11
Lark
I wake in the darkness, the weight of Ethans body pressing against mine. By the sounds coming from him, hes sleeping deeply. The room is dark, much darker than wait. The blindfold. With trembling fingers, I pull it down, tempted to turn around and watch him. But I dont. Im not sure I can bear seeing his face after finding out hes the one who has been stalking me.
As I lie there, I run my hand up and down the mattress. When I reach the part just below my stomach, I feel something hard and metallic. Its a key. Hope surges within me as I grasp it, my heart racing with the possibility of escape.
Carefully, I slip out of bed, trying not to disturb Ethan. I pause, but his breathing hasnt changed, so I quickly throw on one of his shirts and a pair of his boxers, hoping theyll provide some semblance of cover.
With the key in hand, I approach the bedroom door, my pulse pounding in my ears. I insert the key into the lock, my fingers trembling with anticipation. As I turn the key, theres a soft click, and the door swings open silently.
I step cautiously into the hallway; the darkness enveloping me like a thick blanket. For a moment, I shut my eyes, allowing them to adjust to the absence of light. Slowly, shapes begin to materialize in the dimness, and I start to make out the vague outlines of furniture and doorways.
With each tentative step, I navigate my way around the house, my heart pounding in my chest. The silence is deafening, broken only by the soft sounds of my own breathing and the soft pads of my bare feet on the floor. I approach the nearest door and try the handle, but it refuses to budge, locked tight against my escape.
Moving on, I try another door, then another, each one met with the same frustrating resistance. Panic begins to rise within me as I realize the extent of my confinement. Desperation sets in, and I find myself at a window, grasping at the handle with trembling hands.
I tug at the window with all my strength, but it remains stubbornly shut, refusing to yield to my desperate attempts. My breath comes in shallow gasps as I struggle to keep my composure, the fear of being discovered drives me to move quickly yet quietly.
Time seems to stretch on endlessly as I continue my fruitless search for a means of escape, the weight of my predicament bearing down on me like a leaden weight. But despite my efforts, every avenue remains closed to me, leaving me trapped in this nightmare with no way out.
As I reach the end of the hallway, my heart sinks as I realize there are no more doors to try. Desperation claws at me, urging me to try anything, even the windows again, but I know its futile. Theyre all securely locked, just like before.
Feeling defeated, I lean against the wall, my mind racing with possibilities. How could Ethan have set up this place to be so impenetrable? Seriously, whats up with this house? Either hes meticulously planned this, or hes paranoid. Maybe both. Either way, I have no means of escape.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as I weigh my options. Its clear that I cant rely on finding a way out through conventional means. I need to be smart, strategic, and, above all, patient.
With a renewed sense of determination, I resolve to bide my time, waiting for the opportune moment to make my move. I may be trapped for now, but I refuse to surrender to despair. As long as theres breath in my lungs, theres still hope for escape.
As I stand there, contemplating my next move, Ethans voice echoes through the speakers, causing a shiver to run down my spine. Little Bird, he calls me, his tone dripping with condescension and amusement. If you can find a way to fly away, then by all means, try. But if I catch you He chuckles darkly. Ill clip your fucking wings.
Even though Im scared shitless, I refuse to cower in fear or succumb to his manipulation. You wont catch me, I scream, feigning a bravado I dont really feel.
As I press on, my mind races with thoughts of freedom and escape. I try to block out Ethans voice, echoing through the speakers, taunting me at every turn. Each door I try, each window I test, is met with the same result: locked, sealed shut, impenetrable.
Frustration and desperation gnaw at my insides, threatening to overwhelm me. But I cant afford to lose hope. I remind myself of the strength I possess, the resilience that has carried me through so many trials before.
And then, just when Im on the brink of despair, I stumble upon a door that yields to my touch. My heart leaps with a surge of hope as I cautiously push it open, praying that it leads to freedom.
But as the door swings open, my hopes are dashed once again. Instead of an exit, I find myself face to face with a darkened corridor, stretching out before me like a labyrinth of shadows.
Undeterred, I take a deep breath and step forward, determined to explore every possibility, to leave no stone unturned in my quest for freedom. With each step, my resolve strengthens, fueled by the fierce determination burning within me.
I may be trapped in Ethans twisted game for now, but I refuse to be his pawn. Ill find a way out of this maze, and when I do, hell learn that this Little Bird knows how to use her claws.
As I press on, Ethans taunts grow louder, his voice echoing through the speakers with a chilling intensity. Little Bird, where do you think youre going? You cant escape me, he calls out. His taunts send shivers down my spine, but I steel myself against the fear, focusing on the task at hand.
With each step, I navigate the labyrinthine corridors, my senses heightened as I strain to detect any sign of escape. And then, just when I least expect it, I hear the faint click of a door unlocking. My heart races as adrenaline floods my veins, and without hesitation, I dart into the room beyond, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I press myself into the darkness of a corner.
