Thank you so much, Demetria! I love you too!

I love all you guys; you're such amazing fans ^^

Keep that in mind as you read the next couple (fewish) chapters XD

XOXOXOXOXO

Chapter 43

Sofia

I groaned, feeling for James, but snapped my eyes open when I realized I wasn't in our bed.

"James?" I groaned, putting my hands on my head, "Honey?"

There was a stiffness in my neck, my mouth was dry, and my brain felt like it was melting.

"Hello?" I called again, adjusting my pulsating eyes to the surroundings.

My heart hammered in my chest as I realized I was alone in a cold, unfamiliar, dirt-floored, cement room.

It was bare except for the pile of blankets and pillows I was on, a steel door with slats at the floor and in the middle, a small, barred window, a glass of water, and a bottle of pain medicine.

Where the fuck am I?

My eyes wandered longingly to the glass of water, but I tipped it over.

I've seen enough movies to know you don't eat or drink anything offered by the kidnappers.

"Good idea, now try the door," Seth nodded, pointing to it.

Shit.

He's back.

I tried to stand up, but every muscle in my body screamed, and I collapsed back on the blankets.

What was wrong with me?

Why did I hurt so bad?

How did I even get here?

"James!?" I screamed, feeling for my bracelet, but it was gone.

I looked at my bare hands, and my heart sank.

My ring was gone too.

"Stop screaming. The longer whoever is out there thinks you're still asleep, the longer you'll be safe," Seth warned, crouching in the corner.

I closed my eyes and pulled the blanket over my head.

Three months of adjusting to sleeping on a bed, and here I was back on the goddamn floor.

Was I at the farm?

Did Miranda get me?

I searched my memories, trying to remember what happened.

I was at the airport with James.

I went to the bathroom.

And then what?

FUCK why couldn't I remember?!

"You were probably drugged," Seth shrugged, "These people love drugging you,"

Go away, fake Seth.

I can't deal with you right now.

I pulled the sour-smelling blanket away from my face and looked up at the window.

How long have I been here?

James must be so worried.

"He might be now, but he'll be better off in the long run. I bet you wish you'd have found daddy's gun now, don't you," Seth rolled his eyes, "You're such an attention whore,"

Ignore him.

Focus on getting out.

"You can't ignore me forever, little sister," Seth laughed.

I pulled myself up the wall, not caring that every nerve ending in my body was telling me to sit the hell down, and I scooted to the window, grabbing the bars to keep me steady.

This isn't like last time.

I'm in real danger, and I have no clue if anyone is coming for me.

I was sure James was trying to find me, and I hoped mom still had that list of addresses I gave her.

I closed my eyes and held my breath, listening for any signs of life around me, but it was quiet.

I slid across the wall to the door, attempting to open the slat in the middle, but my assailant had locked it.

I dropped carefully to my knees and pried the bottom slat open.

I got down on my stomach and looked out.

There was another door across from mine on the other side of a narrow-looking hallway.

Was this a prison?

Or a barn, maybe?

I heard footsteps coming from the left and quickly shut the slat before sliding back to my blanket pile.

There was a click as the top slat opened.

"Good, you're awake, Sofia," a disturbingly familiar yet unfamiliar male voice erupted into the room.

Who was he?

God, I know that voice.

The slat was too high up for me to see out from the floor.

"Are you going to ignore him too?" Seth chuckled, "I'm sure he can hurt you worse than I can,"

"Where am I?" I asked, pressing my body to the wall.

"Safe," he replied passively, "You're finally safe with me, where you belong. Where you're meant to be,"

"Where I belong? I'm in a cell," I spat, "And who the hell are you to tell me where I belong?"

"Don't be so dramatic, princess," he chuckled, "I'll let you out of your tower as soon as you're ready,"

Princess.

Hearing that endearing term from anyone but James made my blood boil.

"I'm not your fucking princess," I growled, "Let me out!"

I heaved myself back up the wall and threw my body at the door.

I didn't care about the pain.

I wanted to go home.

"Yeah. Be rude to the guy. Great idea," Seth groaned, "It's like you want to be stuck here,"

"You are mine!" the voice growled, "You've always been mine,"

"Who are you?" I demanded, looking out the slat, "What do you want?"

"I have what I want, now," he swung around so I could see him.

Short brown hair, excessive muscular build, douchebag beard.

"Bus guy?" I asked, confused.

"My name is Tyler," he smiled, pulling a cigarette out of his shirt pocket and lighting it.

I don't give a shit what your name is.

"Is Sam here?" I asked, more hopefully than I ever imagined I could.

"He's here," Tyler nodded, "Miranda too, but they're both in about the same shape you are,"

"I don't understand what's happening," I ran my hands across my face, "Why did you take me?"

