Page 28 of Pretty Plaything

When I open the closet, it’s full of clothes.

Not mine. But I guess they are for me.

I want out of my wedding dress.

I want to stop feeling naked.

Luckily, I find a pair of black pants and a sweater, and some underwear and a pair of flats.

Just as I’m about to pull the strap of my dress down my shoulder, something shiny and black in the corner of the room catches my eyes.

I go closer, my brow furrowing.

A camera.

It’s a fucking camera!

He’s spying on me.

Alessandro is watching me as if I were a wild animal that only exists for his entertainment. He’s a psychopath.

Fury courses through my veins, and my body shakes with anger. My nostrils flare as I grab the chair and lift it up.

It’s a good thing the chair is made of very light wood. I hit the camera with the leg of the chair over and over again, until it falls to the floor.

I lower the chair and pick up the camera. After I hurl the camera through the open window, not caring if I hit any of the guards, I inspect the room for more cameras.

Once I’m sure there aren’t any left, I get dressed.

I storm out of my room, and I don’t even know where I’m going. I just want to get as far away as I can from my psychotic husband.

The house is huge, with plenty of rooms to explore. But wherever I go, I still feel trapped.

Like someone’s constantly watching me.

I burst through the back door and find myself in a big yard. It’s beautiful. There are flowers and trees, and even though it’s dark and cold, it’s nice.

Much calmer.

Peaceful.

I spot the guards and duck behind a bush. What I need is a moment away from all this. Away from my husband and away from the guards.

As I lift my head, I see my opportunity. If I run fast enough, I can get through the open gate.

The guards are there, but they seem to be focused on what’s going on outside, and they’re constantly on the move. If their backs are to me, they won’t be able to see me.

I can press myself against the gate until they pass by, and then I can get to the street. Just thinking about my plan makes me feel a whole lot better.

Once the guards are far enough away, I sprint to the gate. My shoes are quiet against the grass, and I don’t think the guards notice anything.

I crouch behind the gate, waiting.

The guards pass by very close to me, but they don’t hear my ragged breathing. When they’re gone, I break into a run again.

I slow down once the house is out of my sight. Most of the other houses are in darkness, and only a few windows are brightly lit.

Cars are parked in the driveways and in front of garages. Some of the houses have very nice yards and pools.