The Barmaid's Contract

4.

I felt the slight pinch in my back just as much as I felt the soft mattress.

It felt like a cloud. The heavy blanket on me was so warm and fluffy.

This ain't my blanket. I opened my eyes. This ain't my room. I blinked a couple times before I sat up, blanket drawn up.

"Where in the world am I?" I muttered to myself.

My room had two walls of red brick and two walls of gyprock and wood. This room had wood panelling.

My room had a bed. A box and suitcase full of clothes. This room had a dresser. This wasn't my thick black mink blanket, it was a thick quilt. The pillows weren't flat either. They were like two mini clouds, big and fluffy.

"Oh fuck no!" I jumped from the bed and noticed my jeans were gone, I was only in my singlet and boylegs. I stormed out of the room and looked down the long hallway.

Just where exactly am I? I found someone walking past and not giving two hoots about my appearance, I asked them where I was.

"At the Montgomery Manor, miss." She answered politely, a bit embarrassed to see me dressed the way I am.

I blinked a few more times, my eyes wide. "Where?"

"At the-"

"I heard you. Thank you Alice."

"Oh miss, it's Ginny."

"Whatever." I mumbled. I'm going to kill him. And I will do it very slowly! "Where is Avery Montgomery?"

"He is in the study, miss." The young lady quickly ran off before I could ask where that was.

"Good. You're up."

I spun to the voice and saw his smug face. "How dare you!" I yelled at him. "How fucking dare you! Did you drug me?"

"You had to come."

I slapped him across his face, leaving a red welt on his cheek. I went to do it again, but Avery snatched my wrist.

"You may not want this company but I do. I've worked hard for the past three years to be here and I'm not going to let some bratty redhead deny me of it." Avery growled as he flung me back.

I took a couple steps backwards, trying to compose my footing. "I'm not denying you anything you want." I snapped at him. I saw him look me over and I knew that look he was having. "Take a photo, buddy. It lasts longer."

Avery clenched his jaw. "You better get dressed. All your clothes and belongings are in there. I'm afraid the wits had to come too."

I curled my upper lip. "Not only did you drug me, you packed up my whole life and expect me to continue?" Who does he think he is?

"You have a fiery temper and I'm sure you'll wanna save it for later. I would hate to see you burn out before you actually need it."

Avery sauntered away from me as I glared at him. "Acting like a dick doesn't make yours any bigger!" I yelled at him before going back in to my room and slamming the door.

I went through my things. There was a box and a bag plus my hand bag. I dug through my handbag for my phone. I have to call Gav.

I dialled the pubs number in and let it ring.

"Gav, hey. That crap I told you yesterday, listen. I had to fly home."

"Brisbane? You're in Brisbane?"

"Look. It wasn't by choice. I don't know when I'll be back. I really don't. I can't leave just yet."

"So it got to you. The mighty Alex has a conscience."