Z A R A
"Frank, are you sure about this?" I can't close my mouth. The theme of the room is dark tones, but the view... let me tell you, if someone shot me right this very second in front of this window, I'd die a happy death."Yes," he answers. "Boss had someone fill up the closet for ya. There's food in the fridge or call the front desk if you need anything specific."Clothes? Food? What exactly is Alejandro thinking? That he can buy me? If he keeps this up, he might, the humorous side of my brain tries to cope with the messed-up situation."Boss will have a set of separate rules for you, he will explain on his own time." Suddenly, Frank's expression darkens, "A note of advice, for everyone's good, do not disobey Boss' orders, neither should you stray from his rules. And I mean it when I say that this is for everyone's good."I gulp. There wasn't a single hint of comfort in those words. He stated them as a threat and nothing more."I'll be on my way, lady. See ya around," he leaves quickly without waving or giving me a chance to say anything. I decide a shower should make everything a bit more bearable. I find the large walk-in closet, which, as Frank said, is filled with clothes that are my size and everything. Some of these articles of clothing are... questionable. But no matter, I should be grateful that I'm not stuck in a dark, windowless room with no food or water. I grab the black silk pajamas from the drawers dedicated strictly for pajamas.That's when I find that drawer full of questionable clothes. It's lingerie but... there are some sets in here that are extremely seductive. I quickly grab a set that's the least flashy and run off to find the bathroom. Once I find the bathroom, I'm taken back again. The luxury never stops but then again, I am in a penthouse in the most expensive district of New York City.I smell lavender because that was the only scented hair and body product provided.Probably by Alejandro's request..."Your body for a peaceful life for your family." The line sends shudders through me. I step out with my towel wrapped in my hair to take a seat in front of the window and this is when everything finally hits me.As I look over at the city, the cluster of cars and people rushing to get to where they need to be, my heart clenches that I don't have that freedom anymore.I can't rush back to my parents or Yasmeen. I don't have the means to do anything. I'm so weak, so powerless, such a coward.I didn't break quietly... every atom and nerve in my body screamed in unison, traumatized by the idea that I'll be trapped here forever with someone who'll abuse my body and soul. My hysterical crying and screaming sobs terrified even me. I have never cried this hard, and neither has my heart hurt this much.It was as if all the anxiety and pain I was holding in since this whole chaos started is now being released out of me. The world around me is blurring, just as the sun is setting and every bit of my strength going down along with the sun.The sky darkens, as I looked out the window for God knows how many hours. I cried and stopped and cried; the cycle kept repeating until my body couldn't take it any longer.I couldn't breathe from crying so much,"W-what do I do?""There's nothing you can do, my love," a voice from the doorway makes her jump."Ale—" She stops herself.A note of advice, for everyone's good, do not disobey Boss' orders, neither should you stray from his rules."Sir?" I quickly correct myself. "What are you doing here?" That was a stupid question. My room and the hallway were dark but the city lights were bright enough to illuminate Alejandro's frame enough.He stood against my door frame with his arms crossed against his chest. He's still in his dark hoodie and sweats.He looks just as handsome as ever, if not more. He chuckles softly, "You can call me by my name at home."Is he back to the Alejandro from years ago?No, don't fall for it, Zara. He takes slow steps toward me and I'm finally able to see him in full light. I quickly stand up, leaning against the cold glass of the window in fear of what he might do. He slowly raises up his hand to cup my cheek, gently brushing away the remaining tears. I snatch his hand away from my face. Though the expression was quick to fade, I saw a look of displeasure on his face.I can't overpower him, I know that. The little self-defense I was taught can't help me in the slightest. He pushes me further against the glass in one swift motion. The aggressive action has quickly turned into an intimate one. As our bodies pressed close together, he leans in to rest his forehead on mine, our noses brushing past each other.I try to shrug him off, my hands on his chest, pushing with all my strength but in reality, I'm putty in his grasp. I have no strength, none. I've imagined our reunion multiple times, each time was a sweet run-in. Maybe at a library? At a mall? At work? Coffee shop? Where we would sit and catch up until it was time to