keep me afraid

35 - Hurts Like Hell

I woke up to a searing headache and a tightness around my wrists. As I opened my eyes, the reality of my situation hit me like a ton of bricks. I was tied to a bed, in a room I recognized. Panic set in as I realized I was back in Antonio's home, the cage he had kept me in for months.

I couldn't believe it, I had thought I was finally free. I had escaped with the help of someone I trusted, someone who had promised to keep me safe. But it was all a lie, a cruel betrayal.

Tears stung my eyes as I struggled against the ropes binding me to the bed. I couldn't let him break me again, I had to find a way out.

As I lay there, trying to piece together the events that led me back to this hellhole, I couldn't help but wonder if I would ever truly be free.

As I lay there, I couldn't help but think about my momma and Adeline. I wondered if they were okay, if they had managed to escape or if they had been captured too. The thought of them being hurt or worse, killed, made my stomach turn.

I knew that I had to focus on getting out of this situation, but it was hard to shake off the feeling of betrayal and the worry for my loved ones. I couldn't help but think about all the times I had been betrayed, by Antonio, my father, Emmie, now by Warner. It made me question if anyone could ever truly be trusted.

I knew that I had to focus on getting out of this situation. I couldn't give up, not now, not after everything I had been through. I had to keep fighting for my freedom, for my survival, and for the safety of my loved ones.

I opened my eyes, and I was determined to find a way out of this cage. I would not rest until I was reunited with my momma and Adeline and I knew they were safe.

The door creaks open and Antonio steps into the room. He's tall and menacing, with a cold, cruel look in his eyes. He sneers at me, taunting me with the power he holds over me.

"Looks like you're stuck here, little one," he says, his voice low and menacing. "You're mine."

I try to scream, to plead with him to let me go, but my voice fails me. I'm paralyzed with fear, unable to move or speak.

He steps closer, looming over me. I can feel his breath on my face, and I shrink away from him in terror.

"I think it's cute that you would ever think that you could ever out smart me. I'm always one step ahead of you... little mouse." he says, his voice filled with satisfaction in himself. "You're going to regret crossing me and you are going to learn from it."

I close my eyes, trying to block out his words, trying to find some shred of hope or strength.

Antonio stands over me, a cruel smirk on his face. He leans down, his face inches from mine, and says, "Well, little Love, do you have anything to say for yourself? You're not very talkative, are you?"

I try to speak, but my voice is barely a whisper. "Please," I manage to croak, "let me go. I won't tell anyone. I swear."

He laughs, a cold, cruel sound that sends shivers down my spine. "Oh, you think you're going to get out of here? You're mine. Do I need to keep repeating myself?And no one is ever going to love you like I do."

He reaches out and strokes my cheek with the back of his hand. I flinch away from his touch, my stomach churning with disgust.

"You're mine," he repeats, his voice low and dangerous. "And you're going to do whatever I want. You will be with me, forever."

I try to scream, to fight back, but my voice is lost in the darkness. I'm trapped, trapped in the clutches of this evil, twisted man. I close my eyes, tears streaming down my face, and pray for a miracle. But in my heart, I know there's no escape. I'm alone, and there's no one coming to save me.