Tyler hopped from foot to foot, his taped fists punching at an imaginary opponent. Missy watched him, torn between admiration for the expert way in which he moved, and sadness for the fact that he was essentially a tool being used by the rebels for their own purpose. No one here cared about him, or any of the other men and women around her. They were programed like an army of robots, and they didn’t even know it.
Missy wished Phoenix was here. Surely she would know what to do. If her sister had come instead she would have thought of a way out a long time ago. Missy was useless. Now that they were actually talking about attacking the NWO it was clear that the clock was ticking down. She was running out of time. From the look on his face, Missy wondered if she hadn’t already run out of it. Was Tyler now lost to this new persona?
His eyes met hers from inside the cage. The heat she’d spotted over the weeks was still there, simmering beneath the adrenaline of the upcoming fight. It did crazy things to her, even amongst all her anxiety. She would love to know the feeling of being in his arms, but Missy was starting to wonder if that would ever happen.
Another fighter entered and the same dance began. Missy watched in rapt attention like she always did, while bracing herself for the violence. How strange her life had become, she thought. She’d gone from being a self-imposed prisoner of her own house, to a real prisoner of the rebel army. Her entire life was reduced to all of two rooms now. How sad, she thought as she watched the two men. Why had she let herself become this way? What was wrong with her that she didn’t want more for herself? God she was so weak and pathetic. She needed to fight for her own freedom, not just from the General and his deranged rebels, but from herself. From her memories. From her past.
A new resolve was slowly taking place inside her as she watched Tyler perform for the men who observed him, just like a trained dog. Neither of them deserved this. They had to get out. No more playing around.
Tyler threw a punch, knocking his partner down onto the ground with a loud smack. The older trainer called out a halt before Tyler could do any further damage. Breathing hard, chest rising and falling, Tyler turned and found her like he always did. Those green eyes seemed dazed as she met them. He blinked once. Twice. When he focused on her again, everything inside her froze.
She stopped breathing. Hope, so potent and strong that it physically hurt, burst into her chest as she stared back. There was something different about the way he was looking at her. It was exactly what she’d been waiting for since the moment she’d walked into that room and seen him sitting in that chair, restrained. It was recognition. It was knowledge. It was anger.
She would have run to him had there not been a metal cage separating them. Stay calm, she ordered herself. If she acted like there was something wrong, the technicians around them might be alerted. Forcing herself to relax, Missy tore her eyes away from him to look at the men standing around the outside. No one seemed to notice anything, thankfully.
For another two fights, Missy had to stand there and watch Tyler fight, his movements no longer as fierce, his punches a little less powerful. She could tell he was holding back now, and she prayed that was proof that he had remembered something. Did she dare to hope that it was true? The problem with hope was that as much as it could lift you up, it could also tear you down if it turned out to be false. That was the last thing she needed right now.
Standing there pretending her thoughts weren’t in a frenzy, and forcing herself to act normally was one of the hardest things she’d ever had to do. As they walked her and Tyler back to their room, her in the front and him just behind her, all she could do was try to focus on each step and not on the pounding of her heart. What if they arrived back to the room and everything was just as before? What if she had completely misread his expression? In reality, what did she know about reading people? Perhaps she was so blinded by her desire to get them out of there and wanting Tyler to be cured of whatever they had done to him, that now she was imagining things?
The technicians opened the door and escorted her inside. Missy turned and waited as Tyler entered seconds afterward. He didn’t look at her as he turned and faced the technicians.
“We’ll be back first thing in the morning,” one of them said. “Make sure she’s ready.”
What did that mean? Ready for what? Tyler seemed to take a step forward, his shoulders stiffening, but if he’d been about to reply, the technicians didn’t wait to hear it. With a loud bang, the door was slammed shut, the beep of the lock engaging sounding just after.
Missy swore he was able to hear the pounding of her heart from where she stood across the small space. Tyler turned slowly, his clear, green eyes landing on her. She braced herself as he opened his mouth.
“Come here, Missy,” was all he said, opening his arms to her.
She hesitated, wondering which Tyler this was. He seemed to understand because he simply nodded and said, “It’s me. Come here, I just need to hold you.”
With a small whimper, Missy no longer hesitated, flinging herself into his arms. They closed around her like steel bands, crushing her against his hard chest. She’d never felt so relieved in her entire life. Tyler dipped his head so his face was buried in her hair. His breath warmed her ear as they stood there in silence, neither of them letting go.
“How long have we been here?” he asked, whispering quietly to her.
“I’ve lost track,” she admitted. “Weeks.”
He pulled back a bit so he could look at her, keeping their faces close. “Why did you come here?”
“Because we knew you were kidnapped by them, and I’m the only one that Douglas or Ludwig had never seen. It was the safest choice. Anyone else could have been recognized.”
His hand stroked back her hair gently, his eyes roaming her face. “It’s dangerous. Your sister never should have agreed.”
Missy smiled tiredly. “It was a fight, but she eventually saw that this was the best choice.”
