Kate trembled, hugging her pillow. What had happened the day before still made her shake with fear and disgust. She stood up and looked out the window. She was on the second floor. Below, she saw a large garden full of red roses—her favorites—and a small patch of lavender, her second favorite flower. There was a massive pool with crystal-clear water. The place was so big, she couldn’t see all of it at once. What she could see was that it was surrounded by walls at least eight feet tall. She sighed against the glass, fogging it up.

—“I have to get out of here… Sebastián must be worried. We were supposed to have our first time this Saturday… and that bastard took it from me. How will I even look at his face again?” —she sobbed against the window.

Her stomach growled. She looked at the breakfast. It was still warm. She ate some fruit, drank the juice, and finished the eggs—which tasted surprisingly good. After showering, she opened the closet. There were clothes her size… and even her style. She dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers. She needed to be ready to run if the opportunity came.

She opened the door. A long hallway stretched out before her. Just as Bastien had said, it wasn’t locked. She walked slowly, finding a wide staircase that led to a grand dining area filled with windows. Everything was bright. The house had an old-fashioned design, but it was flooded with light. A huge crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling—beautiful and imposing.

She didn’t notice the man coming up the stairs until he was right in front of her. When he saw her, he lowered his head.

—“Miss, you’re awake. Did you enjoy your breakfast? Do you need anything?”

—“What’s your name?”

—“Lucca. I’m Mr. Bastien’s right hand.”

—“Why am I here?”

—“That’s something the boss has to explain. I’m not authorized.”

—“Can I really go outside?”

—“Yes, miss. Everything within the walls is yours if you want it. You can swim, run, walk. We have a fully equipped gym. If you’d like, I can give you a tour of the house.”

—“No need.”

—“The only off-limits area is Mr. Bastien’s room. It’s the one opposite yours, at the end of the hallway. You’re free to enter anywhere else. The kitchen is fully stocked, and if you want anything else, just ask.”

—“Thanks, but what I want… you can’t give me.”

—“Miss… there are reasons why he’s keeping you here.”

—“Yeah. Because he’s a damned animal. A sick freak.”

—“Miss…” —he whispered, eyes lowered.

Kate kept walking through the mansion. Everything was spotless and perfectly arranged. She stepped into the garden and noticed a truck parked nearby. A burly man was getting out, carrying a basket full of vegetables.

—“This is my chance…”

Kate walked quickly toward the truck, bumping into the man. He looked at her with a lecherous grin.

—“Well, well… look what we have here. Must be a new maid. And I love tasting new toys…”

He covered her mouth as she tried to scream. Lifting her in his arms, he scanned the area and carried her into the storage shed, slamming the door shut. He threw her to the ground, licking his lips.

—“Such a sweet thing… I doubt Mr. Bastien would mind if I take a little taste…”

—“SHUT UP, PIG! Don’t you dare touch me!” —Kate stood, defiant.

The man didn’t hesitate—he slapped her across the face, knocking her to the ground, then climbed on top of her.

—“Just how I like ’em… full of fight.”

—“Ugh! Get off me, you disgusting animal!”

Suddenly, a shadow loomed. A foot collided with the man’s face, knocking him back violently.

Kate froze. She watched in shock as Bastien beat the man senseless—punch after punch, like he was made of jelly.

—“HOW DARE YOU TOUCH HER WITH YOUR FILTHY HANDS?!”

Kate recognized him. Bastien was furious. He hit the burly man over and over again, unrelenting.

—“Mr. Bastien! I’m sorry! I didn’t know she was under your protection!”

—“Even if she wasn’t—what gives you the right to touch a woman without her consent?!”

Kate couldn’t help but give a bitter smile. Bastien stood up and came to her. Her cheek was red from the slap, her eyes wide with shock.

—“Does it hurt? Did that bastard hit you?”

Kate nodded, still trembling.

Bastien stood again, grabbed a large kitchen knife, and walked to the man. Without hesitation, he swung—and severed the man’s hand in one clean cut. Blood sprayed everywhere. The man screamed in agony, writhing on the floor.

—“Let that teach you to never touch a woman without her permission.”

The blood was too much. Kate vomited what little she had eaten. The commotion drew Bastien’s men. Lucca was the first to arrive. When he saw the man on the floor and the severed hand beside him, he looked to Bastien.

—“Sir… what happened?”

—“Didn’t I tell you to protect her? Where were you when that pig hit her?!”

—“Sir, I… I—”

—“No excuses. Take him away. Gut him. We’ll find a new vegetable supplier.”

Bastien roared with rage as the man begged for mercy. His men dragged him away without hesitation.

Then Bastien took off his jacket, placed it over Kate’s shoulders, and gently helped her stand—she was still weak from the nausea.

—“Ssshhh… it’s okay…”

He led her to the kitchen and placed a cold compress on her cheek.

—“This might sting a little… but it’ll reduce the swelling. Did you really think that man would get you out of here?”

—“I just want to leave. I didn’t know there were more rapists in this house. Everyone here is disgusting.”

—“Kate…”