Page 16 of Reaper
Paris
Theheavythudofhis footsteps approaching the door sends a jolt of icy terror through my body. It’s like my feet are weighed down by a block of cement and my body has been thrown into the ocean.
Fuck, I can’t breathe. I can’t move.
The deafening roar of my blood rushing through my body reverberates inside my ears.
How do I get out of this?
When I woke up, I was in this bedroom. It’s different from the one at the other place. More elegant. It looks like someone actually lives in it. But it’s a prison no less because I don’t want to be here.
The bedroom door with its ornate cream-colored molding and gleaming gold accents, is locked from the outside. Extravagant heavy white drapes, embroidered with a luxurious gold pattern hang from the windows that are sealed shut. Although they offer a beautiful view of lush greenery, towering trees, and vibrant flower gardens, I probably will only ever get to see them from this window.
There’s no way for me to get out of here.
A large California King bed with beautiful cream-colored satin sheets and a plush duvet dominates the large space. The beige walls, decorated with a white damask pattern and gold trim, create an elegant atmosphere. But no matter how luxurious this room is, it’s still a cage.
The footsteps stop in front of the door. The key rattles the lock, and I inhale a deep breath as fear races through my system. The door swings open and in steps a large man in a black button-down shirt, and black slacks.
He closes the door behind him, and when his attention is back on me, his eyes glitter with an indescribable evil, and his smirk is predatory.
He steps towards me, and I immediately take a step away. The cruel smirk on his lips morphs into a full smile. I can’t control the shaking of my body.
“What do you want?” I cross my arms over myself, shielding my body the best I can as he continues to come toward me. “Who are you?”
His smile vanishes instantly, replaced by a furious expression that contorts his features. He rushes me then grabs me by the throat, then pushes me down onto the bed.
“Who are you to question me about anything you stupid cunt!”
“Get off of me!” I claw, kick, and scream for help but I can’t get loose. He’s too strong. “Somebody, please help me!”
“Paris! Paris! Wake up!!”
My eyes pop open. I expect to see Nikita moving on top of me, his repugnant cologne sticking to the insides of my nostrils. My breaths come in hard pants, and my body is tense with fear.
“It’s Logan. Breathe, love.”
His bright eyes pierce my soul, and worry etches deep lines onto his face as he leans close to me from the side of the bed.
I’m clinging to the sheets for dear life, scared to let go. My heart’s pounding inside my chest like I’ve run a marathon, and my legs are hopelessly tangled in the cool fabric of the sheets.
“You got to calm down.” His warm, calloused hand settles on my clenched fist, his fingers squeezing gently, before prying them open. “It’s just a dream, sweetheart. You’re safe. Just listen to the sound of my voice and breathe.”
I frantically try to nod, but it’s like I’m trapped inside a prison cell that I can never get out of. He’s always in my head and I can’t get rid of him.
I can’t breathe or move as I try to slow down my breaths.
“That’s it,” he says as the silky strands of his hair brushes against my face. “Breathe, in and out. You’re safe here with me. Nobody’s going to hurt you.”
His voice, a low and gentle rumble like distant thunder is so soothing. I close my eyes, focusing on my breathing, and push the awful memory to the back of my mind.
When I’m successful, and the tight grip of fear releases me, a sob rips through my throat. I’ve had dreams since that brutal assault the first time I met Nikita, but I thought once I was free all that would stop. I guess I was wrong.
“Shh.” He let go of my hand then trails his fingers down the side of my cheek. My teary gaze lands on his. “It’s going to be alright, Paris.”
A deep shuddering breath vibrates my bones escapes me. “I thought once I was far away from him, I would be completely free, but I guess I was wrong.”
“Life is bullshit most of the time, sweetheart. It brings people into our lives both good and bad. But we either let life beat the shit out of us, or we push through the bullshit and make it the best way we can. You’re just pushing through the bullshit right now. It’ll get better.”
