6. On your knees

I gasped and woke up quickly as ice-cold water splashed over me.

Gasping for air and blinking my eyes multiple times to clear my vision, I looked atouyto get a hold of my surroundings, and everything that happened to me the day before played in my head like a movie. Each moment was clear in my head, from the auction to his barbaric attack, shaking me to the core.

I could see a bucket in front of me, and my eyes trailed up to see the person who was holding it, and I saw Ansell Orion, who has become the nightmare of my life.

His dark presence loomed over me; he was looking down at me with an emotionless face, as if it were something normal for him to do.

His voice cut through the air, icier than the water that had shocked me awake. "Wake up, princess" his words dripped with a chilling coldness, "you are no longer in the comfort of your parent's home"

When he mentioned my parents, I missed them. Though they are in a different city, they must be getting worried, as I haven't called them since last night.

My head is pounding with pain, and I don't exactly remember when I slept right here on the cold floor while crying continuosly. I am sure I must have passed out.

The realization that I was trapped in Ansell's presence without any escape settled in like a heavy weight on my heart, plunging me deeper into a sense of helpless.

"Stand up" his authoritative command cut short my thoughts, "and clean up the mess that you have created"

Me?

I have created this mess.

I was taken aback by his words, and instead of following his order, I found myself paralyzed in my place.

Dropping the bucket to the floor, he bent his knees and placed his right elbow over it to grab my chin, making me look into his eyes. The intense gaze that met mine sent a shiver down my spine. His eyes bore into me, their chilling intensity locking me in place.

"Don't forget your place as my slave" he raved against my place, his voice dripping with venom cruelly reminding me if everything. "You are not allowed to look at me in this way. I will squeeze your eyes out" he threatened me, and it didn't look like an empty threat.

I have heard from my brother how cruel mafias are, and they do things that we cannot even imagine. I am sure he will not give it a second to do what he has just said, but still, my eyes were not ready to move down to the floor, and I kept glaring at him.

"I believe it is time we establish some rules for you" his tone held a calculated seriousness. He released my chin, redirecting my gaze to the pool of water that surround me, leaving me drenched from head to toe.

"Last night was just a trailer.. I have many things in store for you that would be so painful for you that you will remember your ancestors. I would like you to commit mistakes so that I can leash out my anger on you and take my revenge but be glad that right now I am in a good mood"

My fingers curled tightly as I felt a wave of chilly air pass through me. I could feel goosebumps rising on my skin.

"Move" his voice boomed, flinching me to my place.

With trepidation coursing through my veins, I rose to my feet, my body still trembling from apprehension.

"The mop is there" he pointed at one of the rooms in the corner, and my eyes followed the spot he was directing me to. "You have five minutes" he said, just like a master who was giving time to his puppet to complete a task.

I almost tripped as I made my way toward the room he pointed to, but I soon regained my composure because I was sure that he was not going to pick me up even if I broke my bone.

Entering the room, which turned out to be a common bathroom, the first thing I saw was a mop, but it was a dry cotton cloth as if it were kept there for this incident only.

He has planned everything before. This seems like a sinister game, one in which he held all the cards and I was a mere pawn, helpless to escape the web he had skillfully woven.

Tears were pricking my eyes but I didn't let them all. Taking the cloth with me, I came back to the devil, who was still standing there. I am doing all this so that he can find a away to escape.

Seating myself on the damp floor, I spread the cloth out, it's fibers soaking up the lingering moisture and absorbing the remnants of the cold water that had assaulted me earlier. Unknowingly, a sob escaped my lips when I saw half-melted ice cubes.

I never knew that he could be this cruel.

I squeezed the cloth in the bucket before once again spreading it on the floor to absorb the water. A lone tear escapes my eyes and drops on the floor. I just prayed that he didn't see it because my tears give him pleasure. I don't want to file for his twisted satisfaction.

When I was almost done, I felt a hand ony head, which forced me to look up. He was still towering above me while his hand was stroking my head appreciatively as if I were his pet.

Dropping the cloth back into the bucket, I placed it in the bathroom and washed my hands thoroughly before coming out.

I was still drenched and wasn't sure where to go or what to wear because I brought nothing with me.

"Come with me" he ordered, and turning around, he walked ahead.

I followed him, and he took me to the room, which reminded me of the things he did to me last night. These walls heard my cries and witnessed everything, capturing every moment of my agony.

My eyes flicked to the bathroom, and I decided to dry myself first because the temperature of the AC was so low that it felt like I was at a hill station without any clothes. I was practically shivering like a leaf. And at the moment, it seems like the best escape from him.

As I was about to enter the bathroom, he stopped me from behind.

"Where do you think you are going?" His voice was laced with authority. My eyebrow drew together in confusion as I turned to look at him.

Doesn't he knew that it is his bathroom?

"First, we need to discuss something" he said, directing me to a chair positioned directly in front of the AC. A chill raced down my spine, not just from the cold air but from the ominous tone I his voice. He was well aware that I was drenched and trembling, yet he instructed me to sit directly in front of the AC.

"Sit or I will reduce the temperature even more and tie you to the same chair for the rest of the day"

Exhaling a heavy sigh, I closed my eyes briefly,. resigning myself to the situation. I took a seat in the chair, the icy gusts of air immediately engulfing me. The biting cold seeped into my bones, causing me to clench my teeth to stop them from chattering.

He settled onto the edge of the bed in front of me, his gaze fixed on me.

"I am glad you haven't said everything since morning, and I expect exactly this behaviour from your side. The only thing that I don't like is your attitude and your way of looking at me. Your glares are not going to hurt me, but they could have repercussions for you

I wouldn't spare you again if you looked at me with those eyes. All I want is gratitude in them for me"

Gratitude?

For what?

For ruining my life?

"Now I am going to tell you there simple rules that you have to follow; otherwise, I won't be responsible for the consequences"

He took a deep breath while I was listening to him silently.

"First and foremost, you have to wake up sharp at 6 because this is my time to start the day. A mere minute late, and I assure you, I will rouse you in ways that will be far from pleasant"

Yeah! I just saw the trailer today.

"Second, you need to take care of all my needs, be they my plaything or my servant. I want my clothes, watch and other things ready before I step into the bathroom "

Whatever!

"And lastly, when I return from wor, I want you on your knees, eyes on the floor, and hands on the lap, waiting for me like a good pet"

My palms curled in anger. My blood boils every time he calls me that. I am a human being whom he has forced into this condition!

"I don't think that I need to remind you that you are mine now and you are not allowed to meet or talk to any other male because you are not stepping out of this house ever"

My breathing was heavy, partially because of the coldness and partially after listening to his words. I was trying my best not to burts at him because after he leaves this house, I am going to escape and I don't want to increase my problems unnecessarily.

"I could see defiance in your eyes" he said as he stood up. "Not a problem. Soon you will learn and accept the purpose of your life"

He walked back into his closet and before I could make any moves, he threw one of his t-shirt on my face.

"Wear this by the time I arrange clothes for you"