2.

I had never really been locked inside a room before. But I guessed there was a first for everything. Like Riddick had told me previously, the ride had been a long one. And because of the tension and fear I felt, I had not been able to sleep at all. Riddick had not touched me again. He seemed in thought as he drove us far away from my uncle's house. I had not dared to ask where he was taking me. I would gain nothing in making him angry. So I had remained silent and feigned to sleep. After arriving at a large house on the beach beautifully placed on the rocks, he told me to get out of the car and to follow him. I did as he bid. Riddick took the bag from the car and walked towards the house. It was huge. The house was white and almost blinding with the afternoon sun shining on it. Riddick never looked back to see if I was following him, as if he was sure he had scared me enough to stay put and do as he told me. Asshole. But he was right. I was scared and intimidated. A lot. He had opened the front door and had walked up the stairs, stopping before a room with a beautiful white, wooden door.

'You will stay here, until I come for you.' He motioned for me to enter the room and I slowly did. The room was spacious enough, filled with wooden furniture, everything white with little hints of blue. It was very nice to be honest. Not that I cared in that moment, I just wanted to get as far away from Riddick as I could.

'Behave, and we will have dinner later on.' He placed the bag inside the room and watched me one long, last time before he left the room and closed the door. I was not really surprised that he locked me in the room. Maybe I even welcomed it. No matter how horrible my prospects could be. I was alone, and for now I enjoyed my solitude. I wandered around the room for a while. The dresser was empty, as the bedside tables. After an inspection I counted one bed, two bedside tables, a dresser with mirror and a small desk with a chair. No more, no less. There were two windows, both looking out on the sea. The view was wonderful. There was another door that led to a small toilet and shower. I sighed, hoping Riddick was not planning on keeping me in this room forever, but I also dreaded the moment he would come for me again. I had no clue which would be worse. I was really tired, but restless. I sat down on the bed and stared outside. I had a headache and felt sick to my stomach thinking about what would happen to me now. It wasn't long before I heard cars pull up by the house and I watched some of the loud men from last night step from the cars. There were a lot of them and most of them seemed dangerous. Though none scared me as much as Riddick, but they all seemed a little too dark to be your regular people. I wondered what exactly they did for a living. And what Riddick did. How had he been able to set my uncle up like this? Taking me.

After using the toilet and finding some of my clothes in the bag Riddick brought, I changed into a warm, black sweater and made myself small on the bed, staring at the clouds in the skye. The view was the only thing that kept my mind easy, for now. It had been a bright day, but right now it was turning darker outside. Watching the sky grow purple and pink, before it all became black was like watching a painting slowly being covered. I had tried to sleep, but I just wasn't feeling tired enough, I reckoned. Maybe the fear was just too much, for my mind to turn off. I had no clue. I did know my body was fully alert once more, when there were footsteps just outside my room. I sat up on the bed and pulled my legs up, holding them with my arms, making myself small once more. I stared at the door as I heard the lock being opened. I held my breath when the door opened not sure who it would be that entered.

'Time for dinner, princess.' Riddick stepped into the room, that was now only lighted by small lamp on the bedside table. He watched me for a minute, before he turned the lights on. I blinked a few times, my eyes had grown used to the dark room.

'Come,' he told me in his dark voice. I swallowed and wondered why he wanted me to join him for dinner. He could just bring me food in my room. Or not feed me at all. That last thought made me stand. I was hungry after going without food for most of this day. I noticed he was not moving and that made me hesitate before walking towards him. He cocked his head to the side, apparently waiting for me to come closer. We both weren't moving for a moment, before I took a small step in his direction, not sure why he kept blocking the door. Then he did something unexpected. He extended his hand to me, just like that. In another world it could have been a kind gesture. A warm one. But right now, it felt like another power game, one where he wanted to show me that he was in charge. I watched his muscular arm and his hand, not sure if I wanted to take it. But my options were limited. I needed him to not get angry with me. He had shown me that he did as he wanted. Touching me whenever he liked, wherever he liked. No matter who was present. So I slowly reached out and placed my hand in his. Just as my skin touched his, his fingers closed around mine and he held my hand, quite firmly before he pulled me closer and then took hold of my chin with his other hand. I felt how his hand that held mine moved to my wrist, keeping me trapped against his body, with nowhere to go.

