His Prize

Chapter 33: Old Demons

It's raining, it's dark, and Alex is storming ahead. I'm struggling to keep up.

"Please slow down."

He doesn't even look at me.

We soon make it to the train station.

"Two tickets to Yalen. One human." He says to the teller.

"You're in luck. The train at gate five leaves in two minutes," she says with a smile.

He practically snatches the tickets from her, not saying another word.

We're still taking our seats when the train starts moving. He stumbles, and I fall on my butt from the sudden jerk.

"Bloody hell," he curses, taking his seat.

I jump into the seat next to him.

I've never seen him like this before. He's looking straight ahead, with his hands clenched into fists. He's hurt. I feel bad for him. His parents were just straight up mean. They didn't act like a real mom and dad.

I rest my head against his side and wrap my hands around one of his. "You don't need people like them."

He doesn't answer. I can feel his breath above my head.

Eventually, he lets his fist relax in my hands.

He leans in and kisses the top of my head. I take in a quick breath in surprise.

* * * * * * * *

His keys rattle as he unlocks the front door. I'm glad to finally get out of this rain.

"I'm going to change. Can we go to bed soon?" I ask.

"Alright." He's still upset. I can hear it in his voice. It's like he's disinterested in everything.

I change into my pyjamas while he gets ready in the bathroom.

I sit in my usual spot, with my legs under the covers.

He returns and sits on the side of the bed. "Come here." He gestures with his head.

I crawl over to him. He unlocks my chain and it falls to the ground. He picks me up and places me on his lap. I'm facing him, and we're only a few inches apart. His eyes are soft. He looks defeated, like he's been beaten down. I hate seeing him like this. When the police got him, he still had that determined look in his eyes, but now there's nothing.

I can't believe his parents would drive him to this. How heartless could you be? I feel so powerless, unable to help him. I don't know what to say to make him feel better, but I figure saying something is better than nothing. "Are you... okay?"

He puts his hand by my cheek, gently twirling a few strands of hair. "I am... Thanks to you."

He leans in and begins kissing me. I tense up at first, but I quickly let myself relax. I've never been kissed on the lips before. I've never really understood it. But Alex is in pain, and if it makes him feel better, then he's welcome to.

I don't kiss back. I don't know how to. But I open my mouth. I think that's what he wants. I don't mind if he kisses me. If I can help him by letting him kiss me, then I will. I want him to be happy.

He puts his hands on my sides, holding me, not breaking the kiss.

His hands slip under my pyjama shirt, and inside the side openings of my swimsuit. Before I can react, his one hand is on my back, and the other is holding my breast. My whole body freezes. A shiver runs down my spine. His hands on my skin are like the cold tiles in the cell. I try to move my arms, but they feel like they're held down by chains. My nipples hurt, like they are being pinched in a vice.