Under His Protection

Three

When I wake up, I'm laying down on a small bed with a blanket thrown over me. When i turn my face, my cheek rubs against the pillow and it still hurts from being slapped. Sitting up, I flinch at the pain in my belly. I run my hand over the area and groan. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see a mug and a pain reliever bottle. I don't want anything these people give me. No part of me trusts these people to care for me. They let that man beat me for something I didn't do. I still don't know why the hell I'm here.

Standing up, I stretch a little, trying not to irritate my stomach. Deciding to assess the damage, I lift my shirt and look down. My eyes widen and my breath hitches when I see purple and black bruises on my stomach. Tears come to my eyes as the pain radiates. Moving over to the door, I turn the door handle but it's locked. "Hello" I sniff, but I don't get an immediate answer. I hear someone on the other side jingle some keys "Step back away from the door" It's Mr. Stranger's voice on the other side of the door.

I step back and the door opens. "What do you want?" Finally getting a good look at my kidnapper, all my attention lands on his eyes. They are the bluest I've ever seen. His black hair is short and slicked back, neatly. His expression is focused and hard.

"I-I think something is wrong? My stomach hurt" My shaky hands lift up my shirt and when he sees my stomach, a cringe forms between his eyebrows. Even he knows this isn't normal. He knows this is right. He eyes it for a moment before pulling out his cellphone and walking back out. I hear the click of the lock as I sit back down. My mind tells me to take the pain pills, but I won't. I refuse to accept any form of sympathy from Mr. Stranger.

Laying down, I stare at the ceiling wondering where Ray is. Did he know these people were coming and if he did why didn't he tell me? He left me in the dark to be taken and accused of whatever he is guilty of. The man from earlier told me that Ray was going to bomb his hotel room. I find it hard to believe. Ray isn't capable of something so horrible. Ray has always been sweet and caring. He has shown nothing, but love to me. Well, until recently. I don't have a watch or my phone so I don't know the time but a long while later, the click of the lock sounds. When I look up, an older gray haired man enters with Mr. Stranger behind him.

"Hello, young lady. I'm Dr. Green. I hear you had a little accident."

My eyes immediately flicker to Mr. Stranger's. The lying bastard knows damn well I did not have an "Accident." Kicking someone in the stomach isn't an accident, it's assault and battery. Dr. Green sits on the edge of the bed and lifts my shirt up "and how did this happen?" My eyes land on Mr. Stranger's and he gives me a cut look as if warning me to not say anything that could possibly get me into more trouble.

Like any other abused woman would say "I fell" into someone's foot.

Dr. Green chuckles "Where did you fall from, a two story house?"

"Something like that" I mumble. The doctor presses down on my stomach lightly and I yell, swatting his hand away. "f**k! That hurts! What the hell are you doing?!"

"I'm trying to help. Now please, let me examine you" He eyes me waiting for permission. Covering my eyes, I clench my jaw as he begins pressing around and asking questions. When he is done, he pulls my shirt down. "Well, I don't think there is any internal problems. Just a really bad bruise but this woman should visit a hospital.

"That's not possible" Mr. Stranger says.

"I really think I should" I nod as if I'm truly concerned about my health more than the chance to escape. Mr. Stranger frowns at me "No. Is she alright or not, Doc?"

The doctor's eyes shift between us and I hope my eyes are more pleading. "She's fine. Just needs a bit of rest"

Whatthefuckinghell?! Someone take this man's license, now!

Dr. Green stands and I almost want to reach for him and beg him to take me, but he quickly walks out. Mr. Stranger stands there for a moment and eyes the untouched mug and pills before turning and leaving. Of course he doesn't forget to lock the door back. On the other side, I hear Dr. Green tell Mr. Stranger a list of things to do to help me feel better. A hot bath is included on the list. I do feel extremely dirty. Especially after last night's restroom incident. I cringe at the memory.

When it gets quiet, I walk to the door "Are you going to let me take a bath?"

No answer.

