AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I owe this woman nothing, but I can’t help but feel sorry for her. She’s being held captive by Aleksei as well.
“Why are you here?” I ask, needing to know what role she plays, and if she can be trusted.
Sara looks similar in age to me with long dark hair. Once upon a time, I would have guessed her dull and lifeless light brown eyes sparkled. “I’m a prisoner too,” she says. Even though she doesn’t know my situation, it’s evident I’m here against my will.
“Alek has me working off my father’s debt. He borrowed money from him but couldn’t pay it back.”
She doesn’t need to continue. I can fill in the blanks.
The inevitable looms. “Is he…?” I gulp, unsure how to even phrase this. “Is he your master too?”
She nods slowly, her large eyes filling with tears.
I don’t understand any of this. If Alek has ample women at his disposal, then why does he want me?
However, when I think of my purpose, that I’m to take over for Zoey, his number one, I assume that Alek parades one “special” girl around to all his friends like a prized pig while the others, like Sara, are there to scratch an itch when he gets bored.
Judging by her clothes, which look like something Cinderella would wear when scrubbing the floors, she serves as his slave in every sense of the word. We all have a purpose to Alek, chess pieces to move to win the game.
“Zoey has been in here.” My blood turns cold when she shares this with me. “Be careful of her. She will do anything to make sure no one takes her place. You aren’t the first girl.”
Her confession leaves a bad taste in my mouth as those other girls were “trained” by Saint.
“At first, Alek makes you think he cares, but his true colors will eventually shine through.” She tugs at a loose thread on the duvet, betraying her guilt. “We’re all just his property to do with as he pleases.”
Saint was right. It sounds like Sara fell victim to Alek’s charm too.
“I want to see him. Alek,” I add, and she turns a ghastly shade of white.
“He’s attending to some business. He won’t be back for an hour or so.”
“Well, in that case”—I kick the blankets off and turn my body, placing my feet on the soft carpet—“I want to see what my cage looks like.” Because that’s what this place is.
Sara must read my determination because she quickly offers her hand to help me. I feel like a ninety-year-old woman as I come to a slow stand. My legs wobble, but once I gather my bearings, I commence a slow shuffle toward the door.
However, when I see an en suite, I make a beeline for it as I’m desperate to use the toilet and brush my teeth. Sara gives me privacy to do my thing. When I look at my reflection in the oval mirror, I almost fall backward as I don’t recognize the person staring back at me.
The dark circles under my eyes look almost bruised. My skin is a sickly white, and my hair is a knotted mess. But appearance aside, the sparkle has gone. When I look at myself, I see a stranger. I have lived her life, but I no longer see the Willow Shaw I once was.
This person is angry and intent on revenge. She will do anything to make sure those who hurt her pay.
A red toothbrush in a wrapper sits on the marble counter as well as toothpaste. I make use of both. As I’m brushing my teeth, I open the drawers and am disgusted when I see all the things you’d expect to see in any bathroom.
But I don’t want any of the expensive makeup or perfumes. The drawers are filled with lotions, as well as brushes and other beauty implements. I slam the drawer shut and spit out my toothpaste.
I wash my face with water, which will have to do for now. I’ll take a shower after I take a look around.
Sara waits for me by the door. “We have to be quick. Alek didn’t give me permission to let you out of your room.”
I can’t stop my eye roll. “Permission? Screw him. I don’t need nor do I want a minder.”
Sara looks saddened by my claim. “Willow, you will soon learn that here at ??????? ??????, we don’t have any choices.”
What the hell is ??????? ???????
“How long have you been here, Sara?” I ask, her sorrow palpable.
She straightens out her white apron, eyes downcast. “Thirteen months.”