He shook his head, his eyes darkening with what she thought was guilt.
“I wanted to come, Tyler. I wanted to get you back.”
He was silent for a moment as he looked closely at her. “Why? Why risk it, especially after everything…”
Missy flinched. “You remember?”
He swallowed, nodding. “I remember everything now. I remember them bringing me here. They had me strapped down to a bed for days, injecting me with something that made my veins burn. Then I was in this room and everything just went fuzzy. All I could feel was anger. I couldn’t remember anything but I knew that I wanted to kill the people who entered the room.” He paused. “Until you walked in.”
His hand was stroking through her hair again as though he were trying to reassure himself that she was ok. She could see the concern in his eyes.
“I’ve acted like a barbarian this entire time. Why on earth did you agree to stay with me?”
Missy was shaking her head the second he started to speak again. “You’ve been nothing but kind to me, Tyler. You don’t have to feel guilty about anything. You protected me from the men here, and made sure they didn’t give me those drugs. I owe you so much.”
He scoffed. “I’m the reason you’re locked in here. God knows what the others must think. When was the last time you contacted anyone? Phoenix must be losing her shit.”
Missy grimaced. “It’s possible. It’s been a long time. Honestly, I don’t even know how long. There are no windows here, so I don’t even know when it’s night or day.”
He cursed under his breath. “How were you getting into contact with them?”
“They gave me a phone. It’s hidden at Bridgette’s apartment.”
The stiffness in his shoulders seemed to relax. “Okay, that’s good. We need to get it and make sure they know that we’re alive and that I’m back in control of my thoughts.”
“How is that?” she asked. “What happened all of a sudden?”
One of his hands left her to rub down his face. Missy took a small step bac
k so she could look at him better.
“I don’t know really,” he replied. “Lately things have been becoming clearer. There was this fogginess in my mind for so long, but it’s been lifting over the past few days. Today was even stranger. The more I worked, the more my mind felt healthier, so I just kept pushing myself. I was confused for a moment there until I looked at you, and it was like something just clicked. It was the strangest thing. I wanted to go to you right away, but I had to force myself to keep fighting.”
The joy flowing through her was the most she’d ever felt. “I’m just so happy,” she admitted, her eyes blurring. Tyler took a step forward, closing what little distance she had put between them.
“Don’t get upset,” he said.
“I’m not,” she assured him. “I’m just relieved that you’re back. I was starting to think I’d lost you for good.”
His jaw twitched. She saw his throat work as he swallowed tightly, one of his hands reaching up to cup her face again.
“I can’t thank you enough for sticking by me,” he said hoarsely. “You must have been terrified, and I didn’t help. I’m so sorry, Missy. I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”
Missy gripped his forearm, staring into his eyes, praying he’d believe the truth of everything she was saying. “You don’t owe me an apology, Tyler. You don’t owe me anything. I wanted to be here. I chose to be here. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
“Why?”
“Because…” she trailed off. What was she supposed to say? Because she had feelings for him? The old Tyler was attracted to her, but he was also drugged and thought she was his property. . This Tyler, with his mind and senses all back and in control, might want nothing to do with her. She may have finally gotten over her fears of the opposite sex and fallen for someone, only to have them not return those feelings. Well hadn’t she just put herself in an awkward position.
“Missy,” he urged.
She couldn’t find the words, whether they were the honest truth or some quickly made up lie to save face. Instead she just stood there, dumbfounded. Her mouth opened and shut like a fish floundering. Say something! Her inner voice pleaded. Looking away from him, she stared at his chest, racking her brain for a reasonable excuse as to why she’d put herself through all of this for him, considering he knew how she felt about men. She’d never even been overly friendly to him before any of this happened.
Tyler’s hand moved from her cheek to the back of her head, gently tilting it back until she was looking up at him again in the eyes. Without a word, he leaned down and traced her lips slowly with his. It was such a gentle, soft touch, she actually found herself sighing out loud, her body melting against his. The arm wrapped around her waist tightened as his lips became firmer on hers.
Opening up to him, she moaned loudly when his tongue swept inside, tasting every inch of her mouth. Her own tongue moved against his, drawing him in deeper, relishing their connection. His hands moved to grip her waist and lifted her easily. Without thinking, Missy wrapped her legs around his waist, never once breaking their kiss.
Tyler walked them backwards until her back hit the wall. He pinned her there, tilting his head to deepen the kiss even more. Missy wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him with all she had. Small moans escaped her as she rubbed against him shamelessly. Tyler growled deep in his chest, a sound that no longer frightened her, only heightening her desire. His hands flexed on her hips as though he were forcing them not to move anywhere else.
But she wanted him to. Oh, how she wanted him to. She wanted his hands on every part of her. Her breasts felt heavier, her core pulsing with a need she thought was long lost. Still, his kiss never ended, never ventured further to anything else. He just thoroughly branded and owned her with his mouth, kissing her like she’d never been kissed before.