"I own you, sweetheart," he replied, getting closer to the door, "I had hoped that our meeting would be more of a joyous event, but that boy went and screwed up everything,"

"Make sense!" I screamed, causing an earth-shattering pain in my temple, "What the hell did you do to me?"

"It was just a sedative, but the after-effects are a bitch," he chuckled, "Plus, my methods of getting you away weren't the most comfortable, I'm sure. Did you take your medicine?"

"I'm not stupid. There's no way I'd take anything left to me by someone who would lock me in a cell," I groaned, closing my eyes.

I was so sick of being forced to take drugs.

I wanted my James.

We should have stayed with Tilly.

"Hold on," he sighed, walking away.

"Sam?! Miranda?! Are you here?" I yelled, but the only sound was a door closing.

James.

Please help me.

I heard the door open again, and Tyler's footsteps advanced towards me.

"Here," he opened the bottom slat and rolled a bottle of water inside, "Now take the pain medicine,"

"Please don't act like you care about me; just tell me why I'm here," I shook my head, narrowing my eyes at him, "Are you trying to keep me from the trial?"

"Fuck the trial," he laughed, taking a drag from his cigarette, "It's not going to be necessary after we're done. And I do care about you, Sofia. I always have,"

I was in too much pain to try to comprehend what he was saying.

"Look, riddler, I'm in no mood for this shit," I growled, leaning my head on the door.

"Take your medicine," he sighed, "I'll be back with something to eat,"

"NO!" I screamed, sending my ass back to the floor.

"That went well," Seth chuckled, "Looks like it's just you and me, baby sis,"

Fuck off.

I slid, once again, to the pile of blankets and leaned up against the wall.

I would starve to death before I took anything from him.

It's probably a good thing I didn't take his donuts.

"They're not poisoned or anything,"

Sure they weren't.

"Starving to death will take a while, but It will suffice, I suppose," Seth laughed, "It's definitely going to hurt worse than the other options I gave you before,"

I brought my knees to my chest, buried my face in them, and cried.

I knew this was going to happen, but how did it?

How did someone get me past James?

Was I dreaming?

Yeah, that had to be it.

This was a dream.

"Oh my God, that's so cute," Seth burst into a fit of laughter, "You should just stand by the door and wait for your 'Valiant knight' to show up and rescue you,"

"If you're going to talk, can you at least be helpful?" I groaned.

Might as well embrace the crazy.

At least I wasn't completely alone.

The top slat opened again, but I was too tired and sore to move.

"I brought you food," Tyler announced, "And don't worry, it's all prepackaged,"

I heard him slide in a tray, but I didn't open my eyes.

"Sofia, eat," he demanded.

"Go to hell, bus guy," I whispered, "If you're going to kill me, then kill me,"

"I'm not going to kill you, princess," he replied sweetly, "I want to help you,"

Time to switch my approach.

"How?" I asked, opening my eyes.

"I'm offering you a chance to get revenge," he whispered, "All you have to do in return is stay with me,"

Not a chance, creeper.

"Elaborate, what kind of revenge?" I pulled myself back up to seem interested.

I don't want revenge.

But maybe if I get him talking, I can figure out what the hell is going on.

"I have Sam, Miranda, and a handful of other people that hurt you in this building," he smirked, "And you get to choose what happens to them,"

He's insane.

"Why did you lock me up, if I'm the guest of honor or whatever,"

"I needed to make sure I could be around you without any...issues, I can't touch you yet," he explained, "But three months isn't too long, sweetheart,"

Ex-fucking-Scuse me?

Seth's dreadful giggles echoed around the room as I stared at Tyler.

"What do you mean?" I whispered, wishing I could drink the bottle of water.

"Don't worry about it right now," he cooed, "You eat and get some rest. We'll start our work soon,"

"How long have I been here?" I asked, stopping him from leaving.

"Two days,"

Two days?

Oh, James.

He must be so scared.

"When can I see Miranda?"

"As soon as you feel better," he smiled, "Don't rush it, princess,"

I'm going to break his damn jaw.

Open this door; I fucking dare you.

I grabbed the tray of food and bottle of water against my better judgment and sat back down.

"I thought you were going to starve yourself," Seth pouted.

"I need my strength if I'm going to get out of here," I sighed, cracking open the water, checking the pills before I took them, and eating the sandwich and chips.

The pill bottle was unopened, so there's that, I guess.

If I've been missing for two days, I must be somewhere not on the list.

I don't fucking know this guy.

I slid the tray away and laid down, breaking my promise again.

"Rise and shine," Tyler's voice woke me up, "How do you feel?"

I sat up; thankful my body could move now.

"Better," I groaned, "But I need to go to the bathroom,"

The door unlocked, and I shot up.

I threw myself at him, but he slid something around my neck and pushed me back.

"No, no," he sighed, "I didn't want to have to use this,"

I grabbed at the leather strap around my neck and glared at him.

