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I twist around and make a show of slamming the door in his face. Of course, this particular door is too heavy to be slammed. So instead, he stands and watches solemnly as I put all my strength behind pushing the door shut slowly.
It takes a minute. An endless, excruciating minute.
Smooth, Alyssa. Real smooth.
The moment I turn into the basement, I scream at the top of my lungs, letting my frustration fly free. It’s not until I’m done screaming that I realize Svetlana is standing a few feet away, looking positively rattled by my outburst.
A blush creeps up my cheeks. “I’m not crazy.”
Now, why did I go and say that? Everyone knows that only a crazy person insists that they’re not crazy.
“I know, ma’am.”
“My name is Alyssa.”
She gives me a self-conscious smile and shuffles in place. I realize I’m blocking her path to the door but I don’t care.
“Svetlana, can I ask you something, woman to woman?”
Svetlana gulps nervously. I’m worried for a second that the gesture will rip her hair out at the roots, but she seems to be okay. “Okay, ma’am.”
“I’m being held hostage here and I need help getting out.”
Her cheeks flush red. “You’re being held here for your own protection, ma’am.”
Oh, no, don’t tell me she drank the Kool-Aid, too.
“Your boss is lying. He’s keeping me here under false pretenses. God knows why. Maybe he wants to make a coat of my skin. Maybe he wants to sell me off as a sex slave. I don’t know the reason, but I’m guessing it’s not good. So—”
“Ma’am…” Her voice is uneven but she powers through anyway. “I’ve worked for Mr. Bugrov for over twenty years. He has never hurt a woman, nor does he believe in sex slavery. I don’t know why you’re here, either, but I believe Mr. Bugrov when he says he’s trying to keep you safe.”
My mouth drops open. I really hadn’t expected that much conviction, that much loyalty, that much faith from an employee.
ForUri.
Guess he pays well. Plus benefits.
“You’re not gonna even try to help me escape?”
“You don’t have to escape. I’m sure Mr. Bugrov will release you once it’s safe.” She inches closer to the exit. “Your dinner is on the kitchen island. If you need anything else, please let me know.”
“How?” I demand. “I’m down here and you’re up there!”
She points to a little red button beside the door. “Just press that button. It has a direct line to the maids’ quarters.”
“How veryDownton Abbeyof you all,” I drawl bitterly.
Svetlana gives me one more apologetic smile and leaves. And once again, I’m all alone. Nothing to break the monotony of the silence apart from my own voice.
Another thing about myself I’ve decided I hate.
I end up back on the bed, writhing with all this anger that I don’t have an outlet for. What would I say to him if he were standing in front of me right now?
How dare you?
What do you really want from me?
Do you get off on keeping me locked up in here, knowing you have all the control and I’m completely at your mercy?
