Page 85 of Resistant

“Very nice Brynn. Eat.”

He smiles at me and shoves the platter towards me. I shovel a mouthful of pancakes in my mouth, and I don’t want to like it, but they are the perfect combination of crisp and fluffy. The syrup is the real deal too, not the processed stuff I used to find in the grocery store. If I’m to find a way out of here, I need to eat and conserve my strength.

Knox hands me a cup of coffee with cream and sugar and I stifle a moan when I take a sip. His fork clatters to his plate, his heated gaze searing into me.

I feel panicky sweat break out under my arms and I try to ignore him.Just get through this Brynn. It’s only breakfast. And then you get through the next thing.

I’ve cleaned my plate and Knox gets up from the table and escorts me through a foyer into another side of the house.

“You will like this, Brynn. I’ve added to it over the last few years in the hope you would eventually join me here.”

He opens a door to a huge library. I look around, there are more books in here than most small-town libraries from The Before.How did he get all of this?

“I’m afraid you won’t be able to watch any TV or see the news, unless I’m present but I do have a library of old DVD movies you can watch. And of course, you can read anything you like here. You won’t have access to the internet either. But there will be parties, and shopping if you please me. And of course, I’ll expect you in my bedroom most evenings.”

I look down at my feet and I struggle to tamp down a shiver of revulsion.

“I seem to recall you enjoyed our little trysts together before. Brynn, give me time. I promise, if you behave, I won’t hurt you. I’m confident you’ll grow to like me as time goes on. I’ll be good to you, Brynn.”

“What will happen if your doctors aren’t able to create a cure based on my biology?”

“I’m positive that won’t be the case, however I assure you that I’ll always provide for you and your sons. Should our arrangement not be convenient for me, I may move you to another safe house where you’ll be guarded and taken care of, but I won’t abandon you, Brynn.”

I look at all the books, skimming my fingers over their leather bindings. I try to hide my fear and keep my expression neutral. He’s never going to let me go. Even when he grows tired of me, he will never let me go. I rally in my thoughts. I can do this. I’ve survived so much; I can get myself out of here. I need to be patient and come up with a plan.

“I have some things to attend to today, but I’ll be back this evening after dinner. Mrs. Winkle will see to your needs. If you have forgotten anything or have a request, please send it through her. I noticed you haven’t accepted our appointment. I’ll give you some time to consider it and adjust to being here, however you should understand that I have expectations and there are limitations to my patience.”

“What happens when you reach the end of your patience Knox?”

“You don’t want to know, Brynn. Just know for now it’s my intention to start over with you. I realize that I didn’t present my case to you before. Let me do that, let me present my case, you and I can come to an understanding that is mutually beneficial.”

He smiles at me, and I study him. He’s a beautiful man, and if weren’t for his disturbing possessiveness and need to own me, I might be attracted to him under different circumstances. I turn away, afraid he can read my thoughts on my face.

I hear clinking behind me and watch as he pours amber liquid into a glass and takes a large swallow. I turn to face him, setting aside my fear and anxiety.

“Why me Knox? Out of all the women in the country, I’m sure there are many more like me out there who would readily agree to your plans? Why force me into this?”

“Because Brynn, ma petit lagniappe, you were an unexpected gift.”

“What does that mean, lanyep? Is that French? Why do you call me that?”

His smile is predatory.

“You are my little something extra, I didn’t expect to find you in the swamps, waiting for someone to save you. There you were, abandoned by your husband and paralyzed by your circumstances. And I had the means to provide a better life for you, and at the same time possibly deter future radiation sickness. I’m not the animal you think I am, Brynn.”

“Who are you, Knox?”

He takes another swallow finishing off the glass and it clanks loudly on the tray. I wince at the noise, and I want to ask him more, but he’s turned his back on me, and I know I need to tread carefully. He keeps calling me unexpected, and of the two of us he’s exponentially more unpredictable than I am.

“Good afternoon, Brynn. I’ll be waiting for you here for our appointment later tonight.”

He leaves and I stare at the door. I know I’m his prey, and I have no idea how to turn this around in my favor.

I spend my days in the library. Knox comes and goes, he’s here more than not and I’m expected to dine with him when he’s here.

It’s a matter of time before I’m forced into his bed, and I have no idea how I’m going to keep avoiding that requirement. I’ve been combing this house looking for scraps of information about Knox that I can use as leverage to keep me from complying with all aspects of this arrangement. So far, I’ve found nothing.

There are no photographs on the walls of Knox, no awards, certificates, or anything of a personal nature. I’m stuck in this museum, artifacts from The Before, which ironically, I’d find amazing under any other circumstances.

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