When he finally pulled away, both of them were breathing heavily, their breaths mingling as he leaned his forehead against hers. He inhaled deeply through his nose, exhaling slowly as he tried to gain some ounce of control. She should have been doing the same, but she couldn’t seem to slow the beating of her heart, and honestly, she didn’t want to. She just wanted him. She’d been burning for him for so long now. He’d kept himself distant, never touching her the way she dreamt. Now that he was, that need she’d been fighting was clawing at her from the inside.
“Is that why?” he said, lifting his head to look at her. “Is that why you’re really here still? Please tell me it is.”
The hope in his voice killed her. How could he doubt her desire for him when she was practically rubbing herself on him like a damn cat in heat? Of course, after the way she’d reacted to him the second he’d arrived at her home, she couldn’t blame him for being confused or doubtful. Surely he knew things were different now, didn’t he? If he remembered everything, he must remember the little things that had happened between them before now?
“Do you feel what I feel between us?” he asked, his eyes searching as she remained quiet.
Missy nodded, tightening her arms around his neck. “I’ve wanted you since the second you stepped into my house, I just didn’t want to admit it,” she confessed. “Truthfully, you scared me.” Her eyes took in his body that was securely pinning her to the wall. “You’re kind of intimidating,” she said with a small grin.
His lips twitched. “I would never use my size against you,” he said seriously.
“I know that,” she said. “I knew that even when you were talking in single word sentences.”
“You were terrified of me. I remember,” he said with a frown.
Her chest hurt at the thought that she’d injured his feelings. “I was terrified of everything back then.”
“But not anymore?” he asked, eyebrows raised. “You’re not scared now.”
Missy shook her head and smiled. “No, not anymore. And definitely not with you. I don’t think I could ever be scared of you again.”
“Good,” he said simply. “I would never do anything to hurt you, and I’m going to do everything I can to get us out of here.”
Relief washed over her so great she almost started crying. Finally, finally, they could put their heads together and figure out a way out of here. She just hoped they weren’t too late. With the General and his army getting ready to make a move, the clock was ticking down – fast.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Life had grown increasingly boring. It was funny how everything he had worked for his entire life had come to pass, and yet he was bored to death by it. Ludwig looked down at the city he’d shaped, and couldn’t help but wonder what Di and Roman were doing out there in the streets. There was no one left here to talk to, no one to sit with at the end of a long day and just shoot the shit with.
With a sigh, he turned away and headed toward the bar for his usual glass of whisky. It was the only thing he found himself looking forward to anymore. Taking a large gulp, Ludwig settled down into one of the large wingback chairs in front of the fire, and got ready to zone out like he usually did around this time of the night.
Things were about to get interesting in New Berlin, a fact that would have normally excited him. While part of him was looking forward to how this new play would change the game board, it just wasn’t the same when there was no one around to enjoy it with him.
“Sir?”
Taking another slow sip, he turned and regarded the solider standing just inside the doorway. “Yes?”
“Everything is set for 21:00. I just wanted to inform you.”
Ludwig nodded, looking away again. “Good. Let me know when it’s over.”
“Yes, sir.”
He could sense the man hesitate and Ludwig found his annoyance building.
“Is there something else?” he asked, his voice harsher than was probably needed.
“Yes, sir,” the soldier replied. “I noticed something today that will please you, I believe.”
Ludwig looked back at him wondering what the hell the man could possibly thi
nk would please him. This should be good, he thought. The man shifted nervously under Ludwig’s scrutiny.
“Well?” he prompted when the man didn’t immediately expand.
“It has to do with those female rebels, sir. I believe I spotted one in the upper section. It wasn’t the same one we lost track of, but I’m pretty sure this one was there the night of the mask as well.”
The drink slowly lowered. “Go on.”
“You look too thin.”
Lake smiled, taking a bite of the biscuit still lying on her plate. She looked up at her Great Aunt and knew the words and harsh tone were nothing but her way of showing concern. Aunt Angela was her late grandmother’s sister, the only person still alive in her family. That she knew of at least. It was hard to get away for a visit, but she tried to as often as she could.
“I’m the same size I’ve always been,” she replied easily. This was a common exchange between them, so much so it was almost comforting to have the old lady complain about her weight. Angela could not be described as a tiny woman, by any means. She had curves to last for days, but Lake had always thought she wore them well. Her dark skin was barely lined with age, a trait Lake prayed she inherited when she started to grow older.
“So what kind of trouble have you been up to lately?” her Aunt asked, sipping her tea. Lake looked at the fine china and thought it was probably worth more than anything she owned.
“None,” she lied, smiling. “The girls and I have been laying low.”
Her eyebrows rose, disbelievingly. “I heard there was a huge shoot out at the masked event the New World Order threw last month. You’re telling me you had nothing to do with it?”
Lake sat back, keeping her expression calm. “We’re not the only group fighting for a better world, Aunite. Just because there’s a rebel attack doesn’t mean it’s us.”
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