'We are not alone tonight. You will behave.' I swallowed. Being forced to look into his eyes was almost as horrible as his touch on my chin. I felt myself tense up completely until he nodded once and waited. I quickly nodded back.

'Good.' With those words he released me completely and stepped out of the room. I slowly followed him, closing the door behind me, before I walked after him. He went down the stairs and only now I noticed the house seemed so light, so white. Almost too pure and nice for someone like Riddick to live in it. Maybe he had stolen the house too.

I heard voices coming from the house, before we completed the stairs. I felt terrified at the idea of once again being trapped between Riddick and some of his men. And now my uncle was not even here to look out for me. Not that he had last night…

I meekly followed Riddick into a room that had a large table with at least ten chairs around it. I noticed some of the guys from the night before sitting at the table. Some were as tall as Riddick, a lot of them muscled, but none of them seemed as terrifying as Riddick was. They silenced when they watched Riddick enter the room, and their eyes grew wide when they saw me walking behind him. Riddick walked towards the head of the table, not once looking back until he sat down. His eyes instantly found me, while I had stopped walking and stood before them, frozen.

'We don't bite, Aveline. Not right now at least. Sit.' Riddick had almost purred the words, but they did nothing for my nerves and fear. I hesitated a moment too long and the men at the table knew that. One wolf whistled softly as I slowly started walking. There were a few empty seats and I had no clue where to sit down. The only indication I had was a plate on the table, next to Riddick's chair. The other empty seats had no plates decked on the table to go with them, and the ones that did were already taken. I just knew this was Riddick's doing. He wanted me to be uncomfortable and uneasy. He said nothing as the men softly called me pet names. But his eyes watched me curiously, with an intensity I had never seen in anyone's eyes before.

'Maybe she wants to sit right here,' one of the men said, patting his lap as I froze. I glanced behind me once. Maybe food was overrated. I could do without it for at least one more day… didn't I? Could I make a run for it?

'Enough.' It was Riddick's growl that silenced the men and made me look at him again.

'Come Aveline,' he then continued. I was still not moving, until he stood. The idea that he probably would force me in a way I would not like was enough to make me walk over towards the chair and sit down. I deliberately avoided looking at him or his men at the table. He still stood and even moved behind me, nerving me even more now that I couldn't see him.

'Aveline, is my guest here, gentlemen. That means she will be safe within these walls. Always.' I just knew he was right behind me, even before I felt him move my hair over my shoulders, placing his hands on them. He kneaded my shoulders very gently. But I knew he would hurt me soon, I closed my eyes, waiting for the pain to come. I swallowed and tensed even more, feeling his large, warm hands through my sweater. I resisted the urge to pull myself free, even though I really, really wanted for him to release me.

'And now we will eat.' I felt how he, without hurting me first, released his hold on my shoulders and walked back towards his chair as a few women came walking in, carrying trays with food. Riddick watched me for a moment, before he watched the ladies place the food down, smile at him, before they turned around to leave again. They came in a few more times, filling the table with a lot of food, and eventually drinks. I saw potatoes, beef, steaks, chicken. There was a lot of meat and little side dishes next to some fruits. I began to understand how rich and powerful Riddick must be. That was not good. Not for me anyway.

When the ladies left for the last time and closed the doors behind them, everybody around me started filling their plates. I watched around me, feeling unsure what to do and if I could even eat between these men. I felt my stomach turn. I was hungry, but so scared and nervous. It was when people started to eat that the sound of their voices lowered and only the sound of cutlery and glasses was heard, combined with small talk and chatter. But I noticed soon enough Riddick was not eating either, not yet. His eyes were watching me, almost burning a hole in my head, until I watched him and we locked eyes.

