Page 14 of Uncaged Obsessions

“I’m going to do everything I can to get our girl back,” I tell Athena as she slides up the largest stick in her enclosure toward the top of her tank closest to the light. I know she understands what I’m saying.

I end up laying back on the couch, watching her move, and it puts me in a trance. Or it’s the lack of sleep ever since Caine showed up at my door, but I drift off to sleep, hoping tomorrow will be the day we get more answers. Or even better, we go and get our girl.

CHAPTER 8

MAX

I’ve always related to Rapunzel. Locked away in her tower, every day looking the same. Shitty mom, the whole ordeal, really. Well, Rapunzel never had a man that kept claiming to be her fiancé. One that used his fists to keep her in line, or that it was his right to have her body.

I’d rather have her life than mine, considering that my reality comes with the unwanted fiancé. My life had included three men I would have never thought I would want, but right now I would consider all of them my knights in shining armor if I could just talk to them.

Too bad there weren’t any princesses with that kind of story. I guess Snow White kind of had seven, right? Well, technically they weren’t princes and I guess she did end up with only one of those.

I turn the light on in the bathroom illuminating my ragged appearance, and the bruise forming under my eye. Carson had discovered the marks left on my body from the three men that consume my thoughts. Though, if I'm being honest, I think it might be more than just my thoughts that are preoccupied bythem. Because there’s a pit in my stomach that grows every day that I'm gone, and this feeling like a part of myself is missing tells me that my heart is also consumed by them, too.

“What the fuck is this?” Carson snarls, ripping the collar of my shirt and revealing more of my skin to him. Even as I try to push him away, he only yanks harder and I stop, not wanting him to pull my shirt off completely.

“None of your business.” I fight, yanking my shirt from his grip so I can get away from him.

“Really? Because it looks like you’ve been marked up like some slut.”

“And so what? I don’t belong to you and if it bothers you so much, then just let me fucking leave.”

Before I’m able to see it coming, there’s a sharp pain across my face and my head is forced to the side. My jaw drops open, though it shouldn’t surprise me. It’s not the first time he’s hit me, but I wasn’t even able to defend myself and I hate that it makes me feel worse.

I’ve been working on getting stronger. To learn to fight and defend myself, and I’m unable to even do that right now. That hit hurts more than the physical one Carson just threw my way.

“I’ll never let you leave. You’re not getting away from me again.” His smile is sadistic as I cradle my cheek.

“Then I’m going to make you wish you were dead,” I threaten.

His laugh follows him out the door as he leaves me standing there, alone once again.

Carson doesn’t have the same deal as the Barclay household and the bedrooms do have locks on them. Which is why I’m locked in one of the guest rooms while I assess the damage. Luckily it’s not too bad, but mentally it’s a lot worse.

I’m going to fucking kill him, even if it’s the last thing I do.

There’sa banging on the door, and it yanks me out of the sleep I somehow fell into at some point.

“Maxine, open the door!”

“Fuck off!” I scream back, burying my face into a pillow.

“Open the fucking door or I’m going to kick it down.”

I know I shouldn’t taunt him, I know I should make things easier on myself right now instead of worse, but I’m sick and tired of playing nice and being the good little Maxine for everyone. My men back in Seaside helped me discover who I really am and that I’m stronger than I realize.

“I’d like to see you try,” I call out.

There’s a loud bang from what I assume is either his foot or his body hitting the wood. I know how thick these doors are and it’s going to take some serious effort if he really thinks he’s going to break it down. Meanwhile, I’ll be ready to fight back if he does.

I’ve been going over all the training in my mind. Attempting to practice alone isn’t the easiest thing to do, but I’m going to get myself out of here and I’m going to get back to my real home. But in order to do that, I know it’s going to include getting rid of Carson.

Another bang, this one louder and with an accompanied growl. The noise makes me chuckle because it reminds me of Caine’s growling, but with him it’s sexy and I know that I’m going to be pissed off, but it’s going to lead to a fun time. And at least an orgasm or two.

With Carson it sounds like he’s trying—and failing—to be tough. Another bang bounces off the door before I hear the sound of his footsteps retreating, knowing he’s not giving up. So I wait. When he comes back his voice is lower, darker, and sends a chill down my spine.

“Open the door, Maxine. You’re coming out here or I can make a call about one of your boyfriends. Who should I deal with first?”

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