Page 13 of Bloody Bones
He cut me off. “I will dispose of the bodies. As for fresh food...”
I didn't like the look he gave me. A shiver ran up my spine but I stood tall.
“Food can be arranged for your charges if you agree to come with me.”
I swallowed hard. Monster or not, I knew the look on his face.
“And do not cause a scene.”
Lust. That's what I was seeing. Pure animalistic lust. Vomit rushed up into my mouth, but I swallowed it down. I knew what he wanted from me; it was pretty obvious. The thought of him touching me was sickening, but if it meant getting the kids food and water, then I would do it.
Protecting them was my job. I had already failed two of them, I wouldn't let the others down.
“Let them go and I will do anything you want me to.”
Acco threw back his head and laughed. The sound bounced off the walls and made me cower. “No, they have already been promised, and will go to their new homes and masters soon. They will produce many children.” Shaking his head, he pressed his hands against the bars again. Sudden heat hit me in the face and I took a step back.
“Food first then,” I tried again.
My request was met with stony silence.
“They will get fed first otherwise…”
“Otherwise what? You will come, teacher woman, and not make a fuss.”
The outline of a door appeared in the bars, swinging outwards.
Acco’s fingers curled around my bicep. His grip was painfully tight. “Please me and the children will eat, don’t and I will let them starve.”
“You can't, you said…” I faltered. “You said you had homes for them.” I couldn't bring myself to say buyers for them, although I knew that was what it really was.
“There are always other children. Now come.” He dragged me towards him.
“Miss!” A scream went up behind me. A wail of despair.
“It’s ok. It’s ok.” I didn’t know if I was talking to them or myself. “Just stay here. I’ll be back soon.”
At least, I hoped I would be.
* * *
“Strip.”
The moment the door closed us into complete darkness, his voice snapped, making me jump. I couldn't see a damn thing, but I could feel him close to me.
“I...” I shook my head. It didn’t matter if he could see me or not. I wasn't going to do it. I wasn’t going to strip naked and stand in the darkness waiting for him to rape me. “I can’t see a thing,” I managed to mumble.
“But I can.” His whispered breath lifted the hair on the back of my neck. I jumped. He was closer than I had thought. Standing directly behind me.
The literal monster in the dark.
“Take your clothes off.”
“You seem to have suddenly grasped modern English, Acco,” I bit back.
His chuckle was like the most unwanted caress. “It adds to the fear, doesn't it? But you may as well know the truth.”
Cool hands slid around me, gripping my wrists and forcing my hands to my side.
