Page 2 of Red Obsession

My skin begins to crawl with her intense gaze. I can’t even remember the last person to ever dare to look me in the eye. Everyone’s always so quick to stare anywhere else but my face. Sure, they glance, but all they see is the black mask I wear. My dead eyes, my coldness. I am a monster, and that’s all they see. Except her.

No, the way she’s looking at me right now, it’s different. It’s unsettling, downright fucking weird.

"Alright, big guy, I know it might be your first time seeing a woman. We got tits, a butt, and, well, a vagina. And though I don’t have much tits, I do have a butt. But I imagine it’s not that, so it must be the dirt and the blood caked to my skin.”

“What?” My voice comes out rough, a little husky, and what the fuck was she talking about?

“A key? You know those small little things that are made special to unlock something?” She yanks on the collar once more, obviously annoyed with me. And for some reason all I can think to do is stare at her and continue to stare like she hasn't been talking.

“Okay, well, this has been an… interesting conversation, not that you’ve even conversed at all, but that’s okay,” she huffs, rolling her shoulders while grabbing ahold of the chain again. Giving it her all, she yanks, pulling and grunting.

“You’re going to hurt yourself,” I say finally finding my voice. Stepping closer, I find the chain connected to a large anchor in the wall. Completely rusted over, I have no idea how I’m supposed to get this thing off her. I don’t have a key or bolt cutters.

“Well, you got any ideas?” She sits back on her knees, once again looking me directly in the eye. Kneeling, I take in her dainty, yet thick, and extremely dirty form. I can’t see the color of her eyes or hair from the darkness down here. Her round face with high cheekbones, only filth litters her face and neck.

Standing back up, I turn, needing to find something that will cut through these chains. I have no idea if Zander even has anything that will work.

“You’re just going to leave, are you?” she asks. Ignoring her, I wander over to a cabinet. Pulling the doors open, I scan over the weapons. Knives, guns, some nails, and a hacksaw.

It’ll do.

Grabbing the saw, I make my way back to the girl. Her eyes slightly widen, glancing down at my hands before my face.

“So, like, I’m all for foreplay. I love it, in fact, but this might be a little too far.” She tries to laugh but falls flat when I reach between the bars of the cage and grab ahold of the chain. “Hey buddy!” she yells, her own hands grabbing hold of the chain and pulling it.

Glaring, I jerk the chain, trying to get her to drop it. Only she doesn't, and now it’s as though we’re playing tug-of-war. Damnit, why haven’t I just walked away from her yet? She’s infuriating, annoying, and already talked too damn much in the five minutes since I’ve been down here.

She once again tugs on the stupid chain. Even in her small frame she’s strong. But thankfully I’m stronger, and before I can think about it, I drop the chain and grab hold of her wrist.

She gasps but doesn’t let go, narrowing her eyes at me.

“You want to get out?” I growl. Irritation rising, moments from losing my temper.

Slowly, nodding her head, something passes over her face as we stare at each other. My skin feels clammy, my heart beats a little faster, and for some reason when she drops the chain, we’re both unable to look away. I just can’t look away.

“Can you let go?” she asks, twisting her hand. Suddenly I’m dropping her arm like it’s on fire. “Thanks.”

Nodding my head, I grab hold of the saw and chain. Once more I begin cutting into the chain. Between the bars, and barely having space, along with her attention on me. What should have taken maybe thirty minutes ends up taking much longer and sweat beams down my forehead.

Finally, the chain drops, and she yanks it from her collar. Though she still has the thing around her neck, I can tell she feels lighter, not having the weight of it around her neck.

“Move to the furthest corner.” I tell her. Stepping in front of the door, I sit on my ass, waiting.

She doesn’t answer. Nonetheless she listens to me, moving away and sits in the corner. Bringing her knees to her chest, she inclines her head. I lift my legs to my chest, using all my strength, and try to kick the door open. It budges but doesn't break. Taking a deep breath, I do it once more.

She lets out a little whimper as the door finally gives, and slams against the side.

“Come on.” I hold out a hand. Feeling odd that I’m even doing it, I wait as she begins to crawl out, ignoring my hand completely. Biting my cheek, I ignore the hurt. I shouldn't feel that she would rather crawl on the floor than let me help her off the floor. Can she stand?

“Yes, I can. I have two feet,” she hisses, making me realize I asked it out loud. Stepping back, I wait for her to indeed get to her feet. Only she sits back on her knees again, looking out into the basement. I don’t know what she’s staring at, but after a solid minute, I can’t take it anymore. Reaching down, I grab hold of her arms, pulling her to her feet. She wobbles at first, but doesn’t protest when I wrap my arms around her waist and legs. Lifting, I ignore her gaze on me, this was a new for me, and I was even questioning my actions myself. Biting my inner cheek I head for the stairs.

Once we reach the landing, she finally huffs and pokes me in the cheek. Startled, I come to a halt, frowning down at her.

“What are you doing?” she asks. And I’m wondering that myself. What am I doing? Carrying this girl, being this close. Touching a female and letting her touch me back. It’s doing things to my body that I’d rather not do.

The weird feeling of wanting to keep her alive and safe hits me out of nowhere.

“What’s it look like?” I mutter back.

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