I woke up the next day as the sun came through a tall window. I stretched out my arms and rubbed my eyes before opening them. My memories of the previous night were blurry, but I remembered the basics. I met a gorgeous man, he defended me, I was kidnapped. Then I met Lucas who seems to be half-decent. Then...then what? I drowsily looked around the room for him, and was thankful not to see anyone. Now, I was left with the decision of whether or not to get out of bed and face my fate – whatever that may be – or hide in my room until someone forces me to leave. I contemplated as I stared at the ceiling. 

'You're going to have to face them sooner or later...' I told myself. 

Reluctantly, I moved my covers aside and pushed myself out of bed. When my bare feet hit the wooden floor I realized my boots were gone. Looking down to scan my body I was relieved to see that I was still wearing my dress.

       Standing up, I moved toward the door, trying to ignore the nervousness I was feeling. I quietly opened it and peeked out to see a lifeless hallway. I crossed my arms and hesitantly walked in the direction I thought we had come from the night before. When I reached the stairs, I heard people talking below and made my decent as quietly as possible. I halted near the base, a wall between me and the familiar voices of Damien and Lucas.

"She's scared, man, she doesn't have a clue what's going on," Lucas' voice was quiet with a hint of scolding.

"She doesn't need to know what's going on, Luke." 

I heard a deep sigh. "All I'm saying is, you didn't make the best impression last night." 

Damien snapped back, "well you were supposed to just take her to her room and walk away." 

I could sense the frustration in each of their voices. Lucas' increased as he spoke again, "you really expect me to just leave her there alone without a word? Dame, she is a person. She's a woman with a life, she---"

Damien grumbled, "bet you found out a lot about that last night."

"What are you implying?"

"You know exactly what I'm implying Luke. You know yourself, you're not just some sweet chivalrous gentleman with constant pure intentions. Yo—" Damien stopped mid-sentence and all was quiet. 

My heartrate sped up as I saw his face appear around the corner. Frustration was clear on his face, but there was a slight softening when he saw me. 

"Morning, Ember. Breakfast is on the table, I'm sure you're hungry." 

I stood still for a moment, but when he disappeared, I followed.

       The kitchen was beautiful and clean, with butcher block countertops and copper appliances.

'How can they afford this place?' 

I saw Lucas with his head in his hands, elbows placed on the long kitchen island. 

I spoke meekly, "good morning Lucas." H

is head rose at my voice and he gave a weak smile. "Good morning Em'." 

I heard a chair move and I looked to see Damien offering me a barstool seat at the island. I knew my demeanor showed how hesitant I was, but I didn't really care. They should know I was uncomfortable. In front of me was a plate with perfectly fluffy eggs, crispy bacon, and sausage on the side. A cup of orange juice occupied a small space to the upper right of my plate.

"Thank you," was all I could get out. I was starving, but I held back from becoming primal over a plate of eggs. I ate slowly and delicately. Damien moved to the other side of the island and rested his hands on it so he was looking directly at me.

"I'm sorry about the methods that were used to get you here. But it's just what had to be done."

'What a ridiculous excuse.' I refrained from protesting by focusing on my eggs. 

Damien continued, "did you sleep well?" I nodded. "Your room was comfortable?" I nodded again. "Good. Now, you've already learned about two of our rules in this house—" 

Lucas cut him off, "your rules." 

Damien took an aggravated breath as he continued to stare at me. "Fine. My rules. There are rules and they need to be followed, otherwise things won't go well for you." 

I couldn't help but respond to that statement, "won't go well? What is that supposed to mean? You gonna slap me on the hand like a kid or something, is that it?" 

He titled his head to the side and looked down, a small laugh at my comment. "Something like that." 

'What did I get myself into?'  

When I didn't say anything, his deep voice sounded again. "Rule #1—"

"'Don't ignore you or what you tell me to do.'" My tone as I quoted him was unintentionally mocking. Well, maybe only partially unintentional. 

His stare became cold. "Rule #2: Don't interrupt me." 

'Good luck with that one.'  I thought, but didn't say.

"I thought rule #2 was no lying." 

He smiled and glanced at Lucas before looking back at me. "Looks like you've got a good memory, that should make things much more simple then. Rule #2: No lying. Rule #3: No interrupting. Rule #4: No attempting to contact anyone. Rule #5: You do what I tell you, when I tell you." 

Lucas laughed at him. "Smooth, Dame. Real smooth." 

Damien's eyes narrowed as he looked at his friend. The two didn't seem to be having the most agreeable morning.

"Luke, I think it's time for you to go." 

Lucas leaned back against the counter behind him and smiled. "Nah, I think I'm just fine right here." He clearly wasn't afraid of Damien.

"Then stop talking." Lucas rolled his eyes, shook his head, and looked at me.

"Anything else?" I said more loudly than before. 

Damien leaned over the island and rested his forearms on it so his face was right in front of mine. His blue eyes were focused and his voice was low.

"Don't try to leave." 

I gulped and stared at him. The tension of the moment made me freeze in my chair.