Love Me

Chapter Three

Alyssa

The fact that I woke up well rested made me curious. Usually I had an alarm to wake me and I was always tired so what was different?

I got up groggily and went in search of my phone. I opened the purse I was with yesterday but it wasn't there. I checked the laundry hamper in my bathroom in case I put it with my dirty clothes but I didn't find it.

I began tearing my room apart. It wasn't in my closet, bathroom or on my desk. I had it all through yesterday so where could it be?

I groaned in frustration, realizing where it was. I left it when I ran away from those men. I knew there was no chance of me finding it so I concluded that I would have to get a new phone.

The only thing that bothered me were the files that were on that phone. They were all for work and very important. If the wrong person found it, it would be detrimental to the company and my life. My only saving grace would be if the person just erases everything without looking at it first.

With a frustrated sigh, I began getting ready for work. I put on a red blouse and slacks. I was in no rush. Looking at my wrist watch, I still had more than an hour to get to the office.

I took a taxi as always but not before having a nice breakfast. By the time I got to the building, I still had thirty minutes but that didn't mean I was going to sit around doing nothing. I reviewed Mr Jordan's schedule and answered a few emails before I heard a voice come through the intercom.

“Alyssa, if you like your god damned life, get to my office now!”

Cautiously approaching the door, I prayed silently that he just wanted to talk and yell at me. My body was still hurting from two days ago and the bruises were still visible, I didn't need new ones. I knocked on the door then heard a him say ‘come in’ before I entered.

Before I could register what was going on, I was pushed into the wall with force and a hand around my throat, choking me. I gasped for air, trying to pull his hand away from my neck but he was too strong.

Thinking about what I did wrong was near impossible because there wasn't enough oxygen going to my brain. My vision was getting cloudy. My knees were getting weak. I couldn't fight anymore.

Luckily, he let me go, throwing me to the tiled floor, my head hitting it with a sickening crack. I gratefully took long breaths, filling my lungs and coughing out. I barely had time to recuperate before he kicked me right in the ribs. Not once, not twice. I received punch after punch, kick after kick but he still wasn't satisfied with the damage.

He fisted my hair, pulling me up with it then slapped me hard across the face. As he fished something out of his pocket with his free hand, I had time to wonder to myself.

What have I done now?

Something bright flashed in front of my eyes that made me close them on reflex.

“Open your eyes, bitch!” He ordered. When I did, I saw that it was his phone in front of me. “What is the fucking time?”

I stared at the numbers written in white. 11:54am. But... but the time on my watch before I came in was 7:54am.

“Answer me when I ask you a question!” He kicked me in the stomach again. “Four hours! You were four hours late! Why?! Sleeping around again, huh?” I shook my head, tears pooling in my eyes.

“Then why were you late? Overslept?” I nodded but he only shook his head. “You nearly cost me an important client today because you overslept? This is why no one will ever want you, lazy piece of shit. Do you hear me?!” I nodded again, the tears falling freely now. “What did I say?”