Florence fell asleep after a few hours of laying in bed. She ran a hand through her hair, and rubbed her scraped knees. Her eyes went to the bathroom, as she debated taking a bath. Fearful that Hans would return and find her in the tub made her dismiss the idea. A knock on the door made her grimace in confusion.
She wasn't sure how to respond. "Yes?"
Not to her surprise, a maid stepped inside and bowed her head to the maiden. "The colonel has had lunch prepared downstairs. He requests you join him."
Her stomach nearly leaped with joy. Florence tried not to look excited. "I...will be down momentarily."
The maid looked relieved that she agreed. She left the room, making Florence realize she didn't lock the door. Gulping, Florence rushed to the door. Swinging it open, she gasped as Hans was standing there, waiting for her. He raised his eyebrows at the way she speedily opened the bedroom door.
"Someone must be starving," Hans grinned as he approached her.
She blushed in shame as she stepped away from him, and back into the room.
"I've never seen a woman so hungry," he continued, grabbing her wrist.
Florence shrieked. "Get off me!"
The colonel roughly turned her around, pinning her arm behind her. Florence gasped in shock as his lips spoke into her ear. "You ought to enjoy your stay in this room. For you will never, ever leave it."
She couldn't help it. Tears streamed down her face.
"You and I will be attending a special dinner tonight. Together."
He released her, left the room, locked the door, with nothing else to say. Florence knew a dinner would involve more people, thus more witnesses if Hans harmed her or made any attempt to. Witnesses meant an escape. As the hours flooded by, she looked up when she heard Liza step into the room and offer her services.
She brushed Florence's hair, dressed her, and smiled warmly when the girl was ready. Liza sighed through her nose and spoke gently. "You're a vision."
Florence has never appeared so wealthy in her life. She didn't want to admit it, but she did look incredibly different. She glowed. Liza led her out of the room where two soldiers waited to escort her. They led her out to a car where Hans sat in the backseat, waiting for her. The driver hurried and opened the door for her.
The same driver that dragged her into the house before. His eyes lowered, avoiding eye contact as Florence got into the backseat with Hans. Once inside, Hans ordered him to drive. He obeyed and the car made its way onto the road.
"You look well," Hans commented as he pulled out a journal from inside his jacket.
He didnt even look at her, and Florence didn't reply.
Hans scribbled down some German words in his journal, allowing Florence a moment of peace and quiet. He closed it shut and returned it into his jacket pocket.
"If you do not wish to speak, then do not. I take no issue with that," he said, suddenly.
She tried to keep her attention out the window. Her hands felt wet and sweaty as he continued speaking.
"Try to enjoy yourself. It's a beautiful night."
The car reached its destination, as they arrived at a much larger house. Florence got out of the car as the driver opened the door for her. She glanced up at the house and could hear the large crowd from outside. Hans appeared suddenly and locked his arm with hers. She followed his lead and approached the house.
Hans spoke with all the other Germans in such a friendly way. It was hard to imagine his more aggressive side even existing. He laughed with the men, appeared to flatter the women. Florence couldn't understand them quite well, so she tuned out when the conversations went on longer. Several young soldiers conversed and drank merrily. Much to her shock, Florence spotted the young man she met before. The soldier where she served alcohol at the party.
Her cheeks blushed, and she tried to remain calm. He didn't see her but she knew it was him. Unfortunately, she never got his name but she hoped he would recognize her. She hoped Hans would wander over where he was, but he didn't. During a conversation with a couple, Florence pulled out of his arm and he immediately shot her a warning glance.
"I'm thirsty," she replied, calmly.
He gave her a long store before allowing her to go. The couple watched, uncomfortably, as Florence walked away. She moved through the guests, and finally approached the young man. His jaw nearly fell to the floor when he saw her. He smiled widely but couldn't speak.
"It's you!" he gasped.
She smiled happily, and replied, "Florence. Forgive me, I never got your name."
He appeared giddy and could barely make sense of the whole thing. "I-I...Kurt! It's just...so unbelievable!"
Blushing, he held both of her hands in his and just wanted to take in the moment.
"I can't believe...I never thought I'd be seeing you again," Florence said as she looked into his eyes.
He recalled how they were separated and got a bit serious. "How...are you working tonight?"
She suddenly remembered Hans and shook her head. "No. No, I was stolen away. I'm here with-"
"And what is this?"
They both turned to see Hans Landa approaching them with a big smile. Florence knew that smile. She released Kurt's hands as Hans began speaking to him in German. Kurt spoke defensively as Hans seemed to be questioning him. Florence looked around and felt her stomach tighten when other guests began staring. She tried to walk away, but Hans grabbed her arm and pulled her back. Kurt narrowed his eyes and argued with him. Hans raised his eyebrows at the boy, making him regret what he said.
Florence struggled against Hans' grip as she pleased. "Please! Someone, help!"
No one budged. They just watched. Florence was dumbstruck, as she kept struggling. Kurt motioned at Hans grabbing her and kept arguing. Hans gave him a calm response, making Kurt shut his mouth. Florence didn't know what was said. Hans walked off, bringing her along.
"Kurt! Kurt!"
He lowered his head and could only hear her cries as she was led away. Slowly, the party continued as Hans dragged Florence back to the car.
"Help me!"
He slammed her against the car and pinned her down. "You just cost that boy his life. By morning, he'll be on the front lines. Are you the only one you think about?"
Florence held back a sob and spit in his face. The colonel chuckled as he wiped his face.
"Shall we head home, then?"
"You beast," Florence hissed.
Hans put on a confused face. "You don't seem well, darling."
He held her hand, but she yanked it back. "Don't!'
Hans wrapped his arms around her and just held onto her. She dreaded being so close to him, but struggling was pointless. The two slowly sat on the floor as he kept his grip on her.
The driver had seen everything but remained in his seat inside the vehicle. His heart sank when he heard the girl give silent tears.
