Page 23 of Pushed Through The Dark
The wood floor looked like it was coated in a layer of glass, mirroring my footsteps. The walls were two-tone, white on the bottom and a deep navy blue on top, with textured paint. Beautiful artwork hung between the closed doors.
Stopping, I studied one. A naked woman throwing herself out of the water, surrounded by lily pads. It wasn't erotic in nature, it was gorgeous, so gorgeous I find myself admiring it. Her head was arched back, her hair was dripping, her arms were out, and open wide as if she was giving herself to someone.
There was another image of a pair of hands holding one giant pink flower, the rest of the image was black and white, and there was a set of eyes deep in the background. This man's taste in artwork seemed to be just as high-end as his taste in food.
Making my way down the stairs, there are more images of half-completed planes, frameworks of jets, and helicopters. Some are old fashioned, others more modern, but all are equally intriguing.
I was being as quiet as a mouse, soundless, and invisible. I still couldn't help but think this was a trick to see what I'd do if I was left alone.
Why would this man purchase me, and then just leave me to roam free?
Isn't he afraid of me running?
"These locks aren't to keep you in, they're to keep others out. . ."
His words play in my head, reminding me that Virgo and Koa aren't the only bad guys in the world. But, who could a man like Koa be afraid of if he isn't afraid of Virgo?
I need to get the hell out of here!
This man had to think I was like all the other girls. That I wouldn't even attempt to take my freedom back. He was too trusting of Virgo's word, and his promises of an obedient pet to play with. I was not that girl, not anymore.
No matter how broken I was, I decided to fight for myself. I was worth that much.
In the darkness of his house, I found my way to the front door, my feet itching to run, and my lungs eager to breathe their first breath of truly free air.
My fingers touched the handle, and there was almost a grin on my face as I got ready to turn it. I wasn't thinking about my bare feet or the fact I was wearing almost nothing.
"There are cameras everywhere. You won't make it out of these woods before I find you."
His words seared my insides, drenching my muscles with hesitation. My eyes moved to the small blinking keypad by the door, and I knew instantly there was no escape from this place. The door wouldn't open for me, and even if it did, it would only set off an alarm.
I didn't want to die, I wanted to live. For me to live, I needed to use my head. I couldn't just react, that's not how I'd get out. Waiting may be painful, but waiting was smart. Berlin taught me that, she taught me the power of persistence and patience.
My fingers fell off the handle, and I dropped my head as I turned, walking back to the room. Closing the door behind me, I exhaled another deep breath as I willingly shut myself in for the first time.
Tears bubbled over my eyes, but I quickly forced them away. I wouldn't cry for this place. I wouldn't cry for this life.
I'd only cry when I got myself back, when freedom was mine and no one was controlling me anymore.
Then and only then would these eyes shed a single tear.
