Kate
I wake up with a pillow under my head and a blanket covering my body. For the first time in days, I’m not exposed. It feels so good I can’t believe it. Despite being tied up, I snuggle into the blanket a little further. For a brief moment, I relax a little.
The door opens and Matteo walks into the room with another tray of food. Warm maple syrup permeates the air. As he sets the tray on the table, I get a peek of French toast, eggs, and orange juice. My stomach grumbles, and I immediately want to sit up and devour every little morsel on the plate.
“Good morning, beautiful.” Since yesterday, Matteo has been showering me with compliments. Something has changed in him, and he’s even pleasant. Except for keeping me tied up and locked away, he hasn’t done anything to hurt me. He was even gentle when he had sex with me. He took his time and tried to make sure I enjoyed it.
When I think of being raped, I imagine someone who forces themselves on the unwilling victim to find their own pleasure and not once caring about the innocent victim. That’s exactly what Agent Manchetti did to me. What Matteo did was different. No, I didn’t want Matteo to touch me. No, I wasn’t a willing participant, but it wasn’t so bad. It could’ve been worse.
“Are you hungry?” He smiles as he rubs the back of his hand on my cheek.
I close my eyes and imagine it is Tony who’s touching me so delicately. “Yes, sir.”
He removes his hand and begins to untie one of my restraints. “As long as you do what you’re told, I’ll take care of you.”
I know this means not to try to escape or any chance of eating this meal will disappear. I don’t fight. I just let him do what he wants. It’s easier this way, and it doesn’t hurt. Matteo takes some pillows off the chair and places them behind my back allowing me to sit up. The change in position eases all the discomfort at once from my ribs.
I take my free hand and rub my eyes. It’s a simple luxury I haven’t been able to experience in a long time. I relish in its goodness. I smile at the sense of freedom that overwhelms me despite being a prisoner.
“I’m sure you want to feed yourself, but I’d appreciate it if you would allow me to do it. It’s a simple act which makes me feels as though I’m taking care of you.”
I quietly grant his request, realizing that it’s not that big of a deal to me, but if I can keep him happy, I’ll continue to get fed and hopefully, keep my blanket and pillows. It’s an easy tradeoff.
Matteo skillfully cuts the French toast into bite-sized pieces. He pours the warm maple syrup on top, and I think I’m going to lose my mind as I anticipate the sweet yumminess. He places a morsel in my mouth and I let it sit for a moment and savor it. The tastes of vanilla, maple, and macadamia nuts coat my palate. As I swallow it down, I begin to wonder how I’m ever going to be able to go back to my job as a food critic. It doesn’t matter what is put in my mouth, it tastes exquisite. Maybe when I’m not so starved, I’ll be able to appreciate the good and bad again.
I quietly finish eating the rest of my meal without any threat of it being taken away. I find without that fear, I’m able to eat at a normal pace instead of worrying if it’s going to be the last bite I ever take. It’s a much more enjoyable experience.
Matteo takes the tray away and comes back with a basin of warm water. “I’m going to remove your blanket so I can wash you. I figured you would enjoy a sponge bath.”
“Yes, please.” While I’d really like to take a shower, I’ll settle for this. The idea of having some warm water to clean off the filth left by the various men who’ve touched me sounds amazing.
He tenderly washes every inch of my body. He takes care to wash my eyes and face. That alone makes me feel so clean, it’s almost liberating. When he reaches my private parts, I wince not realizing how sore they are. Matteo spent hours worshiping and enjoying my body. I guess I should’ve expected I might hurt today.
“Are you okay?” He genuinely looks concerned.
“Yes, I’m just a little tender there.” I close my eyes as he resumes cleaning me. You would think I’d be modest having my body exposed, but I think I’ve lost that. Besides, there’s no use in trying to cover up. It would only upset him and wouldn’t get me anywhere.
“I’m sorry. That’s my fault. I couldn’t get enough of you last night. You took me to someplace I’ve never been. I promise to take care of you and ensure that you heal.”
I don’t know who this man is. I’m not sure how or why he’s being so kind. The man has been evil for so long and now all of a sudden he’s done a one-eighty and turned into a completely different person. At first, I thought trying to make me fall in love with him was just a game. Now, I think he’s serious. I wonder if he’s ever been loved.
“Why are you being so kind?” I need to hear what he has to say. It may not change anything, but I want to know.
