Page 24 of Checks & Bonds

I clenched my teeth together, the reality of my situation crashing down on me like a wave. This was a bad idea. Maybe dealing with Henry would be better. Sure, I didn't love himand couldn't trust his faithfulness, but would he force me into something like this? My gut said no, but how could I really know?

The blindfold felt suffocating now, every fiber of it a reminder of my vulnerability. Each breath I took seemed louder in the oppressive silence that followed his words. I had walked into a nightmare of my own making.

My thoughts spiraled as I stood there, feeling his gaze on me even though I couldn't see him. What had I been thinking? That this would be an easy escape? The weight of my naivety pressed down on me like a physical burden.

The man moved closer again, and I could feel the heat radiating off him as he leaned in. His breath tickled my ear as he whispered, "Are you scared yet?"

Fear mingled with anger inside me. The helplessness of the situation gnawed at my resolve. This wasn't what I wanted; this wasn't the solution I'd hoped for.

I realized then that sometimes escaping one prison only leads to another.

I sucked in a breath, steadying myself. I refused to cower, even though every fiber of my being screamed to run.

"Here we are," he announced, removing the blindfold with a swift motion.

Blinking, I took in my surroundings. The waiting room was sleek and modern, an odd contrast to the dilapidated barn exterior. Soft, ambient lighting cast a sterile glow over the white walls and polished concrete floors. Minimalistic furniture—a few low-slung couches and chairs—dotted the space.

Seven other girls lounged around the room, dressed in revealing dresses that left little to the imagination. Their faces were painted with varying degrees of anxiety and resignation. Among them, I spotted Rebecca. Her eyes met mine for afleeting moment before she looked away, pretending not to notice me.

My heart sank at her indifference. I was here because of her. I wasn't sure what I expected. But not… indifference.

Turning to face the man who had led me here, I found he had already disappeared. A cold emptiness settled in my chest as I realized how alone I truly was.

I scanned the room again, my gaze landing on a table laden with food and a punch bowl. Despite my hunger gnawing at me, I couldn't bring myself to touch anything. The idea of eating or drinking something here seemed reckless—what if it was laced with something?

I looked at the door, its sturdy frame both a barrier and a possible escape route. My mind raced with questions: Could I leave? Did I even want to anymore? My thoughts spiraled into uncertainty.

The room buzzed with muted conversations and nervous glances. Some of the girls exchanged hushed words while others sat in silence, lost in their own thoughts.

I stood there, feeling like an intruder in this strange purgatory. The realization that I had willingly walked into this situation gnawed at me like a relentless predator.

I glanced back at Rebecca once more, hoping for some sign of recognition or solidarity. But she remained focused on her nails, her expression unreadable.

Feeling adrift in a sea of uncertainty and fear, I wrapped my arms around myself as if that small gesture could provide some semblance of comfort.

My eyes drifted back to the door again, wondering if freedom was just beyond it—or if it was already too late for that kind of hope.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. The air felt thick, oppressive. I couldn't help but eavesdrop on the conversation happening just a few feet away.

"You really think this will help?" one girl asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She had dark hair and a haunted look in her eyes.

"I have to believe it," another girl replied. Her tone was steadier, but I could hear the desperation beneath it. "If he thinks someone else owns me, maybe he'll leave me alone. We've been together since high school, and I've tried to leave, but… He told me he'll kill himself and stuff like that. I don't want him to, but I feel trapped. I don't know what else to do anymore."

The first girl nodded slowly, her gaze fixed on the floor. "I just want to belong to someone," she admitted quietly. "I've never even had a kiss before. At least here, someone will want me. And maybe they'll fall in love with me, you know?"

My teeth clenched as their words sank in. What was I doing here? This wasn't an escape; it was another trap. I had been so stupid, so immature, thinking this would solve anything.

And these girls…

Their problems were worse than mine were.

I should just talk to Henry like an adult. Maybe he would understand.

The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. Whatever problems Henry and I had, this wasn’t the way to fix them.

I turned toward the door, my resolve hardening with each step. But before I could make my move, a voice cut through the room.

"It's time."

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