Page 5 of He Will Come for Me

Why am I his prisoner? He didn’t want anything to do with me at school. Why is he suddenly showing interest?

Sighing, I adjust myself and close my eyes, trying to ignore the sensation of wanting to claw my skin off. I have no idea what they drugged me with, but whatever it was probably helped keep me docile. It doesn’t make sense why Phoenix wouldn’t want to keep me docile as well. The last thing I think about is his tattooed hand pushing my hair behind my ear.

My eyes fly open and I suck in a breath when I’m met with unfamiliar surroundings. “My name is McKenzie. I’m twenty-three years old. He will come for me. He always comes for me.” The room is dark, but it’s not as dark as the prison I was kept in.

I try my best to calm my racing heart, but I’m unsuccessful. Closing my eyes again, I repeat my mantra. “My name is McKenzie. I’m twenty-three years old. He will come for me. He always comes for me.” Wiping away a tear that escapes my eye, I’m reminded of the IV that’s in my arm.

“Who is he?” I turn my head toward the voice and make out Phoenix’s silhouette in the dark.

“What are you doing in here?” I ignore his question. It has to be the middle of the night. There isn’t a clock in here, but I’m assuming it has to be.

“Answer my question first.”

Pulling my lips between my teeth, I quickly release them because of the sting with how cracked they are. “I don’t know,” I whisper.

“You don’t know?”

“I answered your question. Now you answer mine.” He’s not my friend. I’m not confiding in him.

“I have to go away for a few days.” I squint at him, confused. That doesn’t answer my question. “I came in here to check on you before I left.”

“Why do you care?” He stands and stares down at me. I’m glad I can’t see his glacier stare.

“You’re mine. So I need to make sure you stay alive.” With that, he stands and walks out of the room. I ignore the ache in my chest and the shaking of my hands as I watch him leave.Of course I’m his. His prisoner.I must doze off for a few minutes, because the next thing I know, Clara is nudging me because she brought me some broth.

“Sorry to wake you, Miss McKenzie, but it’s getting late, and the doctor wants you to eat and build your strength up.”Guess I dozed off longer than a few minutes.

“What time is it?” I ask. She helps me sit up and puts the table across my lap before walking over to the curtains and pulling them back. I squint at the sudden brightness, but I welcome it after the dungeon I was held in for god knows how long.

“It’s almost lunchtime.” I wasn’t expecting that answer. It feels like Phoenix just left. “Mr. Phoenix said to let you sleep, but not sleep too long.”

“God forbid his property not get healthy again.” Clara doesn’t respond, instead she grabs the broth and sits it on the table.

“Sorry,” I mumble. It’s not her fault her boss is an ass.

“Eat as much as you can, but don’t force yourself.” She begins dusting the room. I stare at the bowl in front of me minus the croissant.Stupid Phoenix. I’m sure he’s the reason I didn’t get that.

Grabbing the spoon, I ladle some broth and am more successful at keeping it on the spoon this time. My hand is still shaking, but not as bad as last night. After a few sips, I get frustrated because I have to concentrate so hard on my hand not shaking.

Finally giving up, I lay back against the headboard and sigh. A few days ago, I was shackled to a bed, not knowing if I was going to die there or not. While I may still be a prisoner, at least I’m getting treated better and I’m getting more than stale bread and moldy cheese.

“Would you like help?” I lift my head and catch Clara watching me. My face heats with embarrassment. I want to tell her I don’t need help, but she obviously saw me struggling. I’m baffled by her concern.Why does she care? Why is she being so nice to me?

I finally nod. “Yes, please.” She gently grabs the spoon and brings it up, indicating for me to take it. Leaning forward, I sip the broth and she smiles at me.

“I was able to get a few bites before I gave up,” I admit. “I wasn’t shaking as bad as last night.” She pats my arm before dipping the spoon in the broth again.

“That’s a good sign.” She doesn’t mention anything about me struggling. It makes me like her a little more. I eat a few more bites before I can’t anymore.

“Am I not allowed to have a croissant?” I ask, feeling like I’m pushing my luck. She chuckles as she grabs the tray and stands.

“I told Mr. Phoenix you wouldn’t be happy about not getting a croissant.” I roll my eyes and she smirks. “I’ll bring you one for dinner. It’ll be our secret.”

“Can I take a bath today?” I change the subject because I don’t want to talk about Phoenix Stone.

“Yes. The nurse should be here soon and she can unhook your IV so you can take a bath. I’ll wash your hair if you want me to,” she says as she finishes dusting the furniture. Excitement flutters in my stomach at being able to soak in the bathtub. I never got showers or baths where I was. They’d hose me down every few days. It was degrading, embarrassing, and freezing.

I shiver, remembering how cold I always was and snuggle under my blanket. “Wait. There’s a nurse coming?” Clara turns and gives me her full attention.

---