Debt

Chapter 5

Once I’m done eating, I push the cart outside the door and head to the bathroom. When I flick the light on, I’m greeted by a large white clawfoot bathtub that’s calling my name. I could use a soak after all this mess. As much as I don’t want to be here, I can at least take advantage of the amenities.

I run the bath with the hottest water and a ton of bubbles. While the tub fills, I look around and find some hair ties. I pile my hair up in a bun and strip out of my scrubs, dropping them in the trash as instructed. Usually, I’d have my phone to listen to music, but I guess I’m stuck with my own thoughts. Great.

The bath fills and I ease my body down into it. Steam rises all around me, dampening my hair. I reach up and run my fingers over where Logan gripped my neck. The soreness makes me cringe. As much as I want to go against the grain with Logan, I don’t want him choking me every chance he gets.

When I hear the bedroom door open, I think it’s Judy coming to check on me. However, the bathroom door opens and it’s Logan that walks in.

“What do you want? Going to dunk my head under water if I roll my eyes?”

“I will if I have to. Don’t push it.”

I throw daggers at him with my eyes and he simply groans, leaning against the sink.

“I came in here to apologize for my behavior. I didn’t mean to act so aggressively toward you. However, I will not deal with defiance in my house, Alyssa. I hope you realize that now.”

“And if I say I don’t?”

A look of annoyance is etched into his expression.

“Then you will have an unpleasant time here. I like you, Alyssa. I do, but I’m all business first. I’m not a kind man. I’m not generous or caring. You know that.”

I do know that, but I keep hoping that he will extend some sort of kindness considering I didn’t ask to be in this predicament in the first place. However, if playing nice keeps him from taking my breath away, literally, then so be it.

“That being said,” He starts. “Judy said you requested a phone call to your ex-fiancé.”

“I did.”

“I would ask why not call your parents but your information stated that they passed when you were 18. Drunk driver. You’re 24 now, a nurse, born Alyssa Rose Kennedy on December 23rd. You and your fiance were together for 2 years and 4 months. No criminal background, tickets, or medical problems. Seems like you’re squeaky clean.”

“You did a background check on me?” I should’ve known.

“Yup. I had to see what I was working with. Taking you wasn’t necessarily planned. It was a rash decision made out of anger when Alex decided to hang up in my face, refusing to pay the money back.”

“Why didn’t you just kidnap him? Why me?”

“I wasn’t lying when I said I wanted you, Alyssa. I’d grown quite fond of you from a distance. You’re a beautiful woman who was trying to keep her fiancé happy. He’s a fool for not appreciating that.” Logan’s eyes burn into mine and it’s like a blanket of arousal comes over me.

I divert my eyes down to the bubbles and out of the corner of my eye, Logan rolls his sleeves up, coming towards me. Kneeling down by the tub, his fingers trail over my shoulder, down my arm and under the bubbles. Down to my breasts, I allow him to circle my n****e with the tip of his finger. When he pinches my n****e, it swells, causing me to inhale sharply.

“It wasn’t a mistake that you wanted to come with me. The only thing you’re mad about is the details I didn’t disclose, but the fact remains the same. You want me. You won’t admit it right now, but you will.”

He twists my n****e harder and my mouth falls open. Wash sloshes around as I press my thighs together. My fingers grip the edge of the tub and Logan looks into my eyes, waiting for me to give and say what he wants to hear.

“I have to go handle some things, but when I get back, I hope you have a more pleasant attitude about your new surroundings.” This time, he pinches too hard, causing me to flinch.

I slap his hand away, splashing water on him.

“Now, where’s the fun in behaving? Keep your hands to yourself asshole.”

Logan chuckles and stands, grabbing a towel.

“You are going to be so fun to break. Just wait.”

I don’t know what he means by that, but I refuse to bend or break for him. Yeah, the chemistry is there, but nothing more. I can’t let that blind me from what he really is. A criminal. A kidnapper. A pain in my ass.

As he’s turning to leave, I remember the reason he came here in the first place.

“Wait, what about my call?”

“We’ll talk about it later. If your attitude improves, then I will grant you your call to that pathetic excuse for a man.”

When he walks out, I feel vulnerable and angry with myself. He has this hold on me and I can’t shake it. I gave myself to him in a way I never gave to Alex. He never tapped into that side of me, but Logan did and continues to do so.

With Logan gone, I bathe and get dressed. I figured if I’m stuck here, I should at least walk around the place. Scope out anything I can find to help me. I doubt I’ll find anything, but I have to keep hope.

The clothes Judy laid on my bed are a simple panty and bra set with a cotton dress. It’s the middle of fall but his place is rather warm, so I guess it’s fitting considering I’m not going outside. I pull the items on and leave the room. It doesn’t take long to find Judy. She’s in the kitchen wiping counters, humming to herself.

“Judy.”

She whips around and her eyes immediately fall to the forming bruises on the sides of my neck. After a split second, she replaces her concern with a smile.

“Oh, Miss, you look lovely. I’ll dispose of your old clothes in a moment.” She nods happily while I press my lips into a fine line.

“Thanks. Is it okay if I explore? Give myself a tour of the place.”

“Absolutely, dear. Mr. McCall’s office is locked, as well as his bedroom. Those are the only places no one is allowed into without permission. Every other room open.”

“Thank you. Oh, and thanks for talking to Logan about my call.”

She nods once, turning around to continue her task.

I head down long halls and open doors only to find a small gym, office, and another guest room. The locked double doors indicate Logan’s room as well as the locked door further down. I can only imagine the type of information he has stored in there. Information about me, Alex and probably hundreds of others who thought they could pay him back. Their fate probably wasn’t as freeing as Alex’s. Not everyone has someone to f**k there way out of a debt collection.

If that were the easy way out the IRS would be out of business.