Salvation

Chapter 2

Laura’s eyes snapped opened as a sharp pain pulled her back into consciousness. She was staring down at grass from somewhere high up, judging by the black leather she was perched on, it was one of the guards’ backs. He must have just lifted her out of the car and placed her on his back. That meant they had arrived wherever they were going.

            Laura had no clue how long she’d been in that trunk, but it had been long enough to warrant dosing her with the Chloroform a second time. She was still woozy and her head killed, but she couldn’t go back to sleep. She had to stay awake and escape this mess.

            There was a sudden shift in lighting and Laura was no longer staring at grass, but white marble flooring, they were inside. They turned left, she thought, and began walking. She fought not to groan as with each careless step the burly man carrying her dug his shoulder further into her bruised side. She preferred they didn’t know she was awake yet.

            Even with her limited view, Laura could tell this house was amazing. It was huge, first off, and it was decorated beautifully. Exactly as you’d imagine one of the richest men in the country to have his house decorated. It was elegant but not overstated. In any other situation she’d kill to examine it all, revel in it. But now all she wanted to do was watch it burn to the ground.

            “Put her in here.” Kevin Horan’s Irish accented voice echoed through the empty hallway. They stopped and Laura heard the sound of a door opening and the guard moved forward again. They passed through a doorway and the lighting grew darker while the now red carpet switched to white.

            Once in the room the guard stopped and turned around leaving Laura facing the rest of the room. It was a gorgeous room. The walls were a light shade of pink and covered in art that probably cost more than Laura’s house. The bed had a duvet that was light pink, like the walls, with a pattern of gold with pink roses scattered across it. The room had a few windows and on them were curtains that brought out the shades of brown and gold in the bedspread. It smelled like fresh paint and everything looked new, from the dresser to a desk in the corner. Was this room meant to be her prison?

            “Bed.” Horan’s voice commanded. Whoever was holding her turned again and walked her over to the bed, took her off his back and tossed her on the bed. He backed away and went to go stand beside his friend. Horan was standing right behind him. Laura quickly tried to shut her eyes and feign unconsciousness but Horan chuckled and patted her still bound ankle.

            “Good morning Miss. Ebner. Did you have a lovely nap?” Laura glared at him. He simply chuckled again.

            “That’s no way to look at me, Miss Ebner. Don’t you see the beautiful room we’ve made for you?” he gestured around to the room as if that could make up for the fact that he kidnapped her and tied her up and intended her for his son. Laura simply rolled her eyes and looked away, sick of Horan and his bullshit.

            “Going with that method are we Miss. Ebner? You’ll soon find that neither I nor my son appreciate insolent servants.” Laura continued looking away, it being all she could do with her gag besides mumble at him, which wasn’t very threatening. He gripped her face in his hand and turned it forcefully towards him.

            “Perhaps I must lay things out in plain English for you then Miss. Ebner. So be it. Hugo.” The guard that hadn’t been holding her left the room and Horan let go of her face. Laura dared not move. Hugo returned a few minutes later holding something in his hands. It looked like a jewelry box. What was he going to do? Put a big necklace on her that said Niall? Horan smiled as Hugo handed the box to him.