Episode| V
He wanted to fuck her, but saving that for later was best. He let her leg down. She hung an inch off the floor, her arms straining. Ayana wanted to plead with him, but the image of her brother flashed through her mind. She swallowed hard, choosing to take whatever he gave her.
"I haven't decided yet," Block said casually. "I heard you were causing problems. My brother also said you wouldn't listen." Ayana rolled her eyes, frustrated.
"My arms are tired. Can you please cut this shit out?" she snapped, thrashing against the ropes. She didn't realize how the binds were cutting into her wrists, but Block did. He didn't say a word, only stepped back to lean against the wall.
"Your temper's gonna get you killed," he warned. "Tell you what, you stay in here, and I'll go back out there. I've got business to attend to."
Ayana's eyes widened. "Leaving me in here like this?" she yelled, still struggling against the restraints. Block was serious. To prove it, he buttoned his shirt and quietly walked out, closing the door softly behind him.
"You fucking bastard! Let me the fuck out of here! I'll fucking kill you!" Her voice broke into a sob. "Please... let me out of here."
Block stood just outside the door, fastening his last button. He motioned to Christie, who hurried over. "Do me a favor—don't open this door. If you do, Basket'll be picking you up off the floor. Understand?"
Christie nodded, her expression hard. She had seen enough to know Block was dead serious. As Block walked away, she stood there, listening to Ayana's screams echo through the door. She knew all too well the consequences of disobedience.
"Go enjoy the gathering. Later, come to my room," Basket's voice came from behind her. She turned, glancing at him.
"Yes, Papi," she said softly.
He grinned, tapping her on the butt. "Then go." He gave her a slight push forward and stayed by the door, waiting for a soldier to take over his position.
Back in the main room, Block resumed chatting with his fellow members. The mansion's brick walls rose around them, the air filled with the scent of tulips—Basket's favorite. Block had placed them throughout the house. The black marble floors gleamed, adding a cold elegance to the space.
Meanwhile, Ayana could hear the laughter and voices outside. Her wrists were burning, and her arms were numb. She was sweating so much her hair was soaked, and her hands felt completely cut off from circulation. She had screamed and cried until she was exhausted. Leaning her head back, she sighed.
"I'll obey," she whispered, her voice soft, almost desperate.
So sweet and broken. She wanted out of that room more than anything.
It felt like she was always being shoved into rooms and left there.
Batting her eyes, she began thinking of her past. She figured she might as well, since it seemed like she'd be stuck hanging there for a while.
The room smelled like maple wood—she could sense it even if she couldn't see much in the dim light. It was just bright enough to reveal a third of the room. She looked toward the door, noticing shadows of feet moving back and forth under it. Taking her chance, she shouted for Block.
Whoever was outside heard her. The shadows disappeared.
The ordeal had started at 6:05 pm. Now it was 9:15 pm. Ayana could no longer feel her fingers. "I think I might lose my fingers," she whispered to herself.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. Block stepped in.
Standing at six feet even, he wore a red V-neck shirt and grey joggers, the letters "FOE" printed vertically down one side.
He ran a hand through his hair, closing the door behind him.
He didn't speak, didn't need to. His presence was enough.
Ayana stared at him, her lips dry, pressed together.
Her expression softened despite herself, her eyes giving off a submissive gaze.
"P-please let me down. I'll obey," she whispered, her voice shaky.
Block huffed, licking his lips. His movements were silent as he approached her, like he was walking on clouds.
Reaching up, he cut the rope, and she fell to the ground.
She hadn't been far off the floor, but her legs were weak.
She couldn't stand. He kneeled in front of her, looking down at her as she struggled.
"I told you you'd learn, didn't I?" he said quietly.
She nodded, reaching out for him. He grabbed her forearm and pulled her to her feet.
Their bodies collided, her head resting under his neck.
Inhaling his scent, she swore she could taste Burberry in her mouth.
He smelled so good, cleaner than she'd imagined.
She knew he was a well-kept man, but she hadn't realized just how gorgeous he was up close.
He wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her against him. They locked eyes.
"Just saying you'll obey doesn't mean shit," Block said, lifting her wrist. "Look at this." He gestured to the raw, bleeding skin where the rope had cut her. She wanted to look, but she couldn't take her eyes off him.
"This could've been avoided," he added.
Their moment was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Bro, I need to talk to you," came a voice from the other side.
Block's expression didn't change. He wrapped his fingers in Ayana's hair, jerking her head back as he kissed her neck. "I'm not done with you," he whispered against her skin. "I promise you'll learn."
She swallowed, and he grinned, his lips still pressed to her throat. "Go find Christie. Stick to her like white on rice."
She nodded. He let her go.
Ayana opened the door to find Basket standing there. He stepped aside, and she bowed, murmuring a soft "excuse me" before jogging off to find Christie.