Chapter 127

   Byron shivered in the cold air. He hated having his tender bits exposed to the chill fall air. He’d lost track of how many times he’d been permitted to relieve himself and drink. He was getting a little woozy from the lack of solid foods, but he realized that his captor probably wouldn’t want to deal with the result of that. He also hated feeling his captor’s erection pressing into him each time. The hands that helped him managed to restrain themselves from inappropriate touches, but Byron was keenly aware of their presence.

   The car stopped again. Byron stiffly climbed out of the trunk. He stumbled a bit as the hands guided him along. He heard the sound of a door closing behind him and knew that he’d entered a building. The hands guided him to another room where they began stripping him. He made a muffled sound of protest. He cursed as his shins banged into an obstruction.

   “Lift your legs to step into the tub.”  

   It was the first time the hands had spoken to him. He awkwardly stepped into the tub and knelt. Warm water lapped at his thighs as the hands began to scrub him. They were gentle but thorough. He felt himself responding as they washed his genitals. Blood rushed to his cheeks. Here he was a prisoner and he was becoming aroused at his captor’s touch.

   “Peace. There is no shame in enjoying it.” A finger stroked his cheek, gently brushing away a tear. 

    Byron shook his head. He’d never been interested in sex before. Now this man who kidnapped was forcing him to respond. He’d always gotten so tongue-tied speaking to strangers. Not like his brother Burke. The hands helped him out of the tub and dried him off.

   He was led to the bed. He stretched out nude on the covers while the hands undid the cuffs. They pushed him firmly onto his stomach and began massaging his aching shoulders. Byron knew he should try to fight, that this was his chance to escape, but as the knots were worked out of his muscles, he surrendered to sleep.

   He woke still on the bed. His hands had been cuffed to the bedstead. He really needed to use the bathroom and his stomach registered its own complaint. The door opened and closed.

  “Good morning. If I remove your bonds will you behave yourself and not try to escape?”

    Byron agreed. He would say anything for a bit of freedom. The hands uncuffed him.

   He sat up rubbing his raw wrists. He pulled the tape off of his mouth and undid the blindfold. He squinted as the dim light sent stabbing pain into his eyes.

   “Is th-th-there anything t-t-to eat?”

   “Yes. I brought soup for you. I thought it would be easier for you to digest.”

   “H-h-how l-l-long?”

   “A few days. I needed to get you as far away as possible.”

   “Wh-wh-what are you g-g-going t-t-to d-d-do t-t-to m-m-me?” He managed to get out, silently cursing his stutter.

   The man laughed softly. “Eat and then take care of your needs.”

   Byron gobbled down the soup. It was lukewarm and not nearly as good as his father’s but right then, it tasted like the best thing he’d ever eaten. Afterwards, his captor followed him into the bathroom while he tended to his needs. Clean, new clothing was provided to him and he was escorted to the man’s car.

   “If you behave, you will not be restrained except at night. If you talk to anyone, try to communicate your situation to anyone, not only will you suffer, but the person you talk to will suffer as well.”

   Byron nodded, choking down his fear. He stared out the window through blurry eyes. He fervently wished that the man would just rape him and be done with it. The anticipation of when the assault would come was killing him.