"What is this?" I demanded.

"A shock collar," he frowned, "Don't make me push the button,"

SHIT!

"Are you going to cooperate?" he asked sadly.

I'm going to fucking kill you.

"Yes," I nodded, gritting my teeth.

He motioned for me to follow him, and I walked out into the hallway.

I examined the dozen or so doors before we exited the building.

Were my past abusers really being held hostage by this guy?

I didn't recognize the property we were on, and it scared me.

We had to be somewhere in the south since it was warmer than Ohio.

Tyler led me to the large main house and let me use the small, empty bathroom.

There were no windows.

No ceiling tiles.

No way out.

I opened the door and found him standing in the hallway.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good, football; why are you here?"

"I was worried about you; I wanted to make sure I didn't upset you,"

I missed James so much.

Tyler pointed to the kitchen, and I sat down at the table.

It was obvious he expected me to develop some kind of Stockholm nonsense towards him.

"How do you know me?" I asked, doing my best to stay civil as he began making breakfast.

"That's a long story," he chuckled.

"Well, I'm on your time," I shrugged, "Enlighten me,"

I should be at school.

If I've been here three days, then it's Wednesday, and I would have watched James practice this morning.

He would have smothered me in his sweaty, perfect kisses.

I love him so much.

What was my husband doing right now?

"Well, I was a Marine for about nine years and did a few tours in Afganistan," he began, and I rested my chin on my hands, "And there was this guy I kept getting paired with for guard duty. We became friends, I guess, but he got drunk one night and started talking about his hometown and this family that kept their little girl drugged up and charged men to rape her.

It was horrifying, and I started doing some research into your deranged relatives.

I saw all the meth charges, murders, and suicides, but there was never a mention of you. Even when Sam went to jail for trying to shoot Miranda, I knew you had to have been there, but still nothing.

Then, when you were fifteen, you competed in a cheer championship; I saw the article, and I fell in love with you immediately.

You were, and are, the most gorgeous girl I've ever seen; I followed you on Instagram and saw how soulful, artistic, and tormented you were. I saw how those people called you names and made you insecure, and I wanted to take all that pain away, but I'm so much older than you, and you were still a child. I couldn't add to your trauma, so I planned to wait to make you mine until you turned eighteen.

I contacted Miranda right before your sixteenth birthday and asked her to sign over guardianship, but when she turned me down, I traveled to Missouri and told her if she didn't leave you alone, I would kill her and the rest of her shit family. She quickly agreed and gave me the power of Attorney over you so that she would keep getting your check, which I didn't want anyway.

It took some convincing, but after a while, your family agreed to my terms. None of them were to speak to you, and I know your stupid uncle Scott broke that when he went to see you, but don't worry, it won't happen again. I'll make sure to keep you away from all of them,"

"You were the reason Miranda left me on my own!? What the fuck is wrong with you?!" I stood up, slamming my hands on the table.

"Don't be like that," he barked, "I took care of you! I watched over you while you worked overnights at that gas station, I kept you safe while you slept alone in that empty house day after day, and you have no idea how many people I have killed to keep you safe in Ohio after you left with that FUCKING FOOTBALL PLAYER! YOU LEFT ME! YOU MARRIED HIM OVER ME!"

"I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW YOU EXISTED!" I screamed, "I thought you were fake! Someone Miranda made up to keep anyone from checking on me! You're fucking crazy; how could you do that to me?! You say you didn't want to add to my trauma, but my abandonment issues are YOUR FAULT!"

"You will understand someday; We're like Hades and Persephone, and I'll make you so much happier than that little shit ever could. You won't remember anything from before I got you,"

"Have you even read that story?! It's horrible, and I'm in love with my Adonis! I was already happy! I have a husband that loves me, real friends, and parents that care about me! I'll never be happy with you!"

"I hate to hear that," he pushed the button, sending a shock through my neck, and I fell to the floor, "But I guess it's a good thing everyone is looking for Sam and Miranda. No one will ever think to check here,"

"Where are we?" I trembled, standing back up.

"Somewhere, no one will ever find you," he continued cooking.

"Why did you even let me leave?"

"You were gone so fast," he growled, "I left for two days, and when I got back, Scott told me you had moved away. It was easy enough to find you since that idiot constantly posted pictures of you on his socials, and I had planned to steal you back immediately. I tried to scare you back; I took the pictures, I showed up to your school with the gun, I talked Sam into getting you to go to Wyoming, and my sister did everything she could to make you give up,"

"Your sister?"

"Sarah," he nodded, "Sarah White, she's my half-sister,"

"Sam and Miranda never had anything to do with what was going on," I whispered, "It's always been you,"

I felt sick.