"Can you stop ignoring me? Just yes or no would be suffice. I am a girl and I do have hygienic preferences. A bath being one of them. I need some more clothes too. These I have on are dirty. Oh, do I get to brush my teeth because oral hygiene is a must and-" I ramble on, feeling my personality poke through the fear engulfing me.

"Please, shut up. You talk so damn much." Finally, he speaks.

"I was just trying to get an answer. I haven't gotten one since I've been here. Just so you know, I still don't know why I'm here. I haven't done anything wrong" I roll my eyes and I swear I hear him curse under his breath. It sounded someone along the lines like "I'm not a f*****g babysitter"

Silence falls over us and I realize that maybe I should know his name. I clear my throat. "One last thing, what's your name? I should know of when I need something"

He doesn't say anything for a moment. Then I hear him snort "Mr. Stranger"

My cheeks warm and he continues "That's what you called me before you passed out"

"I didn't know I said that out loud"

No reply.

Turning around, I examine the small living space I've been forcefully assigned. The bed is small, the walls are small, there is nothing else in here expect a simple nightstand. There isn't even a window. I'm in prison. Deciding that I shouldn't be pacing around so much, I lay down and make myself go to sleep to pass time. Looks like I'm going to be the most rested person in the world.

The click of the lock pulls me from my slumber and when I part my eyes open, I see Mr. Stranger come in. He has a small stack of clothes on one hand and a small tray in the other. With his foot, he kicks the bed "Wake up"

"I have a name you know." I groan, sitting up. "I'm not a dog being awaken for slop."

"And I could care less. Here is some food and clothes. You'll get a bath in an hour." He lays the items on the bed and I look down at the food. Slaves get better looking food than this. I don't trust it. "I'm not hungry" I frown at the concoction.

"Just eat" His dark voice rumbles with irritation laced on his tongue.

"No, thank you. I'm fine."

Mr. Stranger looks like he is about to argue with me, but he doesn't. He just turns and leaves me. I guess he thinks I'll eat it eventually. Hell nope. I'd trust the devil before I trust him. At least I know the devil has ill intentions. With Mr. Stranger, I just don't know.

Assuming an hour has gone by, I'm taken out of my room and to a small bathroom. Inside, there is nothing. Just a toilet, sink, and bathtub. Nothing personal or decorative. On the sink, I eye a simple toothbrush and travel size tube of toothpaste. Hmm, someone was listening after all.

Looking down at the tub, it full of steaming water. "15 minutes is all you get. Wash quickly." He tosses a small bar of soap into the tub and it splashes. "Um thanks"

He doesn't say anything as he walks out and closes the door but leaves it cracked a bit. Where the hell does he think I'm going to go? Pushing down my attitude, I take off my clothes and lay them in a small pile. I walk towards the tub and something in me says look up. Turning my head, I see my reflection in the mirror. I look like s**t.

The corner of my mouth is bruised and right above my eyes is bruised also. My eyes look tired even though I've slept. My brown hair is oily as it flows down my back. Ugh. I'm a complete mess.

When I realize that I'm wasting time, I step into the hot water and sit down. As I slip down into the comfort of the water, I realize it's soft and silky. Taking a deep breath, I smell a soft hint of lavender. Epsom salt. How kind of Mr. Stranger to add Epsom salt to my bath. I didn't hear the doctor recommend it so I assume it was on his own free will. I wonder who brought this stuff. Probably the other strangers he works with.

I take a bath towel from the side of the tub and lather it with the soap. I wash my self quickly to allow some times to wash my dirty hair. As I'm rinsing, I hear a knock on the door "3 minutes" Mr. Stranger announces.

"Okay" I mumble.

Exactly 3 minutes later, I counted, the door opens and I'm standing there I with a towel wrapped around myself, brushing my teeth. I don't look at him but I feel, Mr. Stranger staring impatiently.

After 5 years with braces when I was younger, I've become quite obsessed with oral hygiene and refuse to sacrifice my healthy teeth because someone is cranky.

