The Lies That Bind

Prologue

This isn't what I wanted.

This wasn't how I expected my life would play out. And yet... here I am, lying in a bed that isn't mine in a room that isn't mine, surrounded by things I wish I could afford. I dreamed of living a life of luxury as a teen, to be of a status higher than my own. But that didn't happen... not how I wanted it to anyway.

Life is shit.

I look to my right to see the San Franciscan skyline twinkling through the sheer curtains. I wish I could look at that view every day. As I stare at the faint outline of the Golden Gate Bridge I wonder to myself: How'd I get into this mess? How did I let myself reach such a level of desperation? I know the answer, it's quite obvious, but the question still bears down on me like a weight.

With a turn of my head, part of the answer is right beside me, sleeping soundly. I gaze at those handsome features as the man who basically owns me sleeps; his face contorted into a small frown. His sleeps are often restless, but I'm not allowed to ask why. He's like a rubix cube and I have yet to find the correct method to solving the puzzle. And they say men are simple to figure out?

His frown deepens,his eyes shifting under the lids as if he's having a nightmare. He lets out aheavy sigh before those icy, azure eyes slowly open to gaze at me. I hold mybreath; shit, did he know I had been staring at him? I do my best to keepstill, grateful that the window is behind me. He reaches for me suddenly andpulls me to him. As I'm pressed against his strong, and might I also mention naked, chest, he rumbles quietly in myear. His tone is desperate, pleading. I don't understand what he says, but Iwish I could.