The Million Dollar Man

If only he really knew how angry he makes me.

<< Well congratulations then, »> I remarked dryly. << You sure got me, bringing up camps and all. >>

Sebastian looked at me again, as he drove, biting his lip while watching me.

<< Don't be like that. >>

I scoffed. « I'll be however I want. >>

The sound of old music was once again the only thing that could be heard in the car. Sebastian jaw was clenched and my arms were stubbornly crossed over my chest, neither one of us willing to speak.

By the time we exited the car, Sebastian was well aware of my plan to ignore him, and even went as far as to threaten to lock me out if I continued my childish game. I only shrugged in response, and looked away uncaringly, annoying him even more.

We entered the house loudly, the sounds of our footsteps echoing throughout the quiet house. Mason emerged from Sebastian's office, a stack of papers in his hand, and warily stood from a distance, unsure if he should approach us. << Do you have the information? >> Sebastian asked, leaving me by the front door. Mason hesitated, his eyes flickering to me.

<< Of course I do. >> They walked into Sebastian's office, closing the door behind them.

Stupid little fucks.

My eyes zeroed in on the keypad on the door, the numbers taunting and teasing me. I felt my fingers twitch by my side, aching to at least try to find a way out of this place.

Could I escape if I wanted to ? I'd like to think that if I tried hard enough, I would find a way, that is, if I planned on escaping for less than a day. I knew Sebastian would have me dragged back, and either tortured or killed, probably both. Letting out a small sigh, my stomach growled hungrily, and I walked into the kitchen, flinging open the refrigerator door. After standing stock-still for a few minutes, I settled on an apple in the fruit bowl on the table, giving up on the few foods and extreme amount of beer in the fridge.

<< How was training? >> Callum had now entered the kitchen, his hair damp from a shower I assume.

I shrugged and gave a nod with my head. << It was okay, you know. >>

<< But you like training with me better, right? >> He smirked at me, his eyes gleaming playfully.

<< Only because you're a pussy, and don't put up much of a fight. » Callum laughed loudly as Sebastian and Mason entered the room. Sebastian's statement made me roll my eyes in irritation.

Sebastian's change in mood only confused and angered me, and I wanted so badly to smack that amused expression right off his face.

<< Wait, you're only seventeen. >>

For the love of God.

<< Good job Callum ! You just proved yourself to be the idiot I always thought you were. » Even Sebastian seemed to be entertained by my sarcastic, rude response, while Callum just scowled and Mason laughed. << Oh shut up, » Callum snapped at us all. << What I meant was, did you never graduate from school? »

Everyone seemed interested in my answer, for reasons I don't know.

<< I dropped out after missing a bunch of days because of jobs. » I shrugged nonchalantly. It wasn't a big deal to me. It wasn't like I even had any friends, so there wasn't really much holding me back from leaving. Being the mysterious, dark girl, no one dared to talk to me, but that was something I got used to.

<< Well, » Sebastian clapped his hands together, breaking the silence that had followed my brief answer. << Kings is now the new owner of the club down on Calvert Street. >>

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Mason and Callum cheered at his announcement, whereas I just rolled my eyes and inspected my nails.

<< Is Evie giving you the silent treatment? » Mason observed, looking more than amused as he asked this. Sebastian's scowl told them all that they needed to know, and once again, Callum and Mason were laughing.

I frowned and grabbed my half eaten apple and headed up the stairs, eager to get away from them.

After I took a shower, I was informed that the boys were going out tonight. Unsure if I was invited or not, I decided to stay back, knowing perfectly well that there wasn't anywhere I could go, even if I tried.

I collapsed onto my bed, absorbing the ache the washed over my body as I relaxed my muscles and closed my eyes. Aware that the boys wouldn't be back until very late, I decided to get some rest, and enjoy the time alone that I had. I faded into a blissful oblivion, my entire being calm and relaxed.

+++++

I wasn't exactly sure how long I was asleep for, but the next thing I knew, I was screaming bloody murder and fighting for my life.

A layer of sweat ran over my body and my heart was pounding relentlessly against my ribcage, making me gasp and struggle to breathe. Light flooded into my room and my screams increased as a figure made their way to me. Strong arms lifted me up, and I was pressed into a hard chest, my body curled up into a fetal position.

The person whispered into my ear, telling me to calm down and try to breathe. I frantically clutched the person's shirt, my hands forming fists around the material as I leveled my breathing.

« Good job, Evie, » he whispered, << That's right, breathe just like that. It was just a nightmare. >>

His voice was low and gravelly, and even with my eyes screwed shut, I knew exactly who it was.

Soft whimpers left my lips, and I found my eyes opening in an attempt to escape the darkness that haunted me.

<< I th-thought you left. >> I muttered, as I slowly calmed down, my body still pressed against his.

Sebastian peered down at me, shaking his head. << I didn't want to leave you here alone. >>

My eyes fluttered and I bit my lip. << I'm fine. >>

<< You are now. »>

I stared up at him, desperately trying to read him. << I don't need your help. >>

Sebastian stared at me in response, before speaking. << It's okay to need help. >>

<< You can't help me. >> I blame my still dazed state for making me utter those words, ones that temporarily stunned Sebastian.

<< I can try. >>

For the second time that day, Sebastian mimicked my words. Except this time, instead of the mischievous glint that normally was laced into his expression, there was something else there.

I knew at that moment that I was not in the right state of mind, and if I had been, I would have pushed Sebastian away; thrown some nasty profanities at him, then order him to leave my room.

I suppose Sebastian was just as out of it as I was, for he wouldn't have ever comforted me, but instead, tell me to get it together and stop being so hopeless.

As I sat there on Sebastian's lap, cradled into his chest, I said a barely audible goodbye to the last string of sanity that I had been clinging onto for those ten days.

Ten days was all it took to convince me that I needed to escape.