Time seems to stand still as I wait, every nerve in my body on edge, listening intently for any sign of Ethans approach. Where are you hiding, Little Bird? You cant hide forever, his voice taunts.
The air is heavy with tension; the silence broken only by the sound of my own frantic heartbeat. And then, like a specter emerging from the shadows, I hear the faintest whisper of footsteps drawing near.
My heart leaps into my throat as dread coils in the pit of my stomach, but I force myself to remain perfectly still, praying that Ill remain unseen. As Ethans footsteps draw closer, my pulse quickens, the adrenaline coursing through my veins as I brace myself for the inevitable confrontation.
But even as fear grips me like a vice, a stubborn spark of defiance flickers within me, refusing to be extinguished. Youll not break me, I vow silently. The words dont bring me the same comfort it has before, but its all I have for now.
As his footsteps approaches, I gulp, inwardly cursing myself for not picking up a knife or some kind of weapon from the kitchen. Im so fucking stupid, and my stupidity has left me completely at his mercy.
Im proud of you, Little Bird. Even though his words are muttered, I have no trouble hearing him. Hes closer than I thought. Im proud of you. You never looked at my face once. Did you know that according to Greek myth, some of the greatest heroes suffered because they couldnt resist looking?
Theres a seductive undertone to his words, one that makes my nipples pebble.
I know youre in here, he goes on. Keeping quiet wont save you, Little Bird. Youre trapped.
Hes right, and I hate him a little more for it.
Deciding that I wont just sit and wait like a sacrifice, I crawl around the table thats blocking me. I can see his feet, theyre as bare as mine. And his toned legs arent covered by pants. Unbidden, my gaze travels further up his body, my breath hitching when I realize hes still naked. The only difference from when I left him in the bedroom is that fucking mask now covering his face.
Knowing that this is my last stance, I crawl closer to the wall, intending to use that to guide me to the door. As I place my hand in front of me, something pierces the skin. Fuck! I scream, startled at the sudden pain.
Ethan growls, and before I can realize my mistake, he grabs me by the hair and throws me onto my back, and straddles me. His cock swells and grows on my stomach, making me pant. Gotcha. I buck and thrash, but its futile. He isnt budging, and while I try to fight him, he rips the shirt and borrowed underwear from my body before leaning forward to secure my arms above my head. Youre mine now, Little Bird.
The whimper escaping me isnt because hes holding me, its caused by the pain in my hand. It hurts,. When he softens his hold on my wrists, it becomes clear he thinks he was hurting me. Not that. My palm, I hiss, needing to clarify.
Releasing my hands, he lifts one closer to him, inspecting it. Youre bleeding, he states. To my horror, I feel his cock harden more and twitch as we both look at my hand. This is the second time I find you bleeding.
Just like he did back in that dirty alley, he licks my blood up. His tongue dances across my palm, not wasting a single drop. Its so fucking wrong and and hot. My core clenches and I let out an embarrassing moan.
Why are you licking my blood? I ask, trying to sound aghast, but the chuckle rumbling in his chest tells me Im not fooling him. Its disgusting.
Tilting his head to the side, he looks at me through the slits in his mask. Its part of you, he says as though that explains everything. Now youre a part of me, Little Bird. The dark promise in his tone makes me wetter.
You caught me, I whisper. Are you going to hurt me? I dont hate the thought of that happening. In fact, it intrigues me and turns me on even more.
He bends down, claiming my lips in a bruising kiss that makes my toes curl. When his tongue seeks entrance to my mouth, I eagerly part my lips for him. The kiss is scorching, and I feel like I might just catch on fire.
Are you going to fight me? he asks as he kisses his way down my neck,
I cant answer that question, its too open-ended. Right now, I dont want to fight him. I want him to fuck me, hard. Not right now, I moan when he shifts so the head of his cock grazes my swollen, wet lips.
With a groan, he slams his hips against mine, sheathing himself completely inside me. My inner walls burn with the stretch needed to make room for him. Oh, God, I pant.
There is no God here, Little Bird, he groans. Fuck, your cunt is squeezing me so tight. Open up for me.
He thrust into me with a wild abandon, groaning like a fucking animal. More, I pant. Much to my dismay, he pulls out of me. No what are you My protest is caught off as he roughly flips me to my front.
Shut up, he growls. His long, tattooed fingers tangle in my hair and he pulls at the strands until I whimper in pain. Ass up in the air.
I scramble to do as he says, getting on all fours for him. Swaying my back, I wiggle my ass in front of him. Fuck me, I moan. Please.
Taking his time, he runs the head of his cock through my soaked folds, not giving me what I want. Im just above to beg as he moves one hand to my throat, squeezing until I have trouble breathing and dizziness sets in.
Et
As though me almost saying his name spurs him on, he lets go of my hair and grips my hip in a bruising hold. Youre mine, he grinds out as he slams into me again. Say my fucking name, Little Bird.
Take off your mask. My words are more like a wheeze, which turns into a cough, as he still restricts my air. He chuckles, but I feel his arm move just before theres a thud. Out of my peripheral vision, I see the mask lying on the floor.