'I'd thought this was a meal worthy of a princess like yourself. Was I wrong?' I heard the mockery in his words. I understood that he wanted to provoke me, hurt me more. For once I had no smart remark or hateful answer. Instead I just glared back at him for a moment, before I watched the food before me. I slowly and with very shaky hands moved to take my glass of water and took the smallest sip ever, before placing the glass back on the table. But it was something. Still Riddick was not eating, I could feel his gaze upon me. I decided to not look at him, I needed for him to let me be. I gathered a small amount of fruit on my plate and forced myself to eat bite after bite. I ate grapes and grilled pineapple, some strawberries and sliced banana before I dared to glance over towards Riddick, seeing he finally was eating himself. Now that everyone seemed occupied with talking or eating and they let me be, I dared to try some of the potatoes and salad. The food looked and smelled delicious, but in my nervous state I didn't really taste anything. But it took the hunger away and filled me and for now, that was good enough. Only God knew when Riddick would allow me to eat again after this meal. I stopped eating long before everyone else did. I knew I ate less then I normally would have, but I just couldn't force myself to take another bite. I started looking around. The men drank, a lot. Almost all the meat on the table was already gone, only some fruits and salad left. I wondered if they ate like this every night. Did Riddick live with these men? I shivered hoping I would not be around all of them everyday. Well maybe he will keep you locked up in that room forever. That way you won't have to see anyone anymore. I hated thinking like that, but I couldn't stop myself. I placed both of my hands in my lap wondering if Riddick had more plans for me tonight, or that he would allow me to excuse myself to go back to the room. Ik almost shook my head. He would not let me linger around here alone, he seemed far too smart to let me get away that easily. There was a chance I would escape. I knew I would try when the opportunity rose. And I had such a feeling Riddick knew that as well.

I was startled as the doors opened again and the ladies walked back in, this time carrying trays with some sort of dessert. I watched how they smiled, like there was nothing wrong here. Like I was not being held hostage between all these barbaric men. They placed the trays on the table and then gathered the empty plates and leftovers.

'Thank you ladies,' one of the men said, his eyes glued to the feminine curves of one of the women next to him. I noticed her smile faltered a bit when that man touched her backside. She didn't say anything though and left quickly leaving us with only the dessert on the table. The other men laughed and talked loudly. They seemed completely at easy in this situation. I really wondered what they did during the day time. Were they bank robbers, thieves or maybe even murderers?

I watched the men around me help themselves. I noticed it was very quiet on the left side of me. I dared to glance in Riddick's direction quickly. I noticed he was not touching any of the cakes and other treats on the table, instead he drank from his beer and watched me. Like he was observing me. He was not being shy about it either, he never broke the eye contact, but I did. I took a small sip of my water and then stared at the table.

Every now and then I heard one of the men tell a dirty joke, some watching me, some laughing as I didn't respond. But Riddick remained very silent. It made me very uneasy. I had completely lost track of time and wondered how long I would be forced to remain here. Would Riddick eventually take me back to the room or was he waiting for me to ask to be excused.

Fear and anger fought on the upper hand in my head. I was scared straight by this intimidating men and Riddick, but I was also angry for being placed in this situation. Nothing of it was my fault, and there had been absolutely no room for my opinion in the matter. After a while I glanced towards Riddick once, before looking away.

'May I be excused?' I wondered if he had even heard my soft words at all. I had to watch at him again to find out, but then saw his amused grin. The asshole had heard me.

'No.' His growl was loud enough to silence the men for a minute. They had not heard my question, but they sure had heard Riddick. I locked eyes with Riddick again.

'You haven't eaten any dessert yet.' He was mocking me for sure, the men around us laughed, now they understood the nature of the question I had asked Riddick. I looked away, angered and annoyed..

'I have eaten enough.' Again my words were soft, but Riddick's chuckle was loud at hearing my words.

'Barely. Eat' I swallowed hearing him speak again. Why had he been so observing as to what I had eaten? Was he mocking me more? I shook my head. I was really not eating anything more. Not even if he would force me or put me on display to embarrass me more.

'No.' My voice was a little louder now. He chuckled again. emptying his beer.

'Suit yourself, princess.'

He made me sit through two more hours of listening to the rude jokes of his men, all the while he kept a close eye on me. I had never thought I was capable of hating someone, but I knew for certain I hated Riddick with a passion. The way he looked at me made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. His dark look was something that made him seem even more dangerous. As if he needed more next to his deep voice and muscular appearance. I sighed deeply and leaned heavily against my chair. This had been a long, long day and an emotional rollercoaster. When would someone cut me some slack?

