Page 2 of Compelled Obedience

The darkness prevented me from seeing blood seeping from his nose, but the coppery stench filtering into my nostrils was delicious nonetheless.

I wanted for a few seconds, controlling my breathing as I listened to his. Then I headed for the door.

The hard snap around my leg and the quick jerk brought me down with a hard thump, my head bouncing off the hardwood floor.

Moaning, I scrambled to get to my feet only to have the bastard almost snap my neck when he grabbed my hair, pitching me onto my back. Then he crawled over me, straddling my thighs and pinning them down.

“I like it when you fight, little girl. Tonight, you’re going to learn what it feels like to be with a man.”

Even as a scream bubbled from my chest, I realized no one was coming to help me. There was no one who could ever save me.

And all I could think about was how much I wanted to die.

CHAPTER 1

Nine years later…

Kerri

“Thanks, Mike. I’m sorry I interrupted your beauty sleep.” I sounded as exhausted as I felt, my eyes burning from the long day. I grabbed the grocery bag, thankful his small store still stayed open twenty-four/seven. They were rare in small neighborhoods given the security difficulties. Violent crimes were on the rise again.

“God knows I need it too but no worries, Kerri. So, you got yourself another job?” He gave me a lust-filled look even though he knew his flirtation wouldn’t go anywhere. I’d shut down any concept of dating almost a year before.

Reality was a cold, hard bitch, but it was something I’d been forced to face. I’d wanted so much out of my life but there were no dreams left inside of me, only the bitterness that would eventually eat me alive. I’d fought valiantly to try to create a better life, but after the fifth form email telling me I wouldn’t be allowed an audition, I’d finally had enough. There was also no Prince Charming riding in on an ebony steed ready to sweep me off my feet. That didn’t happen to a girl like me.

Hence, taking the job at the Blackout Club. While I wasn’t stripping, I might as well be given the ridiculous outfits I was required to wear.

I’d left the club still wearing my costume, although I’d ripped the kitten mask off my face as soon as I’d walked outside. I couldn’t imagine what kind of fantasies Mike would have after crawling into bed. “Yeah, you know how it goes.”

“I sure do. Take care and say hello to Casey for me.”

“I will.” As I walked out onto the sidewalk, I took a deep breath. After dancing all night in the thigh-high boots, my feet were shot. Only the rush of adrenaline had kept me going. I had a feeling on my hike back to the apartment it would wear off.

Only six blocks. You can do it. You’re a superstar.

The pep talk was lame as fuck. I rolled my eyes and headed toward the street, yanking the thin coat around my waist. With it being so late, thankfully there was limited traffic. That didn’t mean people weren’t awake and watching. I could feel eyes on me coming from every direction. I’d learned to be very observant, and I was certain one of the night crawlers had slithered out of his hiding place, interested in the female in fuck-me boots.

A few seconds later confirmed my suspicions.

Tink!

Instantly, hairs rose on the back of my neck. I stopped for a few seconds, which was a stupid thing to do, horror movie stupid, but my breath was instantly ripped from my body. I couldn’t allow the fear to claw into my system. After swallowing, I quickly glanced over my shoulder. As if the boogeyman was going to offer me a few seconds head start before dragging me into the darkness for a little sexy time before slicing my throat.

Seeing nothing, I picked up my speed, crossing the street early instead of maintaining the same path. I’d been stupid not to wait until in the morning, but very little calmed Casey down when he was having a fit. Chocolate milk for the win.

I was stupid to think I could walk the six blocks without an issue. I’d prayed that being after one in the morning, I could get away with it.

Footsteps. I was certain I heard them falling in behind me.

Nights like tonight made me rethink my decision to stay in LA.

Why had I abandoned the car? Oh, yeah, because it was the last space near the apartment and because I needed to save gas. Crazy. I was nuts.

Tink. Tink.

Metal hitting metal. I was as certain of it as I was the person was getting closer. The jerk was smacking something into every light post he passed. Two more blocks and I’d be home free. The neighborhood wasn’t considered particularly dangerous, although the various gangs were eating up real estate, forcing good people to close up their shops and move their families elsewhere. I didn’t have the luxury of doing that.

Just like I didn’t have the luxury of being able to drive everywhere. Conserving gas had become another method of trying to save every penny, something I needed even while working two jobs. It was exhausting, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

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