painting at the end of a hallway. I also try to count how many doors we pass, but I lose track somewhere in the teens. I’m not over exaggerating when I say that you could probably fit an entire mall inside these walls, and maybe even a couple department stores too.
By the time we finally reach my room, I’m so turned around that I’m not sure which direction we even came from. All I know is that once inside, the room feels even smaller than it did before.
“I’ll be back in a little bit to bring you some dinner.” Niko waits for me to object, seeming a little surprised when I don’t.
He must not know that Mateo threatened to cut off my toes if I continued to refuse food. I think it’s safe to say I’ll be eating whatever they bring me from now on.
Truth be told, I was only hurting myself by not eating. I’m going to need my strength and every ounce of courage I have if I want any hope of getting off this damn island.
“Do you need anything in the meantime?”
“No.” I shake my head. “But can I ask you a question?” I blurt, causing him to hesitate in the doorway. He doesn’t say anything but given that he turns back in my direction, I take it as a yes. “How did you get stuck with this job? Babysitting me.”
“Because Mateo trusts me explicitly. Despite what you may think, your safety really is a priority for him.”
“Yeah, but only because he can’t get to my father if he doesn’t have me to draw him out.”
“That’s partly true.”
“So then what’s the rest?”
“The rest?” He seems confused.
“You said it’s partly true. So what’s the rest of the truth?”
“You’re a woman.”
“And?”
“Mateo would never harm a woman unless there was no other option.”
I think back to earlier. To the relief that seemed to flood his face when I agreed to eat, keeping him from having to hurt me. And while I really have no reason to believe Niko, for some reason I do. Not fully. But I believe that he’s at least partially right.
At this point, Mateo could have literally done anything he wanted to me. Yet, he hasn’t so much as laid a finger on me. Other than to handcuff me to the bed ... twice.
“I can’t say the same for some of the other men here. Which is where I come in.”
“Well, thank you then, I guess.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I still might end up killing you myself.” The laughter that trails after him as he leaves the room tells me he’s joking.
And despite everything, I feel a small smile touch my lips at the sound.
