Shattered

Chapter 12

"Jess."

My nose was treated with the musky scent of mahogany, a fragrance I found so alluring. Through my closed eyes, I could tell the sun was rising, as there was natural light, but not enough for it to be mid-morning.

"Wake up, Jess." His voice pestered my ears again, causing me to groan and turn my head to the pillow. It was far too early for me to be able to deal with Chandler rationally.
Next came his finger, which restlessly probed my cheek. The annoyance of his actions was the only reason I made my awareness known. "Stop it already, I'm awake," my sleepy voice mumbled, sounding much deeper than anticipated.

His ashen eyes were level with my frosty eyes, surprising me as the first thing I saw. The flecks of black against the light grey contrasted to create a beautiful eye color, it was like a swirling tornado. Chandler was crouched by the side of the bed, his hand still on my cheek. His dark chocolate hair was styled back, and he was dressed in a nice, form fitting, black suit. I scrunched my eyebrows at his formal attire, confusion overtaking every crease and line in my face.

"Work," he answered for me, noting the look of perplexity. What an idiot I am, that didn't even cross my mind. There was no way he lived here and didn't have a job. A very well paying job.

"Now that you're awake and I can talk to you, I have to go to work. I took a whole week off to help you... accommodate, and now I need to go back to my regular schedule.

Accommodate? Yeah, I guess he could put it that way. "I won't be back until four, so it'll just be you and Stella. This, by no way, means you will get out, so don't even start forming plans in your pretty little head."

The hand that had laid on my cheek, was now stroking my jaw back and forth rhythmically. "When you decide to get out of bed, Stella will make you breakfast, and you will eat all of it. If it comes to it, she will lock you up here until I get back, and I don't think you want that." Behind every sentence was a threat. He was daring me to misbehave, but also challenging me to obey his rules. My mind ran between disobedience and submission, for now, at this moment only. And I stress "for now". I doubted this would become a frequent thought in my mind.

"Fuck, I should've explained this all last night. I don't have time to go through it all." Chandler looked at his watch, running a large hand through his hair. We were a bit preoccupied last night, so I guess that took time away form this original plan.

"You're allowed into any room that's not locked, and you can use the tv. I expect you to listen and obey, I don't think you want me losing the small amount of patience I have left." I hadn't spoken a word except to stop his pestering, and I could tell he enjoyed my docility. The sly smirk and odd twinkle in his eyes reappeared, leading me to believe the joy he found in my acquiescence.

Chandler, reached into his pocket, dropping an item on the nightstand. My face lit up at the sight of my necklace, the beautiful opal glimmering in the morning light. "You can have this back, but let it serve as a reminder that I can take it again whenever you resist my commands."

Dumbfounded by the fine piece of jewelry, I didn't let his words really sink in. "You will abide by all those rules, understood?" Subconsciously, I nodded my head, but hurriedly halted and acknowledged him. "Yes, I understand, and thank you." My voice was better, back to it's soft, yet deepish tone.

Already prepared, his following kiss didn't surprise me. "I'll see you later, baby." two more kisses were given to my lips before he left, shutting the door behind him.
Shortly after Chandler left, I fell back into a dreamless sleep, lacking the energy to get up just yet. Undoubtedly, there'd be no way I could escape, but I could still try.

.

The day went by painfully slow. Stella barely spoke to me, keeping it to a minimum. I assumed Chandler was responsible for that, probably still upset with my "harassment" towards her. Without complaining, I ate the food she gave me, although I didn't want to particularly comply.