Your turn, he rasps, easing his grip on my throat.
Knowing he did what I asked makes pride swell in my chest, and my pussy squeeze him. Its like a natural high to know this monster is obeying me. Not completely, but enough to make me feel like I have more power than I realized.
Make me come, Ethan, I moan as he slams into me again. Make me cream all over your hard cock.
Fuck. Little Bird. Youre so fucking tight and I fuck. His thrusts turn wilder, and my knees hurt from the burn of being on the floor. But I cant find it in me to care about anything other than the orgasm building inside me.
He moves his hand between my legs, sliding a finger into me along with his cock. It feels fucking unreal, and Im barely able to stay on all fours as my pleasure builds. He retrieves his finger and uses it to roll my clit until Im trembling.
Now, Little Bird, he growls.
Ethan! His name turns into incoherent sounds as my orgasm crests, and wave after wave of euphoria slams into me, making my vision waver.
As I sag, my arms and legs giving out, Ethan moves his hands so he can hold me up. Then he thrusts into me twice before growling my name and pumping me full of his cum. With almost tender movements, he turns us so hes on his back and my head is resting on his chest.
I lie there listening to his heart until its no longer thundering in his chest, and both our breathing turns normal. We dont speak, and I dont know about him, but Im too busy sorting through my thoughts.
My stalker is my boss, and my boss is my stalker. Hes defended me, protected me, drugged me, held me captive, and played a wicked game with my life. I dont know what it all means, or what I want it to mean. But despite all the negatives, I dont hate it. I like knowing hes gone to great lengths to get to me, and that hes watched me, and
Oh, my God! I exclaim. Thats why you messaged me at work. You were Trailing off, I think back on it. Right now my thoughts are running quicker than I can form words, and what Im saying doesnt make any sense. How long? I ask after a pregnant silence, needing to know.
For over a month, Ethan answers, immediately knowing what Im talking about. The first time I saw you, I knew you were meant for me.
Where?
You were walking home from your dads care facility when I happened to drive by. The rain had soaked you, and you were crying. You looked so beautifully broken and scared.
Closing my eyes, I let my mind drift back to the night I think hes talking about. It was after Id been told my dads expenses would increase the following month. When the doctor left me alone, I held a pillow over my dads sleeping face. I did nothing more than that, but I seriously considered smothering him and ending both of our torments.
That wasnt a good time, I admit softly.
Ethans hand trails up and down my naked back. I got out of the car and followed you home on foot. I hated seeing the shithole you lived in. But I also liked it, because no one was paying attention and I could easily break in with no one noticing.
I feel like I should be offended by his assessment, but how can I be when its the truth?
The first thing I did was get rid of the scum in your street. Then I had the building fixed until I could move you into another and better one.
Thats how you knew where I moved to and could leave the necklace. As I say it, my hand moves to my neck, where the pendant still hangs. I never took it off after putting it on the first time. Not even to shower.
Ethan chuckles. I know everything there is to know about you, Little Bird.
Oh? I volley. What am I thinking right now?
That you wish you could hate me. That you should hate me. But most importantly, you dont hate me.
Damn him thats exactly what Im thinking of him. What if I do hate you? I ask.
You dont, he simply answers, making me roll my eyes.
But if I did? I insist.
Wouldnt matter to me, he rasps. Id find a way to change your mind. Thats the beauty of having the rest of our lives together.
I dont know how to feel about that statement. Its both terrifying and intriguing. Ive never belonged to anyone, never thought I wanted to. But Ethan isnt just anyone, hes I dont know a word big enough to describe everything that he is, so I dont even try.
Yawning, I snuggle closer to him. Im tired, I admit.
Just as my eyes begin to close, he sits up, dragging me with him. Lets get you to bed, Little Bird.
We stand but before I can take a single step, Ethan scoops me into his arms and clutches me to his chest as he carries me back to the bedroom. After gently sitting me down on the bed, he disappears into the adjoining bathroom. When he returns, hes carrying a small medical kit.
I stare, wordlessly as he cleans up the wound on my hand. Now that Im paying attention to it, its throbbing with pain, and it looks like its been sliced open. I dont think youll need stitches, he says, brows furrowed. But we should have Abel look at it. Get dressed.
No, I protest around another yawn.
Im not letting him see you naked, Ethan growls.
Thats not what I meant, I say, pulling my hand away from him. He can look at my hand tomorrow. I want to sleep, Ethan.
Cupping my face, he moves closer until our noses touch. I dont think Ill ever grow tired of hearing you say my name, he smirks.
I make myself comfortable while he shuts off the lights, but unlike earlier, he doesnt bother to close or lock the door. When he notices me staring, he arches an eyebrow. Youve learned your lesson about trying to fly away, havent you, Little Bird?
Turning to my side, I smile as he follows, enveloping me in his strong arms. Yes, Ive definitely learned my lesson.