"I wanted to be the one to make you happy; I watched you the entire time, and seeing you get so...healthy without me pissed me off. You started going everywhere with police escorts, there were cops outside your house and the school, and I was just about to give up when I saw that video of you in Hawaii. Excellent job, by the way, but I found out when you were getting back, so Sarah and I took the opportunity to take you, and I decided to conduct this little experiment,"

"My life is not an experiment," I snapped.

"On the contrary, your life is the best experiment," he laughed, "A girl with severe PTSD with the majority of the people that caused it at her fingertips. I can't wait to see what you do with them,"

I bet he was the one who destroyed the truck, too.

"This is so much fun!" Seth sat on the table next to me, "Who are you going to kill first?"

I'm not going to kill anyone.

This is so wrong.

"It's not my place to do anything to them," I growled, "Everyone in here needs to go to prison. Asking me to torture them or kill them is wrong. It would make me just as bad as they are,"

"That's one of the reasons I love you so much," Tyler sighed, "You're so admirable. Miranda left you, and you cut ties with everyone, got a job, and took care of yourself, keeping your grades up in the process. You put up with the harassment at school and focused on getting into college. You're an amazing young woman, and you will make an amazing wife,"

"Okay, for starters, you're obsessed with me, not in love with me. I can't stand people throwing that word around like it's nothing," I huffed.

"Sofia, I have loved you for almost eight years, but I have truly been in love with you for almost three," his arm twitched, "I can easily take care of your sham of a marriage; either you can agree to file for divorce, or I can make him think you're dead,"

James would never stop trying to get me back if I filed for a divorce.

He'd know it wasn't real.

Was making him think I was dead the best option?

Would he believe that?

I just want to go home!

"What about school?" I asked, "I got into Yale,"

"Sarah and I will homeschool you, and you can take supervised online college classes," he glanced at me, "You want to be an artist, and you can do that from home,"

Fuck you.

"Can I call James? If you're going to make me choose, then I choose to make him believe I died, but I want to hear his voice again," I took a shaky breath, "I'll stay with you,"

Mrs. White.

Tyler.

Warm weather.

Four words and a shock.

I could handle that.

Tyler thought for a second and handed me his phone, keeping his hand on the button.

"Tell him goodbye, don't make me use this again,"

"Yes, sir," I nodded.

Please understand.

Find me.

I love you, James.

I dialed his number and waited for him to answer.

"Hello?" his voice washed over me like a soothing wave.

FOCUS!

"Mrs. White, Tyler, warm weather!" I yelled, and the white-hot pain of the collar rushed through me, "Damn it!" I screamed, balling myself around the phone on the floor

"I TOLD YOU NOT TO MAKE ME USE IT, LYING BITCH! Give me the phone!" Tyler growled, pulling at me.

"LEAVE HER ALONE!" James screamed.

"I love you, James; I'm so sorry! I don't know where I am, but he had me in a cell, and he's got Sam and Miranda trapped here too!" I cried, "Mrs. White is his sister! He's going to tell you I'm dead, but don't believe him!"

"I'm coming, baby; I love you too!"

"GIVE ME THE FUCKING PHONE, OR I WILL KILL YOU!"

"FUCK YOU, STALKER!" I spat, keeping myself on the floor, but he shocked me again and was able to pry the phone away.

"If you come looking for her, I'll kill her. I'd rather her be dead than back with you," Tyler snarled.

"Don't you fucking touch her, you son of a-" James's voice was cut off, and Tyler picked me up, tossing me over his shoulder.

"Why do you keep SCREWING EVERYTHING UP?!" he yelled, slamming me against the wall and taking me back to the cell, "All I want is to make you happy, just fucking let me!"

"All I want is to go home!" I pounded at his back, "I told you, I was already happy!"

He opened my cell door and threw me in.

"You can come back out once you've calmed down," Tyler growled, "Sarah will be here later,"

Thankfully I got to give James more information.

He would find me.

With back-up.

Please let him bring back up.

Out of everyone looking for me, the person that finds me is some random Marine?

What the fuck was this life?

Tyler isolated me, stalked me, laying in wait until I turned eighteen to...what?

Make sure I was good and ready to jump at any attention someone gave me?

Sure, that's kind of what I did with James, but he was different.

James didn't have an ulterior motive.

He just wanted me for who I was.

He wanted me before he knew how fucked up I was.

If I had kept my life a secret from him, I bet he still would have told me he loved me that first day.

I was such a bitch to him, but he didn't let that stop him from falling in love with me.

Or from making me fall in love with him.

He was my soulmate, not this guy.

This asshole was the fucking reason I had suffered so badly the last two years.

I'm sure Miranda would have continued being Miranda regardless of outside sources, but at least I knew what to expect from her.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Tyler.

He wanted me to kill people.

He wanted me to be his happy little enslaved wife.

What the fuck was I supposed to do?