I'm laying in the softest bed I've ever felt. Kid Rock is blaring. And it smells like Thanksgiving.

Bolting up, I remember what's happened tonight and where I am. Scrambling back against the headboard; I pull the covers along with me. I don't know what the sheets are going to do, but having an extra layer of protection just seems right.

"Easy killer," he says, beside me. He's shirtless, looking and smelling freshly showered, with a plate of food in his lap.

His legs make a wide V and this bed is big enough that we still aren't close to touching. "Like what you see?" he smirks and I realize he thinks I'm looking at his body. A broad chest and hard muscles might turn some girls on, but my eyes are fixed on the food. My stomach growls audibly, reminding me I haven't eaten since the banana I had for breakfast.

I worked late at the grocery store and then took a shower when I got home. Dakon wanted me to read him a story, so I was going to do that and then heat up leftovers for dinner. My thoughts after that come in rapid succession.

My job- they're going to think I'm a no-call-no-show.

My nephew- I didn't get to say goodbye.

Realizing that I'm being stupid by thinking about my job, I blink back tears. I'm being held fucking hostage and I'm worried about Wal-Mart not having a cashier. It's the thoughts of Dakon that get me, though. He hit the shit lottery with his parents. I've always tried to be stable for him, because I know what that's like.

My breath quivers and my lashes feel wet. Blinking, trying to hold the tears back, the words just fall out of my mouth. "Why did you take me?"

He doesn't even look at me. He just uses his fork like a fucking spear and stabs a piece of asparagus. Music blares outside the windows from the party. People are having the time of their lives and I feel like mine is ending.

"I want to leave," I say, hardening myself. My tone surprises even me. It's defiant, and strong, and betrays the weepy feeling I have inside.

"Too bad," he says, dismissively. "You're a payment. Collateral. You're mine."

"Fuck you." Ripping back the covers, I stomp off toward a door. I'm not sure if it's a bathroom or an exit or a closet, but either way I'm going through it.

His room is bigger than my house. That's an exaggeration... but only slightly. Slamming the door behind me, I quickly lock it and realize that I've found my way into a bathroom.

The shower is like a cave, you actually turn the corner once you get inside it. It's separate from the tub, which is a huge clawfoot one. Everything in here is white, or gold, or tan. Slumping down against the wall, I just sit here for a minute because I don't really know what to do.

Nothing in this house is mine. I don't have my cell phone. Pulling my shirt forward, I realize that I only have pajamas. My laptop. I cringe, realizing that it's gone too. If I can somehow convince him to let me go home to get my things, will it even be there when I get back?

I'm pretty sure my bedroom is unlocked. At some point, Crystal will get desperate for money and rifle through my stuff. It won't take her long to find my computer "hidden" under my pillow. Or the Maxwell House canister in the back of my closet that has the money I've been saving. Bringing my knees to my chest, I let out a little sob.

I don't even feel sad. I just feel mad, and vulnerable, and completely fucked over by life. Life isn't fair. It's something I've always known, but it's especially true now.