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“There are plenty of people your age. Don’t worry. We won’t let you go.” Michelle snickered as if she’d told the best joke of the year. “The other part of why you’re here … you’ll find out soon enough.”
With Michelle now in the picture, I leaned toward Tim and Logan being behind my kidnapping. Hell, Logan’s guy holding her at gunpoint could have all been staged. The image of the photo with Logan and Tim I’d found on Holden’s desk flickered to life in my mind, linking possible dots and connections. Sick fucks.
“What’s your part in all of this?” I had to know.
We passed the last of the rooms, and I mentally released a sigh. I couldn’t witness the horror anymore.
Michelle opened a door, and we entered a bathroom. A shower large enough for three people stood in the corner, and a clawfoot bathtub rested beneath a window. The clean, black granite counter offered two sinks, making me think of the one Holden and I had picked out for the penthouse. Pain and longing speared me in the heart, gutting me even more. I should be with Holden instead of in Hell.
“Go on. There’s bodywash, shampoo, and conditioner available on the shelf.” She tilted her head in that direction. “When you finish, you need to get dressed. Someone will come in to dry and style your hair, take care of your nails, and apply your makeup.”
My forehead creased in confusion. “Why?”
“Just fucking do as you’re told.” Michelle waved her gun around, and I stepped out of my shoes, then into the tan, tiled shower, and turned the handle.
I quickly removed the rags I was wearing, then flicked my fingers beneath the spray to test the temperature. It was scalding hot. I moved the lever to the right a little and allowed it to cool. A groan nearly escaped me as the water trailed down my body. Although I’d managed to stay somewhat washed up in the cell, this was an indulgence I wasn’t sure I would ever experience again.
I grabbed the strawberry shampoo and lathered my hair, breathing in the fruity scent and dreaming for a moment that I wasn’t living in captivity. Michelle remained quiet and allowed me this luxury. Suddenly overwhelmed with grief, I choked on my tears. “Holden,” I whispered behind the noise of the powerful stream. “I love you.” I found a second of peace as his name crossed my lips.
Then cruel reality slapped me. I scrubbed the dirt and shame from my skin, hatred for myself consuming me. My hands fisted, and I smacked the wall.
“What was that? Do I need to come in there?” Michelle asked.
“No,” I responded through clenched teeth. Be smart about this River. “I dropped the soap.”
Michelle grunted her response, but she didn’t poke her head in and check on me. I lifted my face and rinsed my tears. Searching for anything at my disposal to knock Michelle out with, I realized it was a hard no. I would have to think of something else.
“Time’s up.”
For just a few more heartbeats, I pretended that I didn’t hear her.
“Get out, or I’m coming in after you. Your choice.” Michelle’s tone was sharp and commanding.
Rolling my eyes since she couldn’t see me, I turned the handle off. I squeezed as much water from my hair as possible, then poked my head out. “Is there a towel somewhere?”
Michelle collected a white one from the countertop and handed it to me.
I stepped back in order to have a few more seconds of privacy and dried off. After finishing, I wrapped it around my body and stepped out onto the cold tile floor.
Without a word, Michelle opened a cabinet and removed a plastic bag. “Get dressed.”
I took the package from her and looked inside. A pair of black pants, panties, and a light blue top were visible. I removed the underwear and tossed the rest down. Stepping into them, I hurriedly tugged them up my legs and over my hips. Next, I put on the pants. They were a little big, but I wasn’t complaining. This was the most clothing I’d worn since arriving at Satan’s fortress. I slipped the top on, pulled it down, then dropped the white towel into a heap on the floor. I removed my long hair from the collar of the shirt and straightened my shoulders.
“You’ll find socks in the bag along with deodorant, a brush, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.” Michelle checked her watch. “Get a move on. We’re going to be late.”
I located the additional items and worked through my tangles. The fresh mint that lingered in my mouth after I’d brushed my teeth tasted heavenly. Maybe I would be able to keep everything when I returned to my cell. If you’re returned. Oh, God. What if I wasn’t taken back. Reid. Shit. I had to return. We were all that each other had. I needed his friendship to help me through this. My body trembled, and I pretended that I was cold.
Michelle waved me forward and opened the bathroom door. “Turn right. We’re going to the last room on the left.”
My chest tightened as we drew closer. Michelle pointed me in the right direction, and I walked into a full salon. Girls were having their hair done, getting manicures, pedicures, and makeup.
“So, you get everyone looking their best, then what?” I glared at Michelle, waiting for the answer I was terrified to hear.
“Then they meet their trainers.”
My throat tightened, threatening to cut off my air. I curled my fingers into a fist behind my back, determined not to let her know she was getting to me.
Michelle shoved me toward the only vacant seat in the room. I stumbled for a moment but managed to catch myself before faceplanting.