leave. But nothing like this, this is painful to even bear but I'm melting like butter in his hands anyways."What? Not happy to see me, my love?" His words are smooth, slipping out carelessly. His lips are upturned into a playfully wicked smirk. I look away as my lips quiver, feeling as if I'll break."Look at me," he ordered. But I can't—I can't look at him without feeling like I want to hold him. The thought disgusts me, I'm disgusted at myself but I can't help how I feel. He takes my chin with one hand and roughly forces me to meet his cold, grey gaze. My heartbeat's hitting my chest so hard that I thought my ribs were going to break from the immense pressure.I can see him examining my whole body, suddenly I'm very conscious that I'm in silk pajamas with a town still wrapped around my hair.But I take this opportunity to take him in, analyzing his look. He hasn't changed too much. He's gotten slightly more muscular, his face is still just as sculpted, his eyes are just as grey, and his smile just as terrifyingly beautiful. But somehow, it feels like he's gotten taller, maybe with broader shoulders. Or it may just be that he's more confident in the way he holds himself up now. Though he looks about the same as he did years ago, there's something that has completely changed. He's not the Alejandro I knew back in high school. I'm terrified of him now, so petrified that I can't meet his eyes without shivering in fear."Please let go of me," I whisper with every bit of courage left in me. My words make him grab my wrist in a crippling grip, making me wince. He looks angrier, and his eyes darken."Never," his voice is deeper, his breathing slowed. "Never will I let you go again."He sounds like he stated that more to himself than he did to me. But no matter, those were frightening words to hear from the person that I need to convince to let me go.Never? I gulp- - -Please vote and comment and let me know how y'all feel!!Next chapter will be updated soon.I PURPLE YOU <3A L E J A N D R O I craved her touch for years, waiting for the right moment to take her for myself. She was the one person who had naively befriended me all those years ago, her first mistake. She refused to fall under the first impression everyone else had given me and wanted to understand the real me. The innocence and smile that she wore, which I treasured, has been violently ripped away from her. She looks completely lost without it.I'm seeing her after so long—too long, that seeing her even in such simple silk nightwear has left me in a trance. Even though she's trying her best to push me away, I'm much stronger. I can overpower her as easily as I can press a trigger. My heart aches to see her in so much pain but it no longer matters because I've changed, I'm no longer who I used to be.I'm no longer the man who was weakened by such complex emotions. I'm no longer the man who cares for the comfort of others. I'm no longer the man who will hold back from something that's mine.
Z A R A As the sun shines brightly through the windows, waking me up gently into my world of nightmares again, I pull the covers closer to my chest.Last night... was terrifying.I didn't know if I was going to die from a heart attack or Alejandro, himself, was going to kill me. He did leave—eventually. After giving a lecture, which was mostly made out of threats, he left—just like that.I'm pretty sure he left the apartment because once I tried to escape, he wasn't there. Did I try to escape?Yes, of course, I did.I tried to click the buttons on the elevator inside the apartment and tried to open the front door but both times, the security system announced, "access denied."Did I really think I was going to be able to leave this easily? I sigh, feeling the defeat of last night's escape. I decide quickly to brush my teeth and pick out a hoodie and sweats to dress myself in. I wrap a simple black scarf around my hair, you never know who's going to be walking in and out of this place
Z A R A"No underwear? No other articles of clothing to cover-up? He must've been insane to say that to me!" I gruff as I wrap a black, silk hijab around my hair. The clock strikes 6 PM.Did he even tell me when he'll get here? I barely ate lunch because of my nerves and now I'm super hungry. I should be grateful I even get a meal, I think to myself. I was tempted to go to the hallway and check-up but I have to listen to what Frank said, don't disobey Alejandro.If I break now, there won't be any turning back. Stand your ground, Zara. Your parents raised you to be strong, even though you can be a coward a lot of the time. I look down at my clothes nervously, he won't freak out over something as simple as clothes, would he?"Front door open," the automated voice announces.My heart drops, he's here. My hands instantly turn cold and my legs start shaking. I couldn't hold up my weight. This man scares me and he's yet to do anything to me that would make me want to wish I was dead."Shit,
