Tie My Heartstring's ❦

prisoner

Hudson

Katie and I did the same routine for three days. I made sure to cover my tracks by sending a message to Alice, from Katie's phone. I mentioned she was moving into a new place in the city needing some independence for a bit. It wouldn't work forever, and I needed to craft a better plan.

And soon. I could tell her friend half-bought the lie, and would keep reaching out. We ate breakfast together like a couple with marital problems, and then I went to work, not before she was locked back in the room. I didn't trust her yet. I would be a fool to. Seems there's very fucking little I think through when it comes to her.

I don't mean to be so harsh with her, she's all I ever wanted. I just needed her to myself, alone with me. It's been a week since I took her here, and every day since then, she disappears in the bedroom for most of the day. Leaving after breakfast and not getting out of bed until the evening. She acts normal enough, ignoring my existence at night and keeping her back turned to me even while we sleep.

I went to Evan's house prepared forget it to be one of my last work-related visits. I didn't need Evan anymore; I'd gotten what I wanted. He happened to be a bump in the way. As Evan casually talked about his daughter, a wave of discomfort washed over me. Sadly, this was not some Beauty and the Beast fairytale where she'll get to return to her father. She belongs to me.

For months, I had mastered the art of concealing my inner plans, maintaining a facade of normalcy around him at work. Yet, the mention of my girl pierced through my carefully crafted mask, sending ripples of unease.

I was done hiding the fact that she was mine now. I couldn't wait to see the shock on his face, when he found out I had taken his precious little girl from him. But as I stumbled through small talk, I couldn't shake the feeling of anger that washed over me like a relentless conversation. As I listened to Evan's casual chatter about my girl, I grew uneasy.

As we parted ways, I bid Evan farewell with a charming smile, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction, a sense of victory. For in that moment, I knew that I had won, that I had gotten the girl, everything I'd wanted all along. He got the girl the first time. It was my turn.

I arrived back outside of the city and walked to the bedroom, unlocked it, and let myself in. Just like every other day, Katie moves to the side of the bed, her body tensing with fear. She's been wearing the clothes I had brought to her room. The colorful patterns make her look even happier than she is. Some color is returning to her face, and she seems to be less anxious.

She doesn't look as sad anymore, her striking eyes sparkling brighter. I go over to the kitchen, propping my phone down to make myself something to eat. Soft footsteps follow, entering the kitchen.

Turning, I make eye contact with Katie. She gazes directly at my cellphone on the counter. Her mind is too easy to read, and I already know what she's trying to do. Eyeing me again, she picks up my phone and stands directly in front of my view before she puts the phone to her ear. I know she hasn't dialed the police.

She just wants to see what I will do. Because evidently, there's something wrong with her. She's doing this knowing it will piss me off. The more she provokes me, the more I will come after her. But she can't stop herself. She can't stop it because it's as addicting as it is stupid.

I take a step toward her, a hint of that smirk remaining on my face—just the slightest hint of amusement on my lips. She takes a step back.  I grab the phone from her grip. "Why do you defy me, Katie?" Briefly, she closes her eyes in preparation for what's to come. My voice washes over her, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

The sound is as deep as ever. She swallows again, nearly choking on the very muscle. "What do you want from me?" she chokes out. I stalk towards her. Her spine straightens, and she remains still.