Page 57 of Lexi, Property of Rhyder

“Hello, Gail.”

We make our way up the stairs with Master keeping his hand on the lower part of my back. Once we’re face to face with Gail, she looks at me, saying, “Welcome to Casa De Lawrence.”

Am I supposed to say thank you?I mean, how can this woman welcome me—I’ve been kidnapped, held against my will—so I smile because I can’t bring myself to say the words, they taste bitter on my tongue.

“Come on in, I’ll help you get settled.” She opens the door, and I step inside followed by Master. The foyer is a huge marbled area with a table set in the center and fresh flowers in a massive vase. We make our way down the hallway and into the living area. The beauty of this home is remarkable with its dark wood floorboards and modern furniture.

“You must be famished. Can I get you something to eat?”

I look over at Gail, and the thought of food makes me feel physically ill. I’ve been through too much to eat, my stomach still feeling uneasy from all the drugs that were in my system.

“No, thank you.” I smile, not wanting to seem ungrateful.

However, Master gives me a stern look. “Shewilleat, Gail. You need to keep your strength,” he adds.

I don’t argue, there’s no point. So, I simply nod and smile back.

“Come in, take a seat at the table. I’ve made some panini. Hope you like it.”

Master announces he has to step away to his office, so I sit on the chair.

Gail looks up at him with admiration, and for the hell of me, I cannot figure out why.

“Gail?”

“Yes, Sir Lawrence?”

“She’s just like the other girls. No different. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir,” she replies, looking from him to me.

Gail’s beautiful with her long dark hair that’s tied up in a bun. She has the lightest blue eyes I have ever seen and bronzed skin. I can’t help but wonder why she’s here as his housemaid. Master looks at me with some sort of unapproving glare, then he leaves the room

Gail smiles and hands me a panini sandwich on a plate. “Eat up,” she says, then places a glass of orange juice right in front of me.”

Quickly, I drink its contents realizing how thirsty I am. Then reluctantly, I pick up half of the panini and take a bite. Chicken, mayonnaise, and something else makes my taste buds come to life, and my stomach makes a growling noise. I smile, embarrassed.

Gail watches me eat from behind the island.

“Do you live here? I ask between mouthfuls.”

“It will do you no good asking questions. Sir Lawrence doesn’t like it when his girls ask them.”

“Oh, okay,” I reply, then take another bite, feeling annoyed that I now know I can’t confide in Gail.

“How is it?”

“How is what?” I ask.

“The panini, silly.”

“Oh, sorry, really good.”

“I’m glad. When you’re done, I’ll take you upstairs to get settled.”

I look around the room wondering if anyone else lives here. Gail turns and begins to clean up some dishes. There’s a door to the right leading outside, and I contemplate whether I should make a run for it.

“I wouldn’t if I were you?”

---