I drifted in and out of consciousness repeatedly. The first time I blearily could see that I was in the back of a limo with a warm arm around me and a huge arm across my shoulders before I went back under. The second time I felt myself being carried and started to struggle before a voice made of satin soothed me and I drifted back to sleep yet again. The darkness was like a protective blanket, a shield against the horrors of the outside.
Finally, I managed to fight my way back awake, shaking the bleariness out of my eyes as I took in my surroundings. I stretched languidly in bed and relished the feeling of silk sheets against my skin. All of a sudden I didn't need to fight off sleep anymore, because I didn't own silk sheets. Sitting up suddenly, I took in the room around me. Maroon curtains with cream threading covered what seemed to be huge windows on one side of the bedroom. Across from me were mahogany double doors with swirling designs covering them and gold french handles. The bed was the same wood as the doors, with a maroon canopy and gold edging. The sheets and comforter were the same color as the canopy. The headboard had a design of two wolves howling to a moon above them, surround by a forest. A single door was in the far corner, and another one was on the wall just inside of the bathroom.
The wall to my left had glass doors leading to what looked like the bathroom. Just as I started to really panic, I heard male voices outside the door. Oh, God, Eric.
That did it. I slipped out of the rich bed, not failing to notice that I wore a shirt far too big for my build and a pair of oversized sweats. I quietly walked across the thick carpet to the curtains, pulling them aside to reveal a balcony. I smiled in triumph as I quickly, but quietly, pulled aside the curtains and opened the door. Just as I began to take a step outside, I felt something wrap around my waist as I was yanked back into the room.
I screamed in surprise and fought wildly, kicking out and biting at my tormentor. Soon I felt myself pulled against a broad chest and muscular arms wrap around me, restraining me. With another scream tears ran down my cheeks.
"Please," I begged. "Don't hurt me, please! I'll give you anything you want."
I felt the man behind me shushing in my ear, trying to calm me. I slowly stopped my struggles, and instead of crying I whimpered softly as my captor whispered soothingly in my ear. I sank to my knees and he followed me down, rocking me back and forth as I slowly composed myself.
"Easy, sweet," he murmured. I shuddered when I felt his 5 o'clock shadow rub against my cheek. "I'm going to let go of you now, but you have to promise to not scream or run. Understand?" I nodded slowly and took deep, calming breaths as he unwrapped his arms from around me. I slowly turned to face him, then gasped at the familiar face.
Matt. It was Matt Prange himself. My shock must have shown on my face, because he got that roguish smirk again and brushed a hand across my cheek. I narrowed my eyes as I fought the urge to lean into the caress. Suddenly, my stomach growled loudly and I cringed with embarrassment. Matt laughed at the sound and stood abruptly, startling me. He offered me his hand with a humored smile on his face.