When I'm done, I turn and he stands to the side as I exit the room. He follows me back to the room and locks me back in to get dressed. Pulling on the simple panties, I eye the bra. How does he even know my size? Probably too small. I slip it on and I raise an eyebrow to myself when it fits perfectly. Well, excuse me. I guess apart from super-secret agent, Mr. Stranger doubles as a breast expert.

I put on the yoga pants and black shirt one with the socks he sat on the bed. I sit on the edge of bed and suddenly I hear a knock at the front door. My body freezes when I hear the deep arrogant voice that enter. Oh God, not again.

The lock clicks and I want to hide but there is so place too. The man from this morning enters with a smug smile on his face "I see my man has been taking care of you. Are you ready to talk now?"

"I don't have anything to talk about. I don't know anything. I swear. Whatever Ray was planning to do to you, I had no part of." I step back until I bump into a wall, wrapping my arms around myself.

He doesn't look one bit convinced. He looks to Mr. Stranger "Leave us"

My eyes shoot to Mr. Stranger and he eyes the look of terror on my face. Please, don't leave me in here but he does. He closes the door. I know he is following orders but still.

I look up at the ugly man and with one swing, he slaps me harder than before. My vision blurs and he curses at me "Stop protecting him you lying b***h. I want answers, now!!! I swear if you don't tell me, this morning will seem coy compared to what I'm going to do to you"

Tears flow from my eyes, but I can't do anything. I don't know anything. "I'm sorry. I don't know" I whisper, holding my face.

I inhale sharply when he raises his hand again, this time punching me in the jaw. I fall to the floor only to be yanked to my feet by my still wet hair. I yell out in agony as he throws me onto the bed and climbs over me. Still fisting my hair, he yanks my head back and slaps me again. Screaming, I take the beating with no help. Crying hysterically, my vision blurs and I don't see him pull out a knife until it's firmly presses against my neck. I stop breathing as it bites into my skin.

"I will beat you every day until you tell the truth and when I get tired of beating you, I will rape you repeatedly and kill you. I will leave you on your doorstep for your boyfriend to find. Then he will know not to f**k with me!" He hisses so hard that little drop of spot hit my cheek. I need another bath. He climbs off of me and leaves me just as fast as he arrived. I cry loudly as I hear the front door slam. Curling up, I sob for what seems like hours before I tire myself out and fall asleep. I'm going to die in this hell hole.

When start to wake up, I feel something cold on my face. Without opening my eyes, I reach up and touch the foreign object realizing it's an ice pack. My fingertips graze someone else's fingers and I jolt awake. Jumping back, I look into the eyes of Mr. Stranger. "What are you doing?"

"Your face was swelling" he mumbles without emotion. "Put this back on your face" he tosses the ice pack on the bed and my shaky hands picks it up. Mr. Stranger backs up into a wall and leans against it as he slips his hands in his pockets. His blue eyes burn into mine, almost daring me to try to escape. He would probably take me down in a hot second.

"Why are you in here?" I look around and the door is wide open with a rifle and a hand gun sitting on a small table that I didn't notice before. My breath hitches and tear swell in my eyes "He's gonna kill me"

Mr. Stranger's expression remains neutral. "Just tell him where the guy is and he will let you go. I don't know why you're being so difficult."

"But I don't know. I swear. Ray works at a computer store. That's all. I didn't know about this. Why won't anyone believe me?" I wipe my tears and Mr. Stranger sighs and stands. "I don't have time for this. Take the pain pills"

"No" I shake my head.

"Just take them. You'll feel better"

"Why would I want to feel better only to be beaten tomorrow and the next day and the day after that until he finally kills me? Why would you work for a man like him?" Mr. Stranger's blue eyes roll.

"That none of your business."

