Page 97 of Jenna's Protector

My breath comes in short gasps as panic sets in.

Time passes in a haze of fear and pain. My wrists bleed fromstruggling against the zip ties. Every creak of the boat sends fresh waves of terror through me.

Many hours pass, and when the door finally opens again, my nightmare’s silhouette fills the frame. “Come,” he says. “It’s time you understood your place here.”

“You’re a madman.” I spit in his face.

He rewards me with another backhand to the face, causing me and the chair to topple to the floor.

“I see you haven’t had enough time. I’ll leave you to think about your new situation,” he says, moving toward the door. “We’ll continue this discussion when you’re in a more cooperative mood.”

The door slams shut, and the lock sliding into place echoes in the small space. I strain against my bonds, but it’s useless. The zip ties only dig deeper, drawing blood.

Alone in the darkness, the reality of my situation crashes over me. Tears stream down my face as sobs wrack my body.

Time loses all meaning. I drift in and out, exhaustion warring with terror. Every creak of the boat and every distant sound sends fresh waves of fear through me. At times, I hallucinate, hearing my sobs through the deck, pitiful cries full of fear.

What will happen when that door opens again?

When it finally does, the man who claims to own me fills the narrow frame. The light from the hallway casts sinister shadows across his face.

“Have we had time to reconsider our attitude?” He steps into the room.

I gather what little courage I have left.

“Go to hell,” I spit out.

His eyes narrow, a dangerous glint appearing. “I was hoping you’d be smarter than this.” He reaches for me. “But some lessons have to be learned the hard way.”

His hand tangles in my hair, yanking my head back. Pain lances through my scalp as he forces me to look at him.

“You will learn obedience.” His face is inches from mine. “One way or another. The question is, how much will it hurt before yousubmit?” He leaves the room, with a gentle click of the door handle, but it may as well be as loud as a gun shot.

Terror claws at my insides, but I refuse to let him see it. I steel myself for whatever comes next, praying for a miracle. I know by leaving me by myself, he’s trying to break me mentally.

An hour passes, maybe more, before he returns. There’s more of that phantom sobbing, making me question my sanity.

We go through the same routine, only this time, I don’t answer. I glare at him but then lose my nerve and look away.

“Ah, my pet. You’re beginning to understand.”

I’m untied from the chair but kept bound as he leads me through the yacht. We enter a spacious suite in the bow, all gleaming wood, polished steel, and plush fabrics.

“Sophia,” he says. She appears from an adjoining room, her eyes downcast. “Show Jenna what it means to be obedient.”

What follows is a nightmare I can’t wake from. Jonathan uses Sophia, demonstrating his complete dominance. She doesn’t resist, doesn’t flinch. It’s like watching a doll being manipulated, lifeless and compliant.

“This will be you soon.” His eyes gleam with sick pleasure. “You’ll learn to love it, just like Sophia does.”

“Never,” I snarl, earning myself another stinging slap.

“Tie her to the chair,” he orders, gesturing to an ornate armchair. “She needs to watch and learn.”

Secured once more, I’m forced to witness his continued abuse of Sophia. I try to look away, but rough hands grab my hair, forcing me to watch.

Tears stream down my face, a mix of rage, fear, and utter helplessness.

Finally, the man tires. He forces Sophia into the massive bed, climbing in after her. “Sleep now, my pet. Tomorrow, we begin your training in earnest.”

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