Page 58 of Sweet Possession (Criminal Underground 1)

“Uh, no, I’m just feeling a bit sick is all. The smell in here is quite … pungent,” I told him, a plan quickly forming. The landlord’s floor plan was similar to mine, and the half bathroom on the main level had a frosted glass window leading to the side alleyway. All I needed was a moment alone.

“Ah, yes. I am truly sorry about that. I had to block off the vents to keep the stench from possibly leaking into your apartment. Do you feel like you’re going to be sick?” he asked, the question the perfect opportunity. I nodded, giving him soft puppy dog eyes. “I’ll untie your feet, but Iwillleave your hands secured together until I know you can be trusted.”

Humming an agreement, I let him work. Each time he undid a knot of rope, I tried to note it, but his fingers were too swift and nimble for me to figure out exactly how he tied them. I stayed quiet, keeping my makeshift plan at the forefront of my mind as he finished untying my ankles and checked the knots on my wrists.

My heart galloped, the racing thud nearly deafening as he walked me over to the open bathroom door. Each step was that much closer to my escape. To my freedom. While in reality, it was only a few feet, it felt as if the distance stretched on, until finally, we reached the threshold.

“Are you thirsty? I can get you some water if you’d like,” he offered, the back of his fingers running against my collarbone.If he continues to pet me like a damned dog, I am going to fucking puke, I thought as I nodded.Just go the fuck away for a couple minutes, that’s all I need. My silent plea was answered when he stepped away, pulling the door mostly shut.

One, two, three. I counted his footsteps, and when he reached five, I moved. Flipping the switch to the vent, I started to create a level of noise to cover anything I was doing. First the vent, then the faucet, followed up with a couple of gagging sounds.

I could barely breathe, my eyes starting to tunnel on the window as I wiggled the crank to open it. Any noises on the other side of the door made me jump. I was electrified, every nerve nearly searing in pain at the adrenaline that flowed through me as I worked as quickly as I could. My hands shook, but after a long tense moment, I got the crank to start spinning.

“No!” I screamed as I was yanked back, my freedom growing further and further away as Nathanial stuffed a soaked rag over my face. Darkness descended, my panic muffled as I slipped into unconsciousness once more.

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