Page 425 of Rage

“No, thanks. I’m actually here with someone.”

“That’s too bad.” He crowds me, maneuvering me closer to the wall of doors. “Who are you here with? Looks like you’re all alone to me.”

“I’m here with my hus— Hey!”

Carl bumps my drink. The sweet, sticky liquid splashes down the front of my dress.

“Oops.” His expression is a mask of concern. “Let me help you.”

He grabs my wrists and pushes my back up against the wall, a wall which, seconds later, gives way and I’m stumbling backward. My heart pounds in my ears. I’d fall, except for the iron grip Carl has on me. He kicks the door closed behind him and we’re engulfed in silence.

Releasing me, he clicks the lock into place. Anxiety and fear prickle across my clammy skin.

We’re all alone in a dimly lit, adult play room. A bed sits centered against the far wall. On one side, shackles dangle from a large wooden structure, and a swing hangs from the ceiling on the other side. If I was in here with Blake, I’d be intrigued, but with Carl, I’m terrified.

He takes a step toward me, and I throw my cocktail glass at him, then dart away, trying to put some distance between us until I can get to the door.

The glass nicks his forehead, then shatters on the wall behind him, raining tiny shards of glass everywhere. He curses, coming after me as I dodge behind the wooden bondage frame, momentarily out of his reach.

“There’s nowhere to hide, Ginevra. Just be a good little slut and come here and suck my dick. You’re not leaving this room until I’m finished with you.” He leers at me.

“Get away from me or you’ll regret it.” I scream as he lunges for me, quickly scurrying across the bed to the other side of theroom. I manage to put a tall bench between us. “Leave me alone. No means no.”

He scoffs. “Only stupid bitches think that. Your body, my choice.”

The phrase sends a shudder of dread through my entire body as reality sinks in. I’m not getting out of here until Carl finishes using me. Until he rapes me. He honestly thinks he has the right to do whatever he wants.

Thinking back, I’m pretty sure I told himnoin that pool house, but he didn’t care then either. For men like him—rich and powerful—there are no repercussions, no consequences for what they do to women.

My gaze flits to the door, the floor covered in glass, the impossible distance between where I am and the only exit. I’m fucked.

Blake, where are you?

Though with the well-hidden doors, even he might not be able to find me. I’m on my own.

My heart hammers against my chest and my hands shake. Do I try to fight him? He’s much larger than I am, stronger too. He could really do some damage if he wanted. Do I give in and let him have my body? Maybe he’ll be quick, then he’ll let me go.

I’m torn, truly not knowing which of my two options is the best.

Anger rushes through me, igniting a fire in my belly. I shouldn’t even be in this situation. I shouldn’t have to choose between bad and worse. This is fucking bullshit, all because of one entitled prick. But I’m so damn helpless. It’s unfair.

I search for anything to use as a weapon, while Carl rounds the bench, and I sprint to the other side. We’re at a standoff again.

“Having fun yet?” Carl lunges, catching me by surprise this time. “I’m going to make you pay for every second that you’re making me wait, bitch.”

His massive body collides with mine, taking us to the floor. I scream for help, not that anyone can hear me, and scramble to get out from under him, losing a shoe in the struggle. I’m almost free, but Carl drags me back, pinning me under his weight. I can’t breathe. Panic flairs, bringing older, more horrifying memories to the surface. I squeeze my eyes closed against the onslaught.

“That’s right.” Carl hovers above me, pressing me into the floor. “Just stay still and take it. You know you want it. No matter how much you fight me, you want my dick. You’re such a whore.”

He tries to kiss my lips, but I turn my head away. His mouth lands on my cheek, wet and sloppy, and I cringe. Between us, he fumbles with his belt, trying to free his erection.

I can’t let this happen to me again. Opening my eyes, I scan for my lost heel, locating it at my side. I reach for it, get a good grip, and then forcefully drive the stiletto into Carl’s back. He howls in pain, but I don’t let up. I hit him over and over until he rolls off me. The tip of my heel drips blood.

Scrambling away from him, I try to get my footing, but Carl reaches out and grabs my ankle. I yank my foot away and he’s left with only my shoe.

Barefoot, I stand up and sprint toward the door. The crunch beneath my feet is the only warning I get before pain blossoms on my soles, but I don’t stop. I leave bloody footprints in my wake, desperate to get to the exit.

I make it to the door, my fingers slick against the lock as I try to turn it. I almost have it, I’m nearly free. The deadbolt clicks open, and I reach for the handle.

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