Page 46 of Fallen Petal

Chapter 23

Petal

There’s nothing uncommon about this house.

And yet, there is.

I didn’t feel anything when we first stepped out of the bedroom that has been my prison for so long. It was just an empty hallway, white walls and big windows, with a wooden floor beneath my naked feet. There was nothing about it that struck me in any way, except for the view to the outside.

I couldn’t see the ocean, but I could see trees, streets, houses even. I thought we’d be in the middle of nowhere, but it looks like this house is part of a small town, with people living right next door, even though I didn’t actually see anyone walk down the street.

Would they hear me scream? If I had seen anyone, would it have been smart to bang against the window for their attention? Would that have been my way out?

Or would there only be punishment so harsh I wish I’d never done anything in the first place?

There’s still time to find out.

But once we reach the first floor, I’m troubled with questions of an entirely different nature. Because here, I feel something.

We pass the entrance area as we come down the stairs, stepping on white marble floors that match with pristine high walls around us. The main door stands in stark contrast with its dark wood, looking sturdy and heavy, just like the door downstairs in the basement. I only cast a quick glance in its direction, but I notice how even that little eye-blink of curiosity makes him nervous. He doesn’t really expect me to run, but he’s prepared for it nonetheless.

And even I don’t know if his wariness is warranted or not.

Would I flee if I could? Even if it meant I’d never get my questions answered? Would I be ready to face the outside world, without even knowing what’s waiting for me out there? Even walking through this spacious house with its high ceilings intimidates me more than I’m comfortable to admit.

I stay close to Jayson, keen on giving him no reason to worry about my potential escape. He doesn’t need to know how much solace his presence gives me. Right now, as we turn right, making our way through the generous entrance hall of the mansion, I can honestly say that I’d rather be close to him than try to escape into uncertainty.

I wonder if he’d believe me if I told him.

He hesitates for a brief second, coming to a halt and taking a deep breath before he guides me through an open archway that leads to the other side of the house.

I follow him, my eyes widening as a rare sensation washes over me.

A sense of familiarity.

We’ve stepped into a bright colored kitchen that’s adjacent to a large living room. Bright colors dominate the interior here as well, white and gray with the occasional blue speckling the furniture and countertops, giving the rooms a clean and nautical look.

Everything appears rather unlived in at first, but when we pass through the kitchen on our way to the living room, I see things lying around here and there, telling signs of someone living here.

There’s a used coffee mug next to a french press and a little plate with crumbs, leftovers of a single person’s breakfast, all gathered on the high-top counter that separates the kitchen from the living room. He had breakfast alone, sitting on one of the high chairs at the counter instead of the dining table that’s right next to it. The table is empty except for a few opened newspapers.

He stops when we reach the center of the living room, making a halt directly in front of the big dark coffee table that’s placed in the middle of the room. White leather sofas are arranged around it, facing to a wide front with ceiling high windows and a terrace door. Semi see-through drapes in white are closed before the windows and the door, allowing some light into the room but no actual sight of what lies behind.

I turn around, startled by a clicking sound coming from behind. I hadn’t even noticed that he moved behind me while I slowly wandered the living room, magically drawn to the thin drapes that tease me with freedom.

The sound I heard came from him clipping the other end of the leash to a hook at the side of the counter. Just like the one that’s fastened to the ring at my collar, this one is additionally secured by some kind of screw, demanding more time and labor to lock and unlock the clip. It wouldn’t be impossible for me to free myself, but I could only do it if I was given a few moments by myself.

And I doubt he’ll give me those.

He tightens the screw, making sure it sits tightly before he looks up at me.

“You can roam, or sit, do whatever you want,” he says. “I’ll make us something to eat.”

His eyes trail along my naked body, taking in every inch from head to toe while I tense up under his stare. I refrain from shielding myself because I know he wouldn’t approve, and I don’t want to give him any reason to retract his decision to bring me down here. I may be naked, I may be on a leash—but at least I’m one step closer to finding answers, and my own freedom.

He steps closer, reaching beneath my chin to hook his finger through the ring at the collar as he leans down, his face close enough to mine for our noses to touch.

“I suggest you don’t try any funny business, Petal. Because trust me, you’ll fucking regret it if you do. Be a good girl, and I’ll be good to you. Understand?”

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