Ch. 3 - Reward and Denial
There was a brush against my lips, while the feel was unusual I was already becoming conditioned. I opened my lips automatically around the foreign object. I was shocked to find it was a straw, and for only a fleeting moment I thought to turn away; but, I suppose there was some thought that one way or another this would solve at least one problem. If he wanted rid of me, then it was the escape, however permanent, that I had begged for. If he didn't want rid of me, then it was just... after care? I tasted the cool water on my lips, and drank it down greedily. The coldness soothed my scream raw throat.
I heard his steps moving away. I tried to picture what was happening next, what new torture he had devised. My mind refused to cooperate. In some respect, I suppose it was better to not know. As the soft steps returned, I am sure he felt my flinch away from his touch. The soft washcloth trailed over sweat-slicked skin. His touch was surprisingly gentle as it caressed over my too sensitive holes. My icy blue gaze narrowed in equal parts confusion and suspicion. I trampled any glimmer of hope; I did not look on this as the potential for being set free.
The cloth must have been set aside now, a new piece of material in his hands. The thick piece was wrapped over my eyes. I was already unable to see anything... why was the blindfold needed? I cried out low, I could not help it, as he released the clips securing my slender ankles to my wrists. The muscles were tight under the strain they had been in. His strong grip massaged first along one and then the other, bringing the blood flow back to abused flesh. For a few moments there, I am not sure which is worse, the pins and needles sensation was overwhelming.
There was a small sound of what had to be a winch of sorts, because I seemed to be lowered, first my toes touching the floor and then the rest of my feet, until I could support myself. He repeated the process with my arms. Some part of my mind was screaming at me to fight back, now that I had been "released" The rest of me was already bent under the spell he was weaving. I meekly stood there instead. I lied to myself, convincing myself the time was not right; I did not know where I was, the dark was too consuming, I had no clothes... the excuses were numerous; for now they eased what was left of my conscience.
His broad hand covered my lower back, the pressure increasing until I took a step. Another hand closed on my shoulder, guiding me. I had to trust him. Shaking my head slightly, I am sure, once again... that was folly. I was trusting the man that had drugged me, kidnapped me, raped me, whipped me. I kept telling myself I had no choice. I kept trying to reassure myself I was just waiting for the right chance.
I heard a small click, and a pale light just edged around the blindfold. I could not help it; I reached for the cloth. His hand stilled me. His voice was low in my ear, too low to give any chance of recognition. "Count to 30 first, remove the blind, eat the meal slowly, and shower. When you are done with the shower, you will have one minute to dry and replace the blind before I return." I nodded slightly to acknowledge; I did not trust my voice at all. There was no need of threat from him for non-compliance; he seemed to have already known that.