Page 4 of Merciless

I sit with my thighs against my chest and my arms wrapped around them, attempting to fight the cold as I stare at the wall ahead of me.It’s the only thing I’ve done since being locked up a few hours ago.

There’s nothing in this prison cell besides a hard cot, a toilet and a sink.

That’s it.

The complete opposite from the home comforts I’ve had for the past five years, and a harsh bump back down to Earth. What I’ve had these past few years was a dream, a fantasy. I was stupid to allow myself to believe it could be my future. My reality.

This… This is more the kind of life I’m used to.

My bullshit life has once again been reduced to being held captive by a man.

No. This time it’s not just a man.

The devil himself.

Reid Harris is a man most people will never have the misfortune of meeting in their lives.

But for anyone unlucky enough to be born in Harrow Creek, or unfortunate enough to find themselves here, then the risk of running into him, of having their life tainted by him, or his father, is strong.

And I’m one of the unlucky ones. Because not only was I born here, but I was born into a life of abuse and corruption that’s so entwined with Reid and his father, Victor, that I stand no chance of escaping it.

I’ve tried. Fucking hell, have I tried.

But just like their pets, the Hawks keep a very tight leash on their most valuable assets. And for a reason I can’t fathom, I’m one of them.

Five years ago, I nearly made it.

I was so close to freedom, I could almost taste it.

But then he had to drive past me. He couldn’t have just ignored the order that had been put out when my father discovered I’d gone missing and continued on his way.

He had to stop. He had to chase me. He had to… rescue me.

To a point, he did.

My life from the moment he caught me changed significantly.

I was no longer a toy for men to play with. I was no longer scared to fall asleep at night or equally as terrified to wake up the next morning to a horrific cycle of abuse continuing.I had a home for the first time in years where there was laughter, happiness, and dare I say it… love.

But one thing never changed.

I was still at the mercy of a man. Albeit, this time, the man was kinder, softer, gentler.

It was weird.

I should have been relieved.

I mean, I was relieved.

But also, I felt like I was missing something.

Something I couldn’t put my finger on, but it was there—or not—all the same.

He gave me everything I could want.

He fed me food I never knew existed. He bought me anything I wanted. He encouraged me to continue with school and helped me to graduate. He promised to keep me safe, and he made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that happened. Something I haven’t quite gotten my head around to this day. But equally, something I’ve been incredibly grateful for because he changed everything for me.

He gave me everything I could have possibly wanted. Everything apart from him.

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