Captive

2: I wanna go home

As she slowly regained consciousness, she could hear the muffled voices trying to rouse her, gently splashing water on her face. Feeling the sensation of someone softly slapping her face, she gradually became aware of her surroundings. Startled, she realized she was cradled in the lap of her abductor, who looked at her with concern in his eyes. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.

His strong arms held her securely, his gaze filled with a mix of concern and uncertainty. She blinked, disoriented and groggy, her mind struggling to grasp reality. The room came into focus, the walls bearing the scars of time, faded paint peeling away to reveal the weathered bricks beneath.

As Renee's eyes met his, a mixture of fear, confusion, and curiosity swirled within her. The dim light cast shadows on his rugged features, highlighting the sharp angles of his jawline and the intensity that simmered in his eyes. She studied him, her gaze tracing the lines of his face, trying to decipher the enigma that he was.

As Renee slowly came to her senses, the cool touch of Malek's fingers against her cheek sent a shiver down her spine. She flinched instinctively, her body tense with apprehension. His eyes, a stormy blend of intensity and vulnerability, searched hers, his voice softening as he spoke. "Renee?"

Her slowly handed her a plate of food, insisting that she eat. She shook her head, refusing. His persistence grew, and he compelled her once again. The room filled with tension as she stood her ground, unsure of what would happen next.

In a sudden outburst, his voice rose, urgently exclaiming, "Renee, have it!" Overwhelmed with fear, she reluctantly took the plate and began to eat, tears streaming down her face.

As she finishes her food, a wave of exhaustion and uncertainty washes over her. Just as he reaches for the empty plate, she seizes the opportunity, her hand swiftly grabbing his wrist from behind. The man freezes, and the room falls into a hushed stillness as their eyes meet, locked in a tense gaze.

One of his boys comes running, calling out "Malek!"
Malek. So that's what his name is.

Malek pauses, exchanging a brief exchange with the other boy before turning his attention back to her. "What do you want now?" he asks, his voice tinged with both curiosity and caution. She pleads with him, refusing to let go."Please, don't leave me alone here," she cries.

As Malek's hand hovers to free himself from her grip, she utters a desperate ultimatum, her voice trembling with raw emotion. "I can't stay for another minute in here," she declares. He freezes, his eyes meeting hers, and after a tense moment, he sighs and mutters, "Fine."

He walks away, but her anguished cry of  "No!" stops him in his tracks. Malek turns back, his face stern and unreadable. He asks her, his voice softer this time, if she will behave. With tears in her eyes, she nods, silently conveying her agreement.

...

Malek led Renee into a room, a blindfold securely covering her eyes. The air in the room was noticeably different from the one she had been confined to before. Instead of the stale stench of fear and confinement, a gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass.

As the blindfold was removed, Renee blinked, taking in her surroundings with wide eyes. The room was a stark contrast to her previous prison. Soft sunlight filtered through gossamer curtains, casting a warm glow across the space.

Renee hesitated at the doorway, the warmth and brightness of the new room enveloping her. She was acutely aware of the change in atmosphere, the shift from confinement to a space that allowed a sliver of freedom. Malek stood beside her, his eyes fixed on her expectantly, waiting for a response to his proposition.

"Stay here," Malek instructed, his tone firm yet tinged with an underlying vulnerability.

Renee felt a surge of defiance rise within her. How dare he presume to give her rules? She had been kidnapped, held against her will, and now he wanted to dictate her behavior? Anger fueled her response as she squared her shoulders and met his gaze head-on.

"I'm sorry, did I miss the part where I signed up for your little boot camp?" she retorted, her voice dripping with anger.

Renee's words hung in the air, tension crackling between them like an invisible electric current.

As the silence stretched on, Renee's defiant gaze never wavered, her heart pounding with a heady mix of fear and determination.

Malek's eyes bore into hers, his jaw clenched, the muscles twitching with an internal struggle. Finally, he broke the silence, his gaze never leaving Renee's. "You think you can just provoke me, challenge me?"

A flicker of frustration crossed his face, his brows furrowing as he tried to maintain his composure.

As the tension hung in the air, Renee's expression softened, a flicker of vulnerability passing through her eyes before she gathered herself. "I'm not here to provoke or challenge you," she replied, "I just want to understand why you brought me here, why you're doing this." Her words were laced with a mix of curiosity and a desperate need for answers.

The air crackled with a potent mix of tension and anticipation, each word hanging in the space between them like a delicate thread. Malek's eyes bore into hers, a swirl of conflicting emotions playing out on his face. His rough exterior seemed to soften momentarily, revealing cracks in his armor.

Malek's voice held a hint of resignation, his gaze shifting away as he spoke. "Look, I didn't choose this job, alright? I was asked to bring you here, keep you here for a few days." The weight of his words hung heavy in the air as he continued, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and an underlying sadness. "You should just stay quiet, Renee."

Renee stood her ground, her eyes ablaze with determination, her voice steady as she went on to counter his words, "Oh, wow. So that's it?"