Z A R A "I don't want this... don't..." my frightened words are cut short because of his sudden touches."There's a chance you may even find this punishment... pleasing," his voice is smooth as he pulls off my underwear. Alejandro slams my arms up against the wall, squeezing it painfully as I struggle in his grip. He only loosens his hold once I stop fidgeting."You know, if you comply with me, you might be able to enjoy this," he says while biting the soft skin at the nape of my neck."N-no..." I'm gasping heavily as a million different emotions flow through me, denying that I'd ever enjoy such a horrible form of punishment. I want to disappear, I've never wanted to disappear as badly as I do now. I try to not think of him, his body pressed against mine, the woody smell of his cologne, the way it's all making me feel weak and dizzy.I bite down hard on my bottom lip, trying to vanish with no success. "I haven't heard a single, genuine apology from you. Do you plan on doing that soon
Z A R A He notices my discomfort and chuckles, "Don't worry. I wouldn't do anything to her unless you give me a reason to. So? How is she?""Good," I answer flatly after chewing my food."Does she go to school?" He pushes the topic moreI nod."Is she still interested in English literature?" He asks. I can't tell whether he's genuinely interested or trying to keep up a conversation. I look up at him with wide eyes, okay, but how does he—"She told me in one of the classes we had together that she was interested in the literature field," he explains, probably because I looked shocked. I nod again,"She's studying English literature."After a minute or two of eating in silence, Alejandro slams his hands down on the table, making me flinch back, "May I ask why you're not speaking to me?"He's joking, right? "Do you want to hear the truth?" I ask quietly."I would appreciate that," he says."Will I be punished for speaking the absolute truth?" I ask cautiously. He stays quiet for a momen
Z A RA I wake up to the sun shining through my windows. I raise my left hand to cover the sun rays shining into my eyes when the familiar ring gleams, reminding me of my grim life. I stare at the clock, my eyes finally settling, "It's noon already?!"I run to the washroom for a shower. The lingering stinging pain in my core is still present but less apparent than last night.I quickly change into a comfortable new pair of pajamas, trying to ignore the events of last night for the sake of my deteriorating mental health. My eyes widen at the thought that Alejandro might've texted or called."When I call or text you, I expect a reply within five minutes or I will assume you're disobeying me. You should be nearby the phone at all times."I scurry to my phone, which is charging on my nightstand beside my bed.No new calls or texts. I sigh a breath of relief. I walk out to see that my lunch is being set up by a woman, who's probably in her late twenties or early thirties.She's so pretty..
Z A R A Gentle? Does he think he can be gentle?"Please, Alejandro! I beg of you to give me some time to... adjust. Please..." my voice is shaking with desperate pleas falling on deaf ears."Adjust? To what, my love?" He asks while nipping at the skin of my chest. To you and your horrible way of treating me. Give me time until I can't feel a shred of emotion anymore. Give me time until I'm just a hollow shell."I never go back on my word. Especially, when it comes to disciplining people who are out of line," his words are stern with an edge of warning. "You are now the wife of Alejandro Genovese. You, out of all people, should never step out of line."If I speak against this again, it won't be good for me at all. I squeeze my eyes shut, my grip on the couch tightening as he kisses down my chest to my stomach. I hate the way my body is reacting before he even reaches the middle. It's sensitive to his touch in ways that should only be valid if I enjoyed this.Am I... enjoying this?No!
Z A R A I had managed to slip out of Alejandro's grasps that night to take a shower and change into a fresh pair of pajamas.I did cover Alejandro with a blanket before settling down in my own room."I let him–I let him touch me so intimately without putting up a fight... I really am worthless, aren't I?" A single tear slides down my cheek. After that day, I didn't see Alejandro for almost a week. He didn't even bother calling or texting to check up on me. It shouldn't bother me but it did, it slightly bothered me. I texted him a few days ago but received no response. But overall, I felt more relieved that I can wind down more instead of always being uptight and on edge.On a better note. I found out the housekeeper's name and she speaks to me for more than a minute."Say, Charlotte, how long have you known Sir?" I ask as I eat breakfast."Boss hired me a couple of years back to tend to his home since he's a busy man. And now, I also tend to you, Ma'am," she answers."Please, call me