Shattered

Chapter 3

I lied still as the arm around my waist tightened, forcing me to release my hand from moving it. Rigid and stiff, I didn't dare move until his breaths continued in a slow and steady rhythm but remained careful. Softly shifting his hand off my waist, I gently placed it beside him.

The room was dark from the closed curtains and prevented me from attaining any clue as to where I was. I could be in a lonesome house located far away from any civilization, but that wasn't consistent with the constant honks of car horns. The man did say we were in New York, and I'm guessing downtown based on these noises.

With cat-like grace, I stepped off the comfy mattress, immediately hitting the cold air. The first thing I noticed was the unfamiliar clothes on my body. I was dressed in a plain white T-shirt, only my black underwear beneath.

Slowly taking steady steps towards the faint outline of a door to my far left, a small sliver of light underneath acted as my guide. Every pace was silent against the wooden floorboards, working in my favor. Stretching my arms ahead of me, I reached for any obstacles along the path.

Unfortunately for me, I hit a low glass coffee table, stubbing my toes and making a fairly audible bang. "Shit!" I cursed, quickly pulling my hands to my mouth, squeezing tight. As I heard the man stirring on the bed, I rapidly dashed behind one of the canvas chairs beside the table.

Waiting a few hot seconds after he stilled, I resumed my not-so-stealthy ninja route to the escape. Crawling this time, I quietly shuffled over the floor. Within a few paces, I had reached my goal, imagining the little GPS voice repeating, "You have reached your destination." Standing onto my feet, I outstretched my hand to the knob.

"It's locked." A sudden deep voice spoke from behind. Not moving, I idiotly hoped he'd think I wasn't there if I stayed still. "Try it, I'm not lying." He taunted darkly, a hint of amusement laced in his voice.

Twisting the knob, I found it would only turn halfway. I sighed and faced the direction of his voice, not able to see him. "Let me go," Stating powerfully, I felt the opposite inside.

I heard him groan. "Goddammit, Jess. It's too early for this shit." Heavy footsteps proceeded towards me, but I stood my ground. He was in my face within seconds. "I'm not an animal you can keep in a cage," Remarking lowly, I kept a steady tone.

My efforts were futile as he simply lifted me over his shoulder, easily carrying my 120 lb self. Placed back on the bed, I saw him pull handcuffs from the nightstand. He cuffed my left wrist to the headboard. Well, I'm off to a great start.

"Its six in the morning and I haven't slept in forty-eight hours. Please just go back to sleep." He loudly sighed, laying down beside me. His arm went back to my waist, making me go stiff. "Jess, I won't hurt you, I told you that already." His words seemed so genuine that I wanted to believe him so badly.

"I still don't know your name." Mumbling, I hated referring to him as 'the man'. "Chandler. Chandler Reid." He answered before his head nuzzled into my hair, his breath fanning my neck. "Chandler Reid." I tested the name quietly, wishing to wake up from this nightmare.