Ruin (Rhodes #1) by Rina Kent

                             The door clicks shut behind him. After that, silence. There’s no sound of his steps down the corridor, if there is one. Only the rhythm of my frantic breathing.

                             “Aaron...” His name rolls out of my mouth in a haunted murmur.

                             Asking for his name is equal to signing a death certificate. Now that I know my captor’s name and face, there’s no way he will let me go. Not that he would any way.

                             My muscles unbuckle. My legs give out unable to hold my weight any longer. I slide into a sitting position, my eyes filling with tears.

                             He’ll kill me. It’s as obvious as a horror film’s ending.

                             Why me? What about my family? My friends? My art?

                             A tear threatens to escape my lids, and I sniff, forbidding its escape.

                             Whatever happens to you, remember that perseverance can get you anywhere.

                             Despite my chaotic state, I smile at Dad’s words, driving all negative self-loathing thoughts away. I’m daddy’s girl. My story won’t end here.

                             Endurance. It’s in my blood. Nothing can ever stop me when I set my mind to accomplish something.

                             Not even a psycho in a noble’s clothing.

                             Sticking around for his sick entertainment is not an option. I’ll find a way to leave.

                             My eyes dart around the basement. Two metallic doors and a bed are all the tools I get. There’s the dusty lamp too, with no switch in sight.

                             I glance down and grimace at the freckled dress. Not the best choice of fashion to be kidnapped in. It provides no warmth. No advantage whatsoever. As a matter of fact, it’s slutty and provocative. Not something anyone would want to wear for their potential rapist.

                             The thought sends a shudder down my spine, and I wrap my arms around my waist.

                             Snap out of it, Mae. Don’t go there. Your escape is more important.

                             My inner logic pulls me from the heinous images. I stand, stance wide.

                             Successful people draw their own fates.

                             I’ll be damned if I leave mine at the mercy of a heartless monster.





                             Chapter Seven

                             Aaron



                             “I know you killed my father!” Hampton’s son hisses and glances left then right. Probably afraid one of the community’s guests would hear him making a fool out of himself.

                             His dull eyes are sunken, seeming to be sucked by the banquet hall’s energy. The bright chandeliers highlight the murderous shadow on his stubbed face. His frame is slim, unnoticeable, forbidding him to stand out amongst other guests. A constant tremble travels his fingers like a drug addict on withdrawal.

                             What an entertaining disintegration. Should I spike it a bit?