BEHIND THE FACADE R18

Not yet, Not ever.

MIA'S POV

As I sat, helpless and bound, my mind racing with thoughts of escape, I realized my bladder was protesting the ordeal. The urgency grew, and I knew I had to act.

"Hey, can you please untie me?" I asked the guards, trying to sound calm despite the growing discomfort. "I need to use the restroom."

The guards, expressionless and unyielding, stared straight ahead, their silence deafening. I wondered if they were trained to ignore pleas or if they simply didn't care.

Their indifference ignited a spark of frustration within me. How could they treat me like this? Didn't they have sisters, mothers, or daughters? Didn't they understand the humiliation and fear that came with being tied up and helpless?

I shifted uncomfortably, the ropes digging deeper into my wrists. The discomfort morphed into pain, radiating up my arms. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.

Just as I thought I'd burst, Flynn walked forward, his piercing gaze locked onto mine, a warning flickering in his eyes.

"Need something, princess?" Flynn asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"I...I need to use the bathroom," I stammered, humiliation washing over me.

Flynn raised an eyebrow. "And you expect us to believe you won't try anything stupid?"

I shook my head vigorously. "No, I promise. Just please, untie me."

Alex stepped forward, his expression softer than Flynn's, and began to untie the ropes. Flynn supervised, his eyes never leaving mine. As the ropes fell away, relief washed over me, followed by a surge of adrenaline. Freedom, albeit temporary, was within reach.

Flynn grasped my elbow, his grip firm but not painful. "Remember, no heroics. You try anything, and you'll regret it." I nodded, my eyes locked on his. "I won't."

As they led me to the bathroom, I couldn't help but think about Mark and Malcolm. Were they searching for me? Did they even know I was missing?

The bathroom door creaked open, revealing a stark, white space. Flynn released my elbow, his voice low. "Make it quick."I stepped inside, the door closing behind me. For a fleeting moment, I was alone.

As I prepared to exit the bathroom, a spark of defiance ignited within me. This might be my only chance to escape. A triumphant smile crept onto my lips, and I carefully pushed the door ajar, peeking out into the corridor.

Flynn's piercing gaze met mine, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Ready to come out, princess?" he asked, his tone laced with sarcasm.

I flashed him a fake smile, innocence personified. "Not quite yet. I need some toiletries, please."

Flynn raised an eyebrow. "There's everything you need in there."

I shook my head, feigning distress. "No, there isn't. You can come check if you don't believe me."

Flynn's hand reached for the door handle, but I swiftly intervened, my voice husky. "Wait, I'm not exactly...decent."

Flynn's eyes flickered with annoyance, his jaw clenched. "What's your game, Mia?"

I maintained the charade, batting my eyelashes. "No game, I promise. I just...need some dignity."

Flynn sighed, frustration etched on his face. "Fine. I'll get the toiletries. Alex, stay here and keep an eye on her. Don't let her pull anything."

Alex nodded, his expression impassive. "Got it."

Flynn's parting glance warned me: Don't try anything. I smiled sweetly, my heart racing with anticipation.