Page 7 of Save Me

My thoughts are abruptly interrupted by Zavier’s heavy footsteps echoing down the creaking staircase. The sound reverberates through the air, sending shivers down my spine. As I look up, I see him approaching with the familiar bucket of water and sponge. It’s become a symbol of my degradation, a constant reminder of my captivity.

Upstairs, I’m not allowed the luxury of a shower or a bath. Instead, I wash myself with the meager offering of a bucket of water he brings me every day. It’s a cold, harsh substitute for cleanliness and comfort.

But today is different. Today, he has given me actual clothes to wear, replacing the degrading lingerie he forced upon me. I can’t help but think, that when I finally escape from this nightmare, I’ll strangle him with these clothes that have become a symbol of my suffering.

He doesn’t speak a word as he places the bucket in front of me and just as I’m about to reach out and grab the sponge, a newspaper slams next to me. Grabbing the paper with shaky hands, I inhale deeply as I readthe front of the paper. It’s a picture of me—one Chloe took when we were having a girls’ day of shopping. Back when my life was simple and predictable. How I wish to have just one more day with my girl—laughing and talking about all type of shit that comes to mind. At the top of my picture are the words ‘Still Missing’ and a flicker of hope courses through me.

They are still looking for me.

A sudden bang on the door vibrates through the silence of the basement, creating a deafening sound that reverberates through the air. My heart leaps into my throat, and I stare wide-eyed at Zavier, fear gripping every fiber of my being.

Oh my god.

They found me.

“Don’t make a fucking sound, you hear me?” Zavier’s voice trembles with anger and fear as he hastily paces up the stairs, locking the door behind him.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly as I waited in silence, the anticipation weighing heavily on my mind. The sudden sound of the door unlocking jolted me back to reality, causing my heart to race. In my mind, I could vividly imagine the chaotic scene of policeofficers bursting through the door, coming to my rescue. But my hope quickly faded as I watched Zavier nonchalantly making his way towards me.

“Fucking police came snooping,” he said, his voice filled with a mix of annoyance and relief. “Apparently, there’s a man-hunt out for you and when they saw the cabin, they took a chance.” He ran his fingers through his greasy hair, exhaling a breath of relief. A sinister smirk played on his lips as he continued, “But don’t worry, they won’t be coming back.”

My world came crashing down around me. I sank to the floor, tears streaming down my face, unable to contain my anguish.

“And for being so good at keeping quiet, I’ll reward you,” Zavier said. I lifted my tear-stained face, my eyes filled with confusion and fear. I couldn’t fathom what twisted plan he had brewing.

“Why don’t you just let me go, Zavier? Please,” I pleaded, my voice filled with desperation. But my pleas fell on deaf ears, as he showed no sign of mercy.

“You know I can’t do that, Star. Your father paid me to get rid of you and, according to him—you’re already dead,” he declared, his words shocking me to my core.Instead of fulfilling his intended purpose of ending my life, he seemed to revel in this sick game. I’d rather fucking die at this point.

“Then why don’t you just do what he paid you to do and put an end to me!” I shouted, my anger overpowering my fear. I was no longer scared of him; nothing he could do would surprise me anymore. His deep chuckle resonated through the room, sending a chilling shiver down my spine.

“I’m not the one you should be mad at right now. All of this is happening because of that boyfriend of yours,” he stated calmly. Without a second thought, I lunged at him, my fist connecting with the side of his face.

“Fuck you!” I seethed, my voice trembling with anger, the sharp words slicing through the air. “Your piece of shit brother got what he deserved.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” he asked, confusion evident on his face as he took a step closer, his brows furrowing. The sound of his footsteps echoed in the tense silence.

My body stilled as I realized that we clearly weren’t talking about the same thing. “W-what are you talking about?” I stammered, my wide eyes locked on his face.

“I’m talking about that prick that had his dick inside of you,” he spat, his words dripping with venom, his warm breath brushing against my face. The acrid smell of his anger filled my nostrils, making me flinch.

“Now, what did you mean by my brother deserved it, Starlet?” he demanded, his grip on my shoulders tightening, the pressure sending a jolt of pain through my body.

“Argent gutted him like a fish,” I taunted, a smirk playing on my lips. The taste of bitter satisfaction danced on my tongue as I watched his grip on me loosen. His face paled, his widened eyes never leaving mine as he took a hesitant step back.

The room falls into an eerie silence, the air heavy with tension. Suddenly, a searing pain shoots through the side of my face, the impact of his palm jolting me backward onto the ice-cold floor. The frigid surface sends shivers down my spine as I gasp for air, only to have it stolen from my lungs once again by a vicious kick to my stomach.

Tears stream down my face, mingling with the metallic taste of fear in my mouth. I clasp my achingstomach, writhing in agony, my wide eyes locked in a fearful gaze upon him.

His voice cuts through the air like a dagger, “He killed my brother!” I draw in a deep breath, desperately trying to fill my lungs with oxygen. The anticipation of another brutal blow lingers in my thoughts, causing me to mentally brace myself, squeezing my eyes shut. But to my surprise, nothing happens. The heavy thud of Zavier’s footsteps echoes up the stairs, each step like a thunderclap. The sound of the door slamming shut makes me flinch, the reverberations rattling my already battered body.

After a few hours of lying on the cold floor, the sound of the door opening breaks the silence and grabs my attention. Zavier’s anger radiates off of him as he stomps down the stairs. As I watch him, my eyes widen in disbelief, seeing him unbutton his pants as he gets closer.

“Zavier, please don’t—” I barely had time to finish my sentence before a forceful slap silenced me again, my body colliding with the floor. Tears welled up in my eyes as he forcefully flipped me onto my stomach, keeping me immobilized.

“Consider this as payback,” he says in a cold, emotionless tone, as he forcefully tears my pants and underwear off me. Preparing for what is to come, I tightly shut my eyes and take a deep breath. As he plunges into me, a heart-shattering sob escapes from deep within. My body convulsed with each excruciating thrust, leaving me paralyzed and tears streaming down my face—waiting for it all to end.

Chapter6