'Bedtime I think, come princess.' It was that deep vice that suddenly pulled me from my slumber. I watched to the side, seeing Riddick move to stand. I quickly followed.

'Sleep tight princess.'

'Do you need someone to warm the bed for you?'

'I can come tuck you in.'

I ignored all the comments I got as I followed Riddick, who did absolutely nothing about them and just moved forwards. I hated everyone in that room with a passion. I hoped they would all get food poisoning or something. Assholes. And then there was Riddick… Was he seriously going to bring me back to my room? Would that be a daily thing? Him retrieving me when he wanted me with him and returning me when he had, had enough of me? I swallowed and tried to ignore everything in my head. I needed rest. And mostly I really needed sleep. I was not even paying attention to the hallway before we once again took the stairs. I was too tired to try and escape right now anyway.

'Stay close princess.' I had no idea how he did it, but his voice startled me everytime, and I hated him for it. What was he even thinking? I followed him, a good two feet between us, because I liked the distance that separated us. But I did as he told, just to be sure. Reaching the ending of the stairs he suddenly stopped in his tracks, what almost made us collide as I was not expecting him to stop moving before he reached the door of the room he had locked me in just a few hours before. My cage.

'Well, I suggest you rest. Sleep. You seem…. tired.' The way he looked me over as he spoke made me feel very, very cold. I shivered and took a step back, creating a little more space between us. I also noticed his mouth become a thin line when he noticed me pulling away. Like he didn't liked that. Not at all. How strange… Wasn't he trying to do everything to keep me on edge and afraid of him. And then he was surprised I acted on it?

I nodded once and moved to walk past him, but instantly his hand moved, gripping my upper arm and pulling me closer. Too close for my liking. It only made it more evident he was so much broader and larger than me. It was so easy for him to hurt me. No one would even know, or care. There would be no one to stop him. It was that thought that froze me completely.

'That fire in your eyes, that's what will bring you into trouble one of these days princess.' I stared at him, not sure what he was trying to say. I was not feeling any fire. Only pure fear. He chuckled.

'But for now, the fear rules.' I tried to pull my arm free, but he just intensified his grip.

I felt him pull me even closer, so he could place his cheek next to mine, his skin touching my skin. I shivered. What was he doing!?

'But maybe… maybe the princess has more to her than just… what appears to be on the surface. Hmm?' I felt him growl the words as his lips traced my cheek and temple before he let his hand grip my waist firmly. I completely lost every urge to move. He had me frozen to the floor, completely paralyzed with fear of what he would do to me. But I still had my voice.

'I am no princess.' I could just feel his grin from against my cheek as he slowly let me move away the tiniest bit. His eyes were right before mine and I couldn't fail to notice how he smelled of spices and something more. Something eartly.

'Feisty. Just how I like them.' It was all he said before he released me completely and nodded his head into the direction of the bedroom.

'No funny business tonight. Get in. Sleep.' I hesitated a moment, but decided I wanted to be alone more than I wanted to fight with him. I walked past him and opened the door, getting ready to slam it in his face if he tried to follow me in. Unfortunately for me, he beat me to it by taking the doorknob in his hand and slowly closing the door behind me.

'Sweet dream, princess.' I turned and watched how the door closed again. Of course he locked it. What a surprise. I turned the light on and slowly walked towards the bed. I desperately needed to close my eyes and put my mind to sleep. And preferably before I went crazy. But how would I ever be able to sleep in a place like this? And especially with someone like Riddick holding the key to my room? He could barge in at any time he prefered. I remembered the words from earlier today. Why would he threaten me and not touch me the first chance he got? Had he just wanted to scare me so I would listen? Or would he really pull though? Was he trying to make me go crazy by worrying? Or was he just waiting for the opportune moment? Would he make his men hurt me? All my fears played out in my head and made me feel even more depressed. But only one thing seemed important. How did I ever ended up in this nightmare. And maybe even more important, how would I get out of it?

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