Page 116 of These Family Ties

Then I hear thumping on the roof and realize he must be working on the motel.

I just lie there, listening.

The whole day slowly passes by until I see him walk past the window in the late afternoon. I sit up, fixing my skirt.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to take so long. I wanted to get the new solar panel and batteries in so we can enjoy ourselves tonight."

"Tonight?" I ask curiously.

"Yes. I got you some things." He brings over a packet and sets it on the bed. I open it and take out a couple of chocolate bars and a few magazines.

"Thank you. Now I have something to read while I sit here. That's so thoughtful." I try to keep the sarcasm out of my voice.

"I thought I would run you a nice hot bath. You can lie in it while I wash and dry your skirt." He smiles benevolently at me.

I nod. "A hot bath sounds nice. It is getting a little cooler."

"Autumn is coming, but it's still nice outside. I'll turn the heating up for you." He sits on the edge of the bed and takes out a box. "I got this for you as well."

He hands me the box, and I open it. There's a beautiful necklace in it with a slanted heart charm. He reaches and picks it up, coming around to put it on my neck. I touch it gently. "Thank you, it's beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you," he says, kissing my head. He really does think he loves me. "I'm going to run your bath."

He goes to the bathroom, and I hear the taps open. A hot bath does sound lovely, even if it's while I'm kidnapped. He comes back out and rummages through a bag he left at the door. "I got some bath salts and oils. I thought you'd be able to relax."

"That sounds lovely." My hopes perk up. He's going to leave me alone to relax in a bath. I could make my escape easily, even if I'm naked. I don't care. I need to get out of here.

I sit on the edge of the bed as he unchains the chain from the bed. "Come on then."

My heart races as I follow him to the bath. He stops the water and tests it with his elbow. "Yeah, that's good. Take off the skirt and get in."

I do as I'm told. I undo the skirt and drop it to the floor before I climb into the bath. "Are you...going to leave the chain on?" I can't help but ask.

"Of course," he says, tying the chain to the radiator and locking it. "It's for your own safety."

"For my safety..." I echo. He picks up the skirt and leaves.

I lean back in the bath. It is a relaxing bath despite the fact that my ankle has a chain around it. I dip right into the bath, leaving only my face uncovered by water. My eyes shut tight. I sit up again slowly and wipe my face with my hands before I open my eyes.

Dead quiet. I look at the radiator and briefly wonder if I could break the chain off it without him knowing. I doubt it. He's got cameras in the bedroom, probably in here as well.

His sick perversion knows no limits.

Tears well up in my eyes, and I start to cry quietly, shivering slightly. I sniff and wait for him to come to discipline me, to moan at me about crying, but he doesn't come. When the water gets cold, I let some of it out and put in new hot water. Still, he doesn't come to stop me.

I touch the necklace around my neck. Then I look at the bracelet on my wrist.

Mine.

That's how he considers me. I am property, and I belong to him.

I try to think back to a time we got along. Maybe when we were younger. He's always watched me, though, or maybe he's just watched over me. Maybe I've got it wrong.

No, how can I have it wrong? He's fucking kidnapped me.

I jump slightly as the door closes, and I realize the bath water has gone cold again.

"I brought a towel," he says cheerily, then frowns. "Why are your eyes red? Were you crying?"

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