Page 81 of Pushed

Chapter Twenty-One

Imperial

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Plastic tie wraps trappedmy wrists as I was led away, and I didn't look for him again. He was gone, a figment of my imagination now. Machi was my past, this man was my future.

I'll keep fighting, nothing will stop me.

Not him, not chains, whips, locks—nothing will keep me from making him regret buying me.

The man spread the curtain apart, exposing the front entrance. I was struck by how plain he seemed to be. His shirt was a basic, red button-up with a black tie, his hair was brushed to the side, tucked neatly behind his ear. He wasn't overly tall or short, thick or thin, he just looked normal.

I didn't recognize his face, but I wanted to hear him speak. Maybe I knew his voice, maybe he was one of the men at breakfast. Until he spoke, all I could do was wonder.

The double doors smiled at me, the chain link lips spread up, twinkling in delight as we turned down a corridor I hadn't seen yet.

My muscles twitched to break loose and charge the door, I had the chance before and I didn't take it. I let Machi thread me into his world like a stitch in fabric.

But I had unraveled, dangling like a loose loop just waiting to be pulled.

Machi told me to do what he had taught me.

That was easier said than done. Machi made me feel safe, he let me speak freely when we were alone, he allowed my mind to have its own thoughts.

I didn't know this other person at all.

“Where. . . Where are we going?” I asked, crunching my lids slightly, afraid he might turn and slap me for speaking.

The man stayed quiet, his breathing heavy and quick as we took turn after turn through the belly of the hotel.

Please, don't take me upstairs. Don't take me to one of those rooms.

I wanted to beg and plead with him to go easy on me. I hadn't endured the same training I assumed others had been through.

My gut twisted, crumbling up like someone had reached inside and balled up my stomach like an empty bag.

“Please, tell me where you're taking me. I—I need to know.”

Flicking his eyes over his shoulder quickly, I saw sweat trickling down over his temple. But he still didn't speak, keeping his lips glued shut and darting his eyes forward.

His hand squeezed around my forearm as he stopped at a solid blue door. Looking up, the small square sign blinked in red letters.Exit.

Throwing open the door, I was hit with air that was salty and sweet. It splashed over my face, causing my chest to hiccup from the sudden chill.

We're outside. He's taking me away, he's bringing me. . . Home.

Thinking that word should have made me fill with joy and excitement. Home was where my life was and it was waiting for me to come back.

But we weren't going to my home. . . We were going to his.

'Meet your new master.'The announcer's voice bombarded my skull, layering my thoughts in new questions and filling my head with images no one should ever have to imagine.

Stumbling over the ground, sharp burs cut my heels as I walked barefoot over a parking lot made of crushed shells and sea glass. The man walked briskly to a silver sedan and yanked the back door open.

“Get in.” Guiding me inside, he leaned over before closing door. “Lay on the floor and don't come up until I tell you to.”

I listened. I didn't question or argue with him about putting me on the floor like the family pet. Machi had been very clear, survival came from listening, it came from swallowing orders and just doing what I was asked to do.

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