"Fine. Just get out. I'm a prisoner remember. I doubt your boss would want you talking to me" I mumble, placing the pack back on my face. When Mr. Stranger doesn't move, I get angry

"Why are you still here? Get the f**k out already!" Rolling over, I turn my back to him and stare at the wall. When I hear the door close and the lock click, tears spill over again. My days are numbered. How many days? I don't know. Maybe 1, maybe 7. It's a hard pill to swallow when you know you're set to die but don't know when. I lay silence and the sun light under the door fades to darkness until Mr. Stranger turns on a light.

I'm hungry, but I don't trust him to feed me. I'm thirst but I don't trust him to give me water. I don't trust anyone at this point. Everyone is the enemy, even Ray. He had a double life and decided to keep me in the dark about it. Now I'm paying the price for his crap. I hate him. I hate Mr. Stranger, I hate that ugly man. Breaking me from my thoughts, I hear the lock click. I stare at the door as it opens and Mr. Stranger comes in with another tray of food.

He sits it on the bed and I realize it's pizza. My stomach growls, but I don't let it show. I know what he is try to do, but you can't reel me in with pizza. Not even hot pepperoni pizza with.....no....cheesy crust! "I'm not hungry" It has never hurt me this much to lie.

"Please, eat. I really don't have time for hungry strikes." He sighs. I run my eyes over him and he is in all black. Does he change clothes or sleep?

"It's not a hunger strike. I just don't trust you." I sit up and look at him as his expression hardens.

"I'm not going to hurt you. I'm just here to watch you. That's all. It isn't my fault that you've gotten yourself into this shit."

"f**k you. You think I would be risking my life if I knew where Ray was? I don't know what the f**k is going on! I don't want to be beaten every day. I don't want to die. No one believes me. So excuse me if I don't trust you people" I kick the plate off the bed and lay back. "You can leave now. Don't do anything your boss wouldn't want you to do." I mumble and Mr. Stranger's hands ball into fists.

"Fine, lay here and starve."

"I'm going to die anyways. Might as well get a head start" I whisper, rolling over. I don't want to look at him anymore. I hear him leave and lock the door. Through the wall, I hear him yelling "I don't have time for this s**t!"

Yeah, well neither do I. From all the sleep I got during the day, it doesn't come easy in the middle of the night. I lie awake, staring at nothing. The room is pitch black except for the small glimpse of light under the door. Feeling pressure on my bladder, I sit up and my head throbs. Getting to the door, I tap lightly with the tip of my nail "I have to use the bathroom" I mumble.

Standing back, I hear the click of the lock. When it opens, I'm taken back when Mr. Stranger is standing their shirtless. His abs and chest are defined as if he works out every day. His broad shoulders make me want to run my fingers over them. I eye a tattoo on his chest of the letter 'USMC' He's a Marine. Hmm, a man in uniform is nice. I quickly shake the thought. This man is holding you hostage for Christ sake. Don't even think about it, Camilla. He is the enemy. He is the one keeping you here. There will never be a date or romance. You'll never kiss him or have s*x. Nothing special will come from this. I will die and that's that.

Mr. Stranger steps to the side and I walk past him. I go into the bathroom and close the door, softly, or just weakly. Sitting on the toilet, my bladder takes over. Sitting there, I figure that I should probably drink some water. I am really thirsty.

When I'm done, I wash my hands, avoiding the reflection in the mirror. Opening the door, Mr. Stranger is standing there. "Can I have some water?"

His eyebrow raises, clearly surprised at my request since I was denying all form of nutrients earlier. I stand there as he walks to the small kitchen and grabs a paper cup. He returns a few seconds later, handing me the cup. Tilting to my lips, the cool water is much welcomed. I drink the water quickly. Mr. Stranger takes the cup and I think he is about to throw it away, but instead, he fills it again.

He offers me 3 cups of water and I accept before returning to my room with no arguments. He doesn't talk so there will be no talking. Climbing back in bed, I hear the lock click. This is all I will be hearing day in and day out. Sighing to myself, I pull the small blanket over me and try to silence my thoughts to get some sleep.

One day down, I don't know how many more to go.