Z A R A "Frank, are you sure about this?" I can't close my mouth. The theme of the room is dark tones, but the view... let me tell you, if someone shot me right this very second in front of this window, I'd die a happy death."Yes," he answers. "Boss had someone fill up the closet for ya. There's food in the fridge or call the front desk if you need anything specific."Clothes? Food? What exactly is Alejandro thinking? That he can buy me? If he keeps this up, he might, the humorous side of my brain tries to cope with the messed-up situation."Boss will have a set of separate rules for you, he will explain on his own time." Suddenly, Frank's expression darkens, "A note of advice, for everyone's good, do not disobey Boss' orders, neither should you stray from his rules. And I mean it when I say that this is for everyone's good."I gulp. There wasn't a single hint of comfort in those words. He stated them as a threat and nothing more."I'll be on my way, lady. See ya around," he leaves
A L E J A N D R O I craved her touch for years, waiting for the right moment to take her for myself. She was the one person who had naively befriended me all those years ago, her first mistake. She refused to fall under the first impression everyone else had given me and wanted to understand the real me. The innocence and smile that she wore, which I treasured, has been violently ripped away from her. She looks completely lost without it.I'm seeing her after so long—too long, that seeing her even in such simple silk nightwear has left me in a trance. Even though she's trying her best to push me away, I'm much stronger. I can overpower her as easily as I can press a trigger. My heart aches to see her in so much pain but it no longer matters because I've changed, I'm no longer who I used to be.I'm no longer the man who was weakened by such complex emotions. I'm no longer the man who cares for the comfort of others. I'm no longer the man who will hold back from something that's mine.
Z A R A As the sun shines brightly through the windows, waking me up gently into my world of nightmares again, I pull the covers closer to my chest.Last night... was terrifying.I didn't know if I was going to die from a heart attack or Alejandro, himself, was going to kill me. He did leave—eventually. After giving a lecture, which was mostly made out of threats, he left—just like that.I'm pretty sure he left the apartment because once I tried to escape, he wasn't there. Did I try to escape?Yes, of course, I did.I tried to click the buttons on the elevator inside the apartment and tried to open the front door but both times, the security system announced, "access denied."Did I really think I was going to be able to leave this easily? I sigh, feeling the defeat of last night's escape. I decide quickly to brush my teeth and pick out a hoodie and sweats to dress myself in. I wrap a simple black scarf around my hair, you never know who's going to be walking in and out of this place
Z A R A"No underwear? No other articles of clothing to cover-up? He must've been insane to say that to me!" I gruff as I wrap a black, silk hijab around my hair. The clock strikes 6 PM.Did he even tell me when he'll get here? I barely ate lunch because of my nerves and now I'm super hungry. I should be grateful I even get a meal, I think to myself. I was tempted to go to the hallway and check-up but I have to listen to what Frank said, don't disobey Alejandro.If I break now, there won't be any turning back. Stand your ground, Zara. Your parents raised you to be strong, even though you can be a coward a lot of the time. I look down at my clothes nervously, he won't freak out over something as simple as clothes, would he?"Front door open," the automated voice announces.My heart drops, he's here. My hands instantly turn cold and my legs start shaking. I couldn't hold up my weight. This man scares me and he's yet to do anything to me that would make me want to wish I was dead."Shit,
Z A R A "I don't want this... don't..." my frightened words are cut short because of his sudden touches."There's a chance you may even find this punishment... pleasing," his voice is smooth as he pulls off my underwear. Alejandro slams my arms up against the wall, squeezing it painfully as I struggle in his grip. He only loosens his hold once I stop fidgeting."You know, if you comply with me, you might be able to enjoy this," he says while biting the soft skin at the nape of my neck."N-no..." I'm gasping heavily as a million different emotions flow through me, denying that I'd ever enjoy such a horrible form of punishment. I want to disappear, I've never wanted to disappear as badly as I do now. I try to not think of him, his body pressed against mine, the woody smell of his cologne, the way it's all making me feel weak and dizzy.I bite down hard on my bottom lip, trying to vanish with no success. "I haven't heard a single, genuine apology from you. Do you plan on doing that soon
Z A R A He notices my discomfort and chuckles, "Don't worry. I wouldn't do anything to her unless you give me a reason to. So? How is she?""Good," I answer flatly after chewing my food."Does she go to school?" He pushes the topic moreI nod."Is she still interested in English literature?" He asks. I can't tell whether he's genuinely interested or trying to keep up a conversation. I look up at him with wide eyes, okay, but how does he—"She told me in one of the classes we had together that she was interested in the literature field," he explains, probably because I looked shocked. I nod again,"She's studying English literature."After a minute or two of eating in silence, Alejandro slams his hands down on the table, making me flinch back, "May I ask why you're not speaking to me?"He's joking, right? "Do you want to hear the truth?" I ask quietly."I would appreciate that," he says."Will I be punished for speaking the absolute truth?" I ask cautiously. He stays quiet for a momen
Z A RA I wake up to the sun shining through my windows. I raise my left hand to cover the sun rays shining into my eyes when the familiar ring gleams, reminding me of my grim life. I stare at the clock, my eyes finally settling, "It's noon already?!"I run to the washroom for a shower. The lingering stinging pain in my core is still present but less apparent than last night.I quickly change into a comfortable new pair of pajamas, trying to ignore the events of last night for the sake of my deteriorating mental health. My eyes widen at the thought that Alejandro might've texted or called."When I call or text you, I expect a reply within five minutes or I will assume you're disobeying me. You should be nearby the phone at all times."I scurry to my phone, which is charging on my nightstand beside my bed.No new calls or texts. I sigh a breath of relief. I walk out to see that my lunch is being set up by a woman, who's probably in her late twenties or early thirties.She's so pretty..
Z A R A Gentle? Does he think he can be gentle?"Please, Alejandro! I beg of you to give me some time to... adjust. Please..." my voice is shaking with desperate pleas falling on deaf ears."Adjust? To what, my love?" He asks while nipping at the skin of my chest. To you and your horrible way of treating me. Give me time until I can't feel a shred of emotion anymore. Give me time until I'm just a hollow shell."I never go back on my word. Especially, when it comes to disciplining people who are out of line," his words are stern with an edge of warning. "You are now the wife of Alejandro Genovese. You, out of all people, should never step out of line."If I speak against this again, it won't be good for me at all. I squeeze my eyes shut, my grip on the couch tightening as he kisses down my chest to my stomach. I hate the way my body is reacting before he even reaches the middle. It's sensitive to his touch in ways that should only be valid if I enjoyed this.Am I... enjoying this?No!