A/N: Here is where it changes. This time it is Anthony Hope's POV and it gets a bit slashy but not a lot.
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Part I
Where was I and how did I get here? Johanna was gone and gone forever—her name was everywhere in the paper and it scared me to death.
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I found myself lost and standing in the middle of a damp alley. Boxes, and a few crates plastered against the brick walls as I took in my surroundings, nothing but darkness, gut-wrenching smells and rat carcasses.
I was officially lost and a tad frightened at that.
All I had were a few history books in my arms and several things on my mind. I have been wandering around the back streets of London for quite some time now after fleeing from Judge Turpin's doorstep and that didn't change the fact that I was in his list of things to have 'accomplished'. I didn't like the feeling of that at all. He was an older man, much older than I am, and a wee creepy just to make matters much worse.
Oh Johanna where were you? Why won't you find me?
As I turn my eyes in the direction of the opening of the alley, I hear hooves on the cobblestone pavement up ahead. I knew at that time I was found and I was safe, not exactly. It was the most beautiful buggy I had ever laid my eyes upon and the carving was magnificent but that could only mean one thing; it had Turpin's name written all over it.
Shortly after the driver stopped, out came the filthy rich Judge Turpin indeed, the most vain, self-admired and powerful man in London.
My eyes met with his in a flash and I could feel my stomach drop and my heart stop. Before I wasted any more of my time just standing there looking like a fool, I made a run for it back into the safety of the alley. I was already panting before long but I didn't stop running until I knew I was far away.
I quickly grew very tired and was breathing heavy. I had to stop to catch my breath and before I knew what happened, I could smell something, something very strong almost like some expensive cologne. "I've got you!" I heard and seconds later had a pair of arms around me like silk ribbon. I jerked in the process and didn't even dare turn around. "Why must you run from me?" his deep rugged voice chimed in my ear as I attempted to wiggle free. It was impossible at this moment. I felt his fingers dig but not deep enough to cause pain. I had never in my life been touched this way by anyone and I was already 18, on the edge of adulthood.
I swallowed and hard. I knew he had to 'ave heard it-it was loud enough. "How did you find me?" I had no other words to say so those were all that seemed to fall out at the time.
I felt his arms grew weaker and weaker on me. He seemed disrupted. "I hope you never will underestimate me child, I have my ways." His strong voice brought chills down my very back and I shivered.
Then the silence came along. I didn't know what to do or what to say; I knew I couldn't run anymore nor could I scream. He was a very powerful man and it was true.
"Where did you send Johanna?" I asked shaking whilst I spoke turning myself around so that I stood facing Lord Turpin. I saw those dark eyes of his move across my face and land fully on my lips. His chest rose and fell back down to its original extent once more. My face burned painfully and my heart dropped. I found myself wrapping my fingers around my very own neck, not to strangle just to ease the dryness and pain that filled my throat.
I couldn't talk and I couldn't move a muscle at that moment. I was frozen and before anything else was done, I slowly began to move forward but not wanting to. My feet moved me and with a blink of an eye, I fell into Judge Turpin hard.
He had caught me though and I fell limp in his warm arms.
I knew he was speaking as I tried to look up at him with blurry eyes but it was too hard. "SHh…was all that I heard and I could feel my hair being brushed from my face and tucked behind my ears. I was too weak to do anything; I couldn't even defend myself.
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I shifted over and over. The restraints on top of me felt terribly over-heated and it caused great discomfort. I couldn't breathe and once I took in my last final breath, I jerked myself awake and in a warm soft bed I lay.
Where was I and how did I get here? I moved the covers from my body; the red silk covers and took in a bit of what was around me. Nothing much but a window to the right of me, another door leading possibly to another room or the washroom, pictures hanging from the walls, and very decorative décor. Well okay, maybe it wasn't anything much — this room was actually beautiful all around.
"Hello?" I spoke finally and realized how dry my throat actually was sitting back down on the mattress below me.
Why did I say that I already knew where I was and I had to leave quickly!
As I hurried to jump to my feet, I rushed toward the door but was too late. He had opened it first. I took my hands from the doorknob and moved backwards to see what was now standing before me.
"You're awake, Mr. Hope." He said walking into the room with that strange Mr. Bamford leering behind him. It felt weird with one man in the same room with me, but now with three grown men, that was just awkward.
Ignoring his comment, I attempted to rush passed him, but he moved in front of me which caused me to run right into him. "Where are you off to, Anthony?" his husky voice spoke, as one of his hands reached for the opposite wall of the doorframe. I swallowed again and groaned to myself seeing that there was no possible way out this time.
"Why are you doing this to me?" I growled, glaring up at him. His face was hard and serious even without any expression at all. His face was just meant to frighten young people like me.
He moved forward even closer. I could smell his strong cologne and a slight hint of gin on his breath, nothing much. "Lost for words, huh, sailor?" his brow jumped high as that grin on Beadle's face grew wider. I was suddenly stricken with terror and anger. "I…" I didn't say anything more.
After the older man moved in further, I felt his deep stare on me and I shut my eyes, begging for him to leave, praying he would do no harm to me. He didn't. I opened my eyes and stare at his hands that hung near his coat pockets. He smiled and rubbed my chin with the soft part of his thumb. I felt my eyes grow wide and my hands started to shake again. He was touching me again.
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Listening to the silence, I heard the two men speak. "Leave me Beadle." He said and with that, the short round man from behind sneaked away with that ol' cane of his he so happily enjoyed whacking me with.
That only left us two alone. I was definitely terrified.
Slowly closing the door with a soft click, the rich man began a circle around me with slow moving steps. His eyes wandered as all I could do was stand there, letting him circle and pace me like I was some priceless object or being.
I didn't understand.
"You still lust for my Johanna, sailor?" he finally hit his stopping point and stood before me again. I looked down at his well-kempt boots and studied them quietly.
I felt his thumb on my chin again and met his eyes once more. "What or whom is it you lust for my boy?" he asked, staring longingly at my face that burned in flames. Why must he stare at me like that? It disrupted my train of thought.
With my hand, I brushed his off and turned away. What did he mean? It was definitely Johanna I fell for nothing more.
"Come down for breakfast." Turpin spoke breaking the quietness that surrounded the two of us. I didn't say anything. "Will you bring it up, sir?" I crossed my arms brushing back fly-away hairs behind my ears. I saw his lips twitch and his eyes wander again.
"I will have it ready for you." He answered politely and left the room quietly.
I sat on the edge of the bed playing with my own fingers. I knew I loved Johanna but there was something else…something I couldn't quite make out. All I wanted was a good meal and a secret exit way.
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E/N: Hah did you guys like it? Well the next chapter is coming up so yeah…read! :D