Chapter 3.
I had no clue how long I was alone in that bedroom. I sat on the bed, clutching my clothes to my body and overthinking what had just happened.
Bane had left me after his search on my body for any devices I could be wearing. Of course he had found nothing. I wondered if he was searching the other girl too, and how she would react to such a thing. Would he treat her like he had been treating me? I forced myself to stand, stop shivering and dress myself. Maybe he would be back. Maybe he would rape me after all. I did not know and I was planning to make myself as unattractive as possible. Maybe my tears had been enough.
It took hours and hours before I believed he would not be back. Not this night. I watched the moon rise and the stars shine high in the sky, not daring to go to sleep, just in case he would return. I made myself sit by the window, staring into the darkness.
I noticed I was sometimes falling asleep, only to quickly sit up straight when I woke. When it was starting to get light outside I stood and walked around the room, my fear of being killed growing stronger and stronger. Why had he not already killed me. Why make me wait for it? What had I done to deserve this?
It was knocking on the door that made me jump. I stilled and watched how someone I had not seen before entered with a small tray of food. He watched me before he walked over towards the bedside and placed the tray down on the table. He was smaller than Bane, but also very lean and muscular. He had a black beard and his eyes seemed to look straight through me.
'You should eat something. Bane will visit you later on the day.' I nodded and watched the man leave. I heard him lock the door. I did not recall him unlock it before entering the room. Had I kept myself in this room all night when I could have left?
I slowly approached the food and saw there was an boiled egg and some bread. Not a bad breakfast. I ate the egg and left the bread. I felt a little nauseous thinking about Bane and him visiting me later. What was he planning to do to me?
There was not much to see outside, but still I stared at the trees moving in the wind. It calmed me, soothed me in a way. I did not even flinch when I heard someone unlocking the door.
'Well, good afternoon Anna,' came the voice of Bane. I turned and froze to my spot. He was again dressed in cargo pants and seemed even bigger and broader than the day before. I also noticed he had a plate with some food on it, some very good smelling food. He still was not wearing the mask.
'Barsad told me you have not yet eaten lunch, so I brought something for you.' He outstretched his hand and reached me the plate. Even though it smelled divine, I could not help but wonder why he would be nice to me and feed me, if he was going to kill me later.
'Why?' I asked. He cocked his head to the side.
"Why what, Anna?' he asked me. I swallowed.
'Why are you bringing me food.' I took a deep breath, not sure if I was allowed to ask questions at all. Bane grinned and walked over towards the tray from this morning, placing the plate on it.
'I am not the monster people make me out to be. I won't starve my guests. I don't see the point in that.' I huffed at the words guests. He watched me with amusement written in his eyes.
'You don't agree?' he asked. I mentally slapped myself.
'My opinion does not matter,' I softly said hoping I had not angered him.
'You do think I am a monster?' he asked. He sat down on the bed and watched me curiously.
I shook my head quickly.
'Never said that, 'I said.
I saw him grin again before he spoke.
'I have decided what I will do with you and the other girl.' He waited for a few seconds before he continued, a serious tone in his words.
'I have no plans for this city, not like I had for Gotham. But the authorities are making living on this planet very hard for me. You and her will be my guests until I get what I want from them. Then I will set you free.' I had to let his words sink in. Then I decided he was again playing with me.
'Liar,' I softly said. I suddenly had all of his attention as he stared at me.
'What did you say?' he asked. I swallowed but feeling angry made me feel stronger.
'You keep threatening me and suddenly I am your guest and you will set me free. How do you expect me to believe that?' I asked astonished by my own boldness. He grinned again and stood, walking over towards me.
'I thought there was a spark in you. Last night you failed to light it, but I can see it clearly now.' I placed my arms around my chest, suddenly feeling naked even though I was fully dressed. He stood straight before me, looking me in my eyes. His big body entirely shutting out the rest of the room.
'You will stay here, until I tell you, you may leave. No killing you, no murdering you. That is if you don't try to leave.'
I had no clue what he expected me to say so I remained silent and watched him. He brought a hand towards my face, gently stroking my cheek.
'The word guest means you are here to stay for a while. And a guest is allowed to move around the house. I am surprised you stayed inside this room all night, I had expected you to leave. But it is a good sign, in my opinion.' My eyes grew wide at his words.
'You will join me in the kitchen for 3 meals a day. You will not attempt any escapes. Those are the only rules.' His eyes stared hard into mine, freezing me completely.
'I expect you in the kitchen for dinner this evening, if not there will be consequences.' With those words he took a step back and with one last look at me he turned and left the room.
What had just happened here?
