Bound to You

Chapter 31: Challenge

“It’s been a week and I’m still here by myself, I win. ;)”

“haha it seems like you have”

“Well? What’s my prize?”

“guess you have to wait until I get home to find out……;)”

Darcy grinned as she leaned back against the plush couch cushions. It had been a week since the family left and, aside from missing Riker and Rydel, she had been thoroughly enjoying the solitude.

“But that’s two weeks awayyy. :(“

“this booty is worth the wait. ;)”

“You dork.” Darcy laughed, tossing her phone onto the opposite end of the sofa. The week had been a welcome vacation, some time away from the ‘Rarcy’ illusion that Sean had created. She hadn’t realized just how exhausting pretending all the time had been until she’d taken a step back. It felt odd to have so much time to herself. Not that she minded; it was a pleasant change of pace. She rolled her eyes when she heard her phone buzz once again from the end of the couch. “Riker, I swear. Your butt is not that impressive.” She muttered. Her stomach immediately dropped when she realized the message had been from someone else entirely.

“My office. One hour. –Sean”

**

Darcy kept her gaze coldly focused ahead as she approached the familiar wood-paneled office door. She knocked once, her resolve wavering slightly when she heard the doorknob begin to turn. “Darcy.” Sean greeted, grinning widely as he always did. She stepped past him without a word. “What is it, Sean?” she asked tiredly, turning around to face him. He closed the door firmly behind them, his grin never faltering. “Darcy, why so tense? I’ve told you before I mean you no harm. So long as you comply.” He said, smirking. He began to walk slowly across the room to where she stood. She took a hesitant step backwards. “You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t believe you.” She said quietly. Sean shrugged, clearly unaffected by her distrust. He moved to stand behind his desk. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I called you in, since Ross is away.” He said, settling back into the cushioned chair. “I am.” She answered, eyeing him suspiciously. She remained standing, trying to keep as much distance between herself and Sean as possible. The corners of his mouth turned up into an amused smirk. He was taunting her. He had all of the power. She was entirely at his mercy, and he knew it. “Teen Beach Movie 2.” He started, rummaging through a stack of papers on his desk. “Ever since the sequel was announced Ross has been spending the majority of his time with Maia, rather than you. I’m pretty sure I don’t have to explain why that’s a problem.” He glanced quickly up at her, gauging her understanding. Darcy nodded. “I’ve noticed Twitter getting stirred up. What do you want me to do about it?” she questioned. Sean wordlessly extended his hand toward her. He was holding a slightly crumpled flyer. “There’s a young adult club opening up in downtown L.A. this weekend.” He started. “I’ve arranged to have you and one guest added to the VIP list-” “And you want me to take Maia. Show the public that we’re friends.” Darcy finished, stepping forward just far enough to take the paper from his outstretched hand. “I’ll be there. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back.” She said, gesturing to the door. Sean immediately leapt to his feet. “Not so fast, Darcy. I’ve got something else for you.” He crossed the room to a heavy oak wardrobe that stood in the far corner. Darcy watched curiously as he returned to where she stood, a white garment bag in his hands. “For Saturday.” He said, placing the bag in her outstretched arms. She felt her stomach tighten. She knew exactly what was inside, without even having to look. Her fingers carefully tugged the zipper down, revealing a black and white minidress. Like the first dress he had sent to the house, the neckline was cut dangerously low. She didn’t have to try it on to see that it would show a scandalous amount of her chest. Her cheeks immediately reddened. Not with embarrassment, but with anger. How dare he? How dare he continuously threaten both her and her family? How dare he just assume she would bow to his will, over and over and over? She gritted her teeth. Yes, he terrified her. The things he’d done in the past and the things he might possibly do in the future left her completely and utterly petrified. He was a tyrant. Controlling, manipulative… If she didn’t take a stand for herself now she would be a slave to his every whim for the next six months. “I’m not wearing this.” She said quietly. Fear immediately gripped her heart as Sean slowly lifted his head to look at her. “I beg your pardon?” He looked surprised. Astonished that she had actually spoken up. Darcy felt her chest tighten. Carefully controlled patience masked the rage she could see burning in his eyes. “I said I’m not going to wear this, Sean.” She repeated, louder. “I’m not your little plaything that you can push around. I don’t appreciate you trying to dress me like a tramp. I’m not wearing this.” She dropped the bag at his feet. Her eyes stayed locked with his, unflinching. His expression was impossible to read. The calm exterior didn’t match the silent fury behind his eyes. “Now if you’ll excuse me-” she started. Without warning she felt the back of his hand connect with her cheek. The force of the blow sent her tumbling to the floor. She glared back up at Sean, tears blurring his towering figure. The stinging in her cheek had left her eyes watering. It mingled with her tears, making it impossible to see. Sean crouched down slowly, bringing himself closer to her level. He roughly grasped her by the throat and jerked her back to her feet in one rough motion. “Listen to me, you little bitch.” He spat. His hand tightened around her windpipe. “I thought I made myself clear last time. Iown you. What I say goes. When I say go to the premiere, you go to the premiere. When I say tweet a picture, you tweet a picture. And when I say wear the dress.” He shoved the dress roughly into her hands. “Then you wear the damn dress.” She felt the air rush back into her lungs as his grip on her throat loosened. Tears of anger and frustration continued to drip down her cheeks. She was powerless. There was absolutely nothing she could do to defend herself, and he wanted her to know. His grip tightened once more as he pulled her closer to him. “Whatever power you think you might have, you don’t. If you ever challenge me again, I’ll take it out on someone you love.” He threatened. She shuddered as he leaned in even closer to whisper in her ear. “He can’t protect you. No one can.”