Sam's POV
When I woke up, my head was pounding, my body aching in ways I didn't know were possible. The room was dimly lit, the air heavy with an oppressive silence. It took me a moment to process my surroundings-to realize I was sitting on a couch beside Janice, who looked as broken as I felt.
Across from us sat Scarlett and Leroy, their expressions stern and unyielding. Scarlett's piercing gaze locked onto mine, and I felt a cold shiver run down my spine. Leroy's presence was equally suffocating, his imposing figure radiating authority and anger.
It wasn't until I tried to move that the reality of what had happened hit me. My right leg-it was gone. The stub where it had been was wrapped in bandages, the pain sharp and constant. A sob rose in my throat, and I clutched at the edge of the couch, my vision blurring with tears.
Beside me, Janice let out a soft, broken whimper. Her face was pale, her eyes bloodshot, and her trembling hands clutched at her sides. I could see faint bruises on her arms, evidence of Leroy's punishment.
"I-I'm sorry," I choked out, the words spilling from me in a desperate rush. "I'll never do it again. Please, I'm sorry."
Janice joined me, her voice cracking as she echoed my plea. "I'm sorry, Leroy. Scarlett, we won't do it again. Please, forgive us."
Scarlett's POV
Watching Sam fall apart was both heart-wrenching and beautiful. Her tears, her apologies-they were everything I'd wanted to hear. She was mine again, fully and completely, and I wasn't going to let her slip away.
The moment she started sobbing, I couldn't hold back. I crossed the room in a few quick strides, scooping her into my arms and settling her onto my lap. She clung to me desperately, her small hands gripping my dress as she buried her face in my shoulder.
"Shh, Sammi," I murmured, stroking her hair. "It's okay now. I forgive you. You're safe with me."
Her sobs grew louder, her body trembling as she pressed closer to me. I nuzzled her hair, inhaling the familiar scent of her shampoo. The feel of her in my arms, so vulnerable and dependent, filled me with an overwhelming sense of possession.
"You're mine, Sammi," I whispered softly, kissing the top of her head. "No one will ever hurt you again. Not even yourself."
Leroy's POV
I watched Janice crumble beside the girl, her apologies spilling from her lips in a frantic, trembling rush. She was always so delicate, so fragile, and tonight she had learned the cost of disobedience.
It took me a moment to move. Scarlett had already claimed her prize, holding Sam like the most precious possession in the world. But Janice was mine, and she needed to be reminded of that.
I stood, crossing the room to where she sat shaking. Her wide, tear-filled eyes met mine, pleading for forgiveness. I knelt before her, pulling her into my arms. She stiffened at first, but I held her tightly, my hand stroking her hair in slow, deliberate movements.
"Shh, baby girl," I murmured, my voice low and soothing. "You're mine. You'll always be mine."
Her sobs wracked her small frame as she clung to me, her tears soaking into my shirt. I kissed her cheek, then her temple, reassuring her in the only way I knew how. "No more running, Janice. No more disobedience. Do you understand?"
"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'm sorry, Leroy. I'll be good."
I smiled, satisfied with her submission.
Sam's POV
Scarlett's arms tightened around me, her warmth both comforting and suffocating. I couldn't stop crying, couldn't stop apologizing. I hated her-I hated all of this-but I clung to her like she was the only thing holding me together.
"I-I'm sorry," I stammered again, my voice muffled against her shoulder.
She shushed me, her lips brushing against my hair. "You don't need to be sorry, Sammi," she said softly. "You're mine, and I'll always take care of you."
Across the room, Leroy held Janice in much the same way. Their dynamic was eerily similar to ours, and for the first time, I realized just how trapped I truly was.
This wasn't love. This was control, obsession, and I was helpless against it.
As Scarlett cradled me, whispering promises of safety and love, I felt a deep, sinking despair settle in my chest.
There was no escape.
Not for me.
Not for Janice.
And the worst part?
They didn't care.
