He had used her deliriousness to his advantage; she just knew it.

It was his plan to make her think she could trust him. He had shown her kindness and caring, had made no move to touch her in any other way other than to just hold her. And she had fallen asleep in his embrace.

She laid under the blanket, staring at the ceiling. She didn’t know what had come over her, why she’d felt so horrible and unable to react to his touches. But she didn’t like it. The fact that he hadn’t done anything made her even more skeptical about the whole situation.

Could he really be worried about me and just wants me to feel better? Was it just a ploy to earn my trust?

He had left her at some point after she’d fallen asleep. When she woke up, there had been a cup of water sitting on the nightstand along with a pill that she figured was Motrin due to the color and shape. She didn’t bother with the medicine, but gulped the water.

She laid back down, keeping the blanket pulled up to her chin since he hadn’t bothered to redress her. She wasn’t sure if she was grateful for that or not.

It wasn’t too long before he came in with a tray of food.

“You’re looking much better. How do you feel?” He seemed to really care as he looked at her with a softness in his eyes.

She thought about it for a second; if she told him that she felt better, would he molest her again? “I’m not sure.”

“Well, here’s some homemade chicken noodle soup and crackers. I got some ginger ale too.” He laid the tray on the bed.

As usual, everything in front of her was safe. He made sure he never presented her with potential weapons. Even the soup was lukewarm.

“Thanks.” She muttered, spooning the broth. Before she could stop herself, she let out a little moan.

His smile showed that he was pleased she liked it. “There’s a lady in town that makes homemade soups and sells them. The chicken noodle is my favorite.”

Sloane continued to eat without responding to him.

He stayed and watched, continuing to tell her about the other things the lady made. “What’s your favorite?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t tried any of her food until now.” Her mood was sour and she had no qualms with showing him.

“I know that. I meant in general.” He laughed.

“Oh.” It annoyed her more that he didn’t seem to notice her reaction. “I guess vegetable soup.”

“Hmm. I’m gonna have to get some for ya then.”

Sloane ate the rest, ready for him to leave her alone. It was awkward eating with the blanket always threatening to fall and expose her.

“I should have gotten you some clothes first. Sorry ‘bout that.” He gathered the tray and empty cup from the nightstand before hurrying away.

She figured his comment meant he was coming back soon, so she didn’t bother to try and get comfortable. Instead, she tried to ready herself for an attack.

He came back with sweatpants, a long sleeve shirt, and boxer briefs. He put them on the nightstand and then went to her leg. She felt the immediate coolness of the air touching her ankle where the shackle had been.

“Thanks.” She didn’t make any move, waiting for him to leave. But she had a suspicion that he wouldn’t.

And he didn’t.

“Let me help you.”

“I’m capable of dressing myself.” She snapped, regretting it almost right away.

“I know, But your foot is going to be very weak and after you being sick…” He let the sentence hang as he began unfolding the clothes.

“Whatever.” She mumbled, ready to get clothes on and get him away from her.

He ignored her comment as he motioned for her to bring her legs towards him. Once again, he surprised her as he helped her get dressed, never touching her anywhere he didn’t need to. After inspecting her foot, he encouraged her to try to stand on it.

“If it’ll make you go away, then sure.” She muttered, putting weight on her right foot. She gasped as pain shot up and she fell into his arms.

“We’ll try again later. A little bit at a time to rebuild your strength.” He eased her down to the bed and slid his hand down her side.

She reacted this time. Her hand shot out and pushed him away as she leaned in the opposite direction. It did no good.

He had his hand on her leg in a second, but all he did was put the shackle back on.

When she looked up at him, she saw the annoyance on his face and knew that hadn’t been the right thing to do.

“I see you feel better then.” A weird smirk replaced the annoyance, causing a shock of fear to shoot through her.

“I’m…I’m not in a good mood.” She hoped this would dispel any ideas he had.

“Gives you no right to lash out at me.” He had his face inches from hers in a second.

She tried to keep her breathing normal, tried not to reach out and hit him.

“You’re not going to do anything like that again.” His tone was demanding. “Are you?”

All she could do was shake her head.

“Good girl.” He kissed her forehead before turning away to leave.

“Finally.” She breathed before slouching down, thinking she would be safe for a little longer.

But he heard her and whipped around, anger clear across his face. “What?”

Dread hit her and she cowered under the blankets. “Nothing.”

“Your attitude better change.” He stalked back toward the bed.

“Please.”

“Please what?” He peered down at her.

“Don’t…don’t do…”

“Don’t do what?”

She couldn’t make herself say anything. She squeezed her eyes shut, cursing herself for saying anything.

“You’re mine and I’ll do whatever I want.” He hissed the words at her before yanking the blankets away from her.

Her eyes went to his lower region where she saw a bulge forming and realized that had been the last place she should have looked.

“You’re ready for more? I knew you felt better.” He was on her in seconds. He pushed himself against her, pinning her arms above her head.

“NO!” Sloane tried to buck him off, but he took the movement of her hips against his to mean something else.

“Oh, you want it bad.” He buried his face against her neck, his mouth sucking her skin.

“Please!” She cried and tried to get away from him. Her movements only enticed him more as he began to grind against her.

He sat up and reached down to his belt buckle. Sloane took the opportunity to attack. She swiped her hands at any part of him she could reach.

He swore as blood was drawn. An angry red scratch appeared on his cheek, causing him to stop. He touched a hand to the injury and looked to see a faint red line on his palm, a wild look coming into his eyes just before he hit her.

| ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~

Photo banner found at https://thecozycook.com/chicken-noodle-soup/