Page 21 of He Will Come for Me

Clara stands from the bed with a sad smile on her face. “I’ll bring you your dinner.” I nod as she leaves the room. I spot Phoenix in the hallway.

He gazes in like he wants to speak, but I turn back around and stare out the window. It’s not like I can stop him from coming in; this is his house after all. And apparently, I’m not just his prisoner. I’m his property.

Chapter 10

Iavoid Phoenix for the next week. The only time I’m forced to be in the same room as him is when Dr. Chamberland and Dr. Pearl come to check on me. I think I might be ready to begin talking to Dr. Pearl, but for now I’ve written the couple of memories I’ve had. I’ve also been writing in it every night about my day, hoping it will help jog something or at least help me work through all the emotions I’m currently feeling.

“Have you been writing in your journal?” Dr. Pearl asks.

“Yes.” Phoenix hasn’t taken his eyes off me since I came down to the living room. I try to ignore him, but he’s like a magnet my eyes keep getting drawn back to. He’s dressed up today. More than he usually is. I wonder why.

He’s wearing dark gray slacks, a white button-up shirt, and he has suspenders.Who would have thought suspenders couldlook so sexy?I growl inwardly at how he draws me in, no matter how angry and hurt I am.

“That’s good. I recommend reading the memories regularly; it might help spark other memories.” I huff. I don’t know if I want to spark any other memories. I’m still reeling from the last memory I had.

Dr. Chamberland does a quick checkup. After he’s done, I have this need to flee. I can’t be in the same room with Phoenix anymore. He affects me too much and I don’t know what to do about it.

“Are we done? Can I go?” I rub my hands down my thighs.

“You’re coming with me today,” Phoenix says matter-of-factly.

“What? No, I’m not.” I stand and glare at him.

“You are.” His voice leaves no room for argument. I slap my hands against my thighs as my blood pressure rises.

“Are you done, Dr. Chamberland?” Phoenix asks calmly.

“I am,” he replies, unphased by this turn of events.

“Dr. Pearl?” Phoenix asks her. She nods as she puts her notepad in the bag she brought in. Of course. They’re on Phoenix’s payroll.

Before they leave, Dr. Pearl turns to me. “Do you think you’re ready to talk to me?” I swallow. “It can be somewhere you’re comfortable. The library. Or your room.” I glance from her to Phoenix to Dr. Chamberland.

“Maybe,” I finally reply.

“Okay. I’ll schedule an appointment with Phoenix for next week and if you choose not to talk, we can have tea or coffee together. Whatever you’re comfortable with.” Her voice is soft and soothing and it eases some of the anxiety I’m feeling with all three of them in the room.

“It’s also a good idea to try walking every day,” Dr. Chamberland suggests. Rex walks in just as he says that.

“I’ve been taking short walks with Rex almost every day.” Rex nods in confirmation as he stops by Phoenix, whispering something in his ear. My eyes narrow at their interaction, trying to figure out what’s going on.

“That’s good. Try to go further each day to increase your stamina. I can tell you’re getting stronger, but it will help a lot.”

“Okay.” I’m ready to run out of here. I wonder if Rex will go walking with me now so I can get away, but just as I’m thinking it, Rex walks out of the house. Guess that’s a no.

“I’ll make sure she begins walking more,” Phoenix says. Dr. Chamberland nods and he and Dr. Pearl leave. I turn on Phoenix.

“Yeah. Got to make sure your property doesn’t up and die on you.” I spit the words at him. His eyes narrow and he stalks toward me. I force my feet to stay rooted where I am. He will not intimidate me.

“I am sick of your attitude. You will go upstairs, you will get dressed, and you will come with me.” He towers over me, making me crane my neck to look up at him. Bastard. I dig my fingernails into my palms. I breathe out a huff of air as anger settles in my chest like a hot iron.

“You’re sick of my attitude? Is that an inconvenience to you?” I mock. “You poor thing. I’m not like other property you own.” Motioning to his couch, I continue. “Your couch, your TV, your fucking motorcycle. No! This property has feelings. But if that’s too inconvenient for you, then please let me go back to ignoring you for days. I quite liked it that way.” I take a step toward him, leaving barely any room between him and I. His eyes narrow and his breathing comes out in sharp pants.

“Because whether you like it or not, my feelings are valid. Asshole.” I turn on my heel so I can walk away, but he grabs the back of my neck and forces me back around, his lips ghosting over mine.

My eyes widen and for the first time since I woke up in this house, I’m afraid. His grip on my neck isn’t painful, though. He pulls me close enough so he can rest his forehead against mine, his icy eyes staring into mine. My hands hang awkwardly at my side as I stare back.

“If I hadn't bought you, someone else would have.” The words sound like they’re being ripped out of his chest. “The people that go to those auctions are bad people.”

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