Breaking Midnight (Il Paradosso Series Book One)

Chapter three

I felt like an item at a gallery exhibition, the number of times I was approached in the last twenty-four hours by different visitors. Judging by my sense of smell, at least two of them were men.

Alas, there absence was to no advantage. Although they didn't return the rest of the day, I was unable to move or make any attempts at escaping.

With my hands behind my back, there was only so much I could do but switch from one side to the other.

I hadn't eaten since the night before and my stomach was whaling. They were starving me.

My head continued to throb as I sat still with my hands tied and a blindfold over my eyes. The handcuffs were digging viciously into my wrists every time I moved. At least I could breathe freely.

As time passed by, the light got dimmer from what I was able to see beneath the thick cloth.

Had they forgotten about me?

Hunger was gnawing at my insides and I was beginning to feel lightheaded. My blood sugar had plausibly dropped to an extreme low.

If I didn't eat soon, I would be breaking down into cold sweats, possibly losing my conscience. I had dealt with this situation many times. Therefore, I always kept track of my meals, making sure to consume them at a considerable timing.

My bladder was full and I could feel the cramps building, squeezing both of my thighs together to hold it in. I contemplated on blindly searching my way to the bathroom, while trying to remember the exact route I had taken from there to the spot I was seated.

It seemed nearly impossible, but my chances were greater now than after the night had fallen. For then, I wouldn't be able to see anything through the thick cloth.

I had to take the risk.

I shifted to the edge of the sofa and slowly lifted myself up, fighting the immediate dizziness that followed. My legs were wobbly at first, but I forced them to remain steady, while dragging my foot along the carpet until it ended.

I knew I was close to the door. Putting one foot forward, I felt for any objects that could lead me. Three more steps and my foot hit a wall. I shifted to the side, scraping my hands against it until I touched the cold steel of a doorknob.

With a few twists it opened and I leaned my back against the door frame, using my left foot as a guide to the toilet. A hard edge jabbed into my side, causing a shooting pain up my back. All I had to do was take a few steps backwards and I would reach the toilet.

Once I found it, using my hands behind my back, I crouched down and opened the lid.

Now...the difficult part.

I twisted and turned my wrists but I couldn't get my leggings further down to my knees, and the feeling of urgency was making it even harder to focus. Maybe I hadn't thought this one through.

If I urinated myself, that would be the epitome of my evening. Bending my knees slightly, I pulled at the waistband of my leggings from left to right, until they were under my buttocks. In one swift motion, I placed myself onto the toilet, finding the ultimate relief.