“I told you, I want you to fall in love with me.” He doesn’t look up when he speaks. In fact, a look of naivety shows on his face.
“Why?”
He moves the washcloth down my legs and doesn’t answer right away. “You’re a strong woman, Katherine. I’ve never met anyone like you. You lived through me practically beating you to death. You handled being raped by the agent who was supposed to protect you. The way you responded to my demand to pleasure my son was nothing that I would’ve expected. Through all that, you have a spirit that won’t die. I need a woman like you by my side. A woman who can deal with the life I lead, and I think you fit that bill.”
He looks me in the eye. I don’t know how to respond. Has all this been some kind of test to see if we were compatible? Is that why he came back? Was all this to break me and Tony up so he could have me for himself?
“What do you think? Can you ever find a way to forgive and love me?”
I don’t believe what I’m hearing. This man has taken my world and turned it upside down. After what was one of the happiest days of my life, I’m taken from the life I was planning and now I’m asked to forget about all of that and forge a new path with my kidnapper? The concept is unfathomable. I don’t even know what to say.
“I don’t know.” I look down, worried that I might have given the wrong answer and punishment will ensue.
“That’s okay. I didn’t expect you to say you would. We have some time. I’ll earn your love and respect. You’ll see.” Matteo kisses the bottoms of my feet. “Every inch of you is perfection. I love touching you.”
I stare ahead, trying to process everything. The idea of having time to fall in love with the green-eyed monster means that I’m going to be here for an unknown amount of time. I have nothing to look forward to. I’m going to spend however long with this man. I don’t know if I will ever see my family or Tony again. Life as I knew it before is over. I swallow down the lump in my throat. It’s time to put on my big girl panties and do what I need in order to survive—even if that means spending the rest of my days with this man.
Matteo leans over me and licks away the tears silently escaping the corners of my eyes before bringing his mouth to mine. He gently presses his tongue against mine and I pause, wondering if I can allow myself to enjoy this—if I can find a way to embrace this man’s touch. I decide to give in. I participate in the dance he’s trying to lead me in. He moans into my mouth, and I can’t help but think of Tony. More tears slip from my eyes as I give in to what Matteo wants. I take my free hand and rub it up and down his back.
Matteo pulls back and looks me in the eyes. “You touched me.”
I nod, unsure if I messed up.
A smile creeps across his face. “You willingly touched me.” His mouth crashes down on mine as I’m instantly engulfed in his embrace. His erection presses against my pelvis and my bundle of nerves reflexively begins to pulsate. He caresses my breast, and I can’t stop the heat wave rolling through my body.
How is it possible that my body responds to this man? I can’t stop my internal struggle. On one hand, I know I need to do this to stop the torture of being beaten and raped by numerous people. On the other, I’ve lost who I am and have betrayed the man I love more than anything. Yet, my body wants this. It loves to be worshipped, caressed, and pleasured. It’s almost an animalistic need.
I give in to my body and move my hand down to his now throbbing cock. It’s so large and despite everything, I want it inside of me. I close my eyes and imagine Tony instead of this man. I think of Tony’s crooked sexy smile and hot breath as he nibbles on my neck. I remember how he knows my body so well he can take me to the brink and then reel me back in over and over before finally allowing my world to crash around me. These thoughts make it all so much easier.
“Not this time, princess. You need to heal. It’s my job to make you feel good.” He slowly plants kisses down my neck as he moves to my breasts. He spends several minutes on each one giving them the attention they’re desperately begging for before moving down to my sex. If she could talk, she would be screaming for him to take her.
Matteo dives in with masterful skill. “I love the way you taste.” He continues to lick and nurture my bundle of nerves. My breathing speeds up and my heart races as my climax grows close. I push his head deeper between my legs giving the added pressure needed to send me over the edge as the roller coaster I’m riding makes the final drop. I scream out releasing every emotion that’s been pent up over the last day. I pull on his hair as my body contracts and writhes in pleasure. He continues the stimulation allowing me to complete my ride to the finish line.
I begin to cry. I’m overcome with emotion. I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel. I’m sated, lonely, coveted, and scared. Matteo lies next to me and wraps his arms around me. “Don’t cry. It’s going to be okay,” he whispers before kissing my ear.
I cry myself to sleep, wondering if everything will really be okay.