Trigger warning: Themes may not be suited for all audiences. Everyone in this story is 18+ The story features themes of r*pe and other violence.
*
Gisselle's head was spinning. She had never been able to make such a large decision on her own before. The world outside seemed so big that it overwhelmed her. She couldn't imagine what it would be like to try to make her way outside of the mansion. She had no skills, no formal education. Even if she did have these things, she had never been in the real world. How would she be able to survive when she knew little to nothing about what the outside world was like?
The thoughts buzzed in her head, one overlapping with the next until they formed a jumble of anxious energy inside of her. She could feel her hands beginning to shake, despite the nice temperature outside. The men sat quietly in front of her as if they were waiting for a response. But what could she say?
Certainly, she wanted to leave, but how could she be sure that they were telling the truth. She trusted Benjamin. But Cadence was harder to read. He seemed to be telling the truth, but perhaps he would change his mind once he heard that she wanted to leave. It was this thought that made it hard for Gisselle to speak.
"Just think about it," Benjamin said finally, "I realize it is a lot to ask. But, we will see what you think in two months. That should give me enough time to find a safe place for you to stay if you no longer want to stay here."
She could still hear a twinge of sadness in his voice. Gisselle was surprised to find that the thought of never seeing him again made her feel sad as well. Still, she wasn't convinced that the feeling was enough to make her stay.
When they had finished eating Gisselle stayed at the table. Benjamin noticed the way that she kept looking towards the garden. He felt great pity for her, and anger at the way she had been mistreated. But he felt something else as well. Her slender frame, her distinct features, the way her hair fell over her exposed shoulders- Benjamin felt himself lusting for her. He craved the feeling of her flesh, he needed to bury himself deep inside of her body and feel her writhe beneath him.
"Why don't you go for a walk in the garden," He said sweetly, "It might help to ease your mind."
"Alone?"
"For now," Benjamin answered, "I will join you after a while."
Gisselle nodded and stood up from the table. She had been staring at a patch of particularly beautiful purple flowers. When she walked towards them, she saw that the path was also lined with tiny white flowers. The smell was relaxing. She wondered what the scent was. She had never seen so many types of flowers and wondered if she might find a book about them in the library.
She found herself sitting down in a patch of grass beside a large tree. Gisselle felt strangely calm there underneath the shade of the branches, smelling the strange flowers. Yet, there was something more to what she was feeling. Perhaps it was more numbness than true calm, she thought.
She thought back to the conversation, still in shock. She had the power to choose. But, how could she be sure what the right choice was? The outside world was brimming with possibility, but it was so dangerous as well. Was it wiser to stay?
Behind her, she could hear the soft sound of gravel crunching beneath leather shoes. Benjamin had followed her, no doubt. She turned towards the sound in time to catch him sitting next to her. She looked at him for a moment, but he said nothing. It wasn't until after she had turned her face away from Benjamin that she heard him sigh.
"You could make it out there just fine."
His voice had a strange quality to it. It was something she couldn't recognize.
"I would make sure that you are safe. Should you choose to go, I will see to it that you have what you need," there was a pause, "But, Gisselle, believe me when I say that I do not want you to leave. I want you to stay here, with us. I want you to like it here. It would mean a great deal to me if you would tell me how I could make you more comfortable here."
At this, he paused again. For a moment he gazed down at the young woman in the grass. She could tell he was debating whether or not to say more. After a moment, he bent down on one knee and leaned in towards Gisselle, kissing her gently on the forehead. He cupped her face and kissed her nose. His hand lingered for just another moment before he stood tall again. In another second he was off, walking towards the house without looking back.
Gisselle pulled her knees to her chest. She had felt her heart flutter as soon as Benjamin leaned in towards her. His scent was intoxicating. The way his hands felt as they rubbed her cheek made her feel strange. It was comforting and yet sad at the same time. She wished that he had not walked away so quickly.
Still, the question rang in her ears. What would make you feel more comfortable? What could he do? He had already given her a room of her own. She had never been asked to advocate for herself in this way. Even so, she wanted to so badly know how to do it.
Gisselle stood, leaving the garden and following the path that Benjamin took into the house. Before she could stop herself, or even think of what she was about to do she flew up the stairs and into Benjamin's room.
