Page 610 of Hell Hath No Fury

He shrugs. Actually shrugs as if he doesn’t care. Which I guess he doesn’t. I’m so frustrated I don’t even know what to say or do, except sigh, and Pete as always snuggles close to soothe me. Which as always, works. Some of the tension squeezing my muscles loosens as I caress over his ears and down his neck.

I'm exhausted. I guess being unconscious isn't the same as being asleep. Pete keeps yawning too. I don't know what he went through while I was in the dungeon, but he looks fine except tired. Before I check out the bedroom options, I rise from squatting next to him and force eye contact with the guard. Not worth the effort to try and escape again, but he doesn't know that and his gaze bores into me this time, expecting another attack. "My dog needs to go out. Where should I take him?"

The only answer I receive is him sliding out his phone and pounding out a quick text. Ridiculous he can’t answer a simplequestion on his own. I guess that’s how things work around here. Everyone is obedient to the boss. Except for me. I’ll never submit to him.

We wait in silence. I'm too sleepy to battle any more.

Finally, his cell pings, and after scanning the message, he motions to the dining room. "Mr. Gallo says you can take him in the back. It's fenced in with guards around the perimeter so don't get any ideas."

His tone is neutral despite the implied threat. I guess we're calling a truce from our previous skirmish. Grateful there’s a fence since I don't have Pete's harness and leash, I head in the direction the big guy points and find French doors in the dining room. Pete paws at the dark walnut wood before I can twist the handle, eager to go literally. Shit. If he leaves scratches, Gallo is going to kill me. Literally for that mistake too. I corral my hair so I can bend over and inspect the smooth surface. I don't see any marks, but the lights are dim in here. I make a mental note to check later in the sunshine.

Later. My heart tumbles in my chest again. How long am I going to be stuck here?

No time to ponder with Pete jetting out in the yard. I really have stepped into another universe. Beyond a grassy area about half the size of a football field is an even bigger patio and bright blue water sparkles in a pool from the lights embedded in the walls. He has an outdoor kitchen with three silver grills and a table that seats twelve people plus more furniture surrounding a fire pit.

All of the backyard is surrounded by a massive stone wall. Not just decorative rocks along the ground or on the posts but the entire thing. Beyond that is darkness as far as I can see to the left and right with the entire city blazing on the horizon in front of me. He must be some kind of king—real or underworld with hismoney. I shake my head. I don't belong here at all, and I have no idea why he wants to keep me.

My sneakers are soundless against the tile as I wander toward where Pete is sniffing. With so many new smells he's enjoying his adventure. That makes me happy. After all he's been through, I love seeing him feel so free and ecstatic. I'm also relieved he doesn't poop since I don't have a bag to clean up after him. Tomorrow I won't be so lucky. Or maybe Gallo will decide keeping us isn't as great as he thinks. I start to giggle from the image of him in his expensive shoes stepping in Pete's droppings until I realize he could try to get rid of Pete and keep me. My chest tightens. I will pick up his shit with my bare hands if I have to.

After exploring and peeing in five spots until nothing else comes out when he lifts his leg a sixth time, I call to him to come inside. He bounds to me, delirious with his tummy full, his bladder empty, and his momma calm. I bend down and hug him again. Guess it's time to find where we're going to sleep.

CHAPTER FIVE

Addie

Four is my lucky number—although since I’ve been terribly unlucky my entire life, I should probably consider a different digit—so I pick the fourth door and twist the knob, holding my breath, fearful of what could be waiting for me. This mansion is practically a castle out of a fairy tale it’s so opulent. Looks can be deceiving as I know all too well, and I can’t be lulled into thinking luxury means safety.

My worry is unnecessary. A beautiful bedroom that appears to belong in a magazine photo shoot or some upscale hotel greets me on the other side. Gray and blue bedding softens the tall and thick white headboard on the king size bed. Small white ottomans flank each side and across the footboard, while two silver leather chairs face the fireplace. Otherwise, no other furniture occupies the room. I guess the walk-in closet with shelves and cubbyholes from the floor to the ceiling eliminates the need for a dresser.

The bathroom mimics the fancy style with a white vanity and gray, black, and white tiled shower. Which is something I haven’t had in three days. Too afraid to get completely naked, I’ve made do washing up at the sink which keeps me from stinking but doesn’t feel as good as a real bath.

With Gallo gone, I seize the opportunity to enjoy the amenities. I race to lock the bedroom door and run back, locking the bathroom door too. Pete circles around twice and drops down on the cool tile, more at ease than I am in our newsurroundings. I rush to strip and twist the handle, welcoming the warm flood cascading down on me from the biggest showerhead I’ve ever seen.

Fearful of him returning and catching me in the nude, I hurry to lather my hair and scrub my body with the products on the shelf. Brands I’ve never heard of before but can tell from the elegant labels and amazing scents they’re expensive. Surprisingly the shampoo and bodywash are unused too with the liquid all the way to the top of the bottles. Funny how rich people just keep extras lying around in case someone might use them.

I’m beyond grateful though for the extravagance. I already smell wonderful, and I’m not finished. I grab my panties and bra off the floor and wash them by hand too. Laundry detergent would be better, but I have to take the chance when I can.

My tee shirt and shorts could use a cleaning too. I don’t have anything else to change into without my bag, so I have to wait on them. Wearing only my lingerie makes me too vulnerable in a house full of men I don’t know. Or trust.

Despite how wonderful the shower is, I can’t allow myself to enjoy the luxury any longer. I hop out and dry off quickly, still kind of damp when I shrug on my clothes. Luck stays with me that no one tries to come in, and I find a blow dryer in the cabinet. I hang my wet things on the towel rack and wave the nozzle across the fabric until they at least aren’t damp. Hopefully, they’ll dry by the time Gallo gets back.

A new tube of toothpaste lies in the drawer I yank open. No toothbrush but I can get by with my finger. Not great but doable. Despite my anxiety, I haven’t felt this good in a long time and I know how grateful I should be for the amenities. The thought messes with my head since I’m a prisoner albeit a spoiled one.

With my mind overloaded and nothing left to do, I guess I’ll try to get some sleep.

I slowly open the door in case someone waits for me in the bedroom. Instead of someone, it’s something. My backpack and two shopping bags sit in the middle of the room. The door remains locked, confusing the hell out of me. Gallo or one of his servants broke in, left stuff, then locked the door again. Almost as if confirming my privacy, my space.

Although I know it’s wrong to be excited about gifts from a psycho, I can’t help but look in the sacks. They’re both full to the handles with clothes. I lift out a red top, simple but cute, edged with a tiny ruffle around the neck and hem. The tag flutters under the arm. I shake my head. Ninety dollars for a cotton shirt. Ridiculous. I check the label and the tee is my size.

New.

Expensive.

Beautiful.

Three things I’ve rarely had before if at all. I empty out the rest, unable to stop myself. Adorable white capris, summery dresses in bright solids and soft florals, bras and panties in every color, silk pink pajamas that are a matching set, shorts with coordinated tops. More clothes than I’ve owned in my entire life.

Overwhelmed by the abundant generosity, I drop to my knees with the outfits spread around me. Plush, clean, unstained carpet tickles my thighs. A footboard, smooth, shiny, and unmarred, supports my back. Cool air blows through the room that smells almost as good as I do. The entire situation is a complete fantasy, and I don’t ever want to go back to reality.