The Alpha's Bondage

Waiting Game

♛Harley♛

I kept looking at the closed door. I kept waiting for Archer to show up. But he didn’t, and the morning slipped by so slowly. I made and remade the bed because I had nothing better to do. I swept and mopped the floors because what else was I supposed to do with my time?

“Maybe he is just busy,” Nyra said.

“I know,” I whispered as I looked around. Everything was clean and tidy. There was nothing to do. I got comfortable on the couch and turned on the TV. A comedy TV series caught my attention, but after the fourth episode, I switched it off. I looked over at the door and sighed. “I can’t even call him or something,” I muttered. I tried to distract myself by making some scrambled eggs and toast. But after breakfast, I went over to the large bookshelf. Owned by the CEO caught my attention. I picked up the book and read the back. It sounded interesting, so I got comfortable in the large armchair and started to read. I got sucked into the story, but I was far too anxious to truly get into it. I set the book aside and stared at the door as I silently urged it to open. It didn’t.

“You are just bored,” Nyra pointed out. She wasn’t wrong. I was bored. I just hadn’t expected this. What I had expected was Archer, and yet as the clock ticked on by, I wondered if he would be stopping by soon. “What’s the problem?” Nyra asked. “You are safe. You have food, warmth, and entertainment. Get over it,”

“Shut up,” I snapped softly. I picked up the book and continued to read it. Lunchtime arrived, and still, Archer had not arrived. The silence was starting to get on my nerves. I made a sandwich because I needed a distraction. Mayo, cheese, and lettuce that tasted like water, with a tomato that fought the knife. I ate at the counter and watched the trap door like a hawk. But it remained closed. I couldn’t help but wonder if Archer had lied when he had said he would see me today. The thought tasted bitter. I pushed it away. I cleaned up my mess before I headed back into the living room. I decided a movie would be a good way to pass the time.

“We could take a nap?” Nyra suggested when the movie ended.

“No,” I answered. The truth was that I didn’t want to take a nap. I wanted to be awake if Archer showed up. I switched off the TV and looked around. I had explored a little bit, but now I had the time to truly look around. The closet in the hall was full of towels and bedding. The smell of soap and cedar was strong. I shut the door and checked the living room storage bench. I found a pack of cards, a set of dominoes, and three different puzzles. I wasn’t interested in the cards or the dominoes, but I did take a look at the puzzles. The cover on the first box was of a beautiful scenic scene with a forest, a river, and a cottage. I set that one aside. The cover on the second box was horses running on the beach. It was beautiful and magical, but I set it aside as well. The last cover caught my attention. It was of a white lion lying on the ground. I wasn’t sure why, but I liked the look of it.

“Great,” Nyra muttered. I ignored her as I carried the box over to the dining room table. I realized that the box had never been opened, which made it feel somewhat special to me. I opened the box and carefully threw out all of the pieces. I then sorted through them. I spread the pieces out and flipped them face up. Edges to one side. Corners in a small pile. While I kept my hands busy, my mind wandered. Archer had clearly taken the time to make sure the women he brought here were entertained. While I was still a bit bored, working on this puzzle would help pass the time. I didn’t want to think about the women who had been here before me. I pushed it aside. By the time six o'clock came around, I had a frame and a bit of the top left-hand corner. My shoulders were tense, so I got to my feet and rolled my neck.

“Dinner,” I murmured as I glanced at the kitchen. I decided to make something quick and easy. My go-to mac and cheese. It felt normal and comforting as I cooked up my favorite meal. It wasn’t just simple or easy, it was comfort in a bowl. When I was done, I put on another comedy to watch while I ate. I ignored the door even though I was aware of it. I tried not to look, but my ears perked up every time I heard something that didn’t come from the TV. When I was done with dinner, I realized I was angry.

“He might still show,” Nyra said softly, but I wasn’t sure I believed her. “Or maybe something happened to him,” she added.

“I just…he said he would see me today…” I said as I carried my empty bowl into the kitchen. I kept myself busy while I cleaned up. Nyra had fallen silent, and I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. At least she kept me company. It was almost nine when I returned to the puzzle. I sorted through the pieces, using colors as a guide. It was a good way to pass the time, but when I yawned for the fifth time, I figured it was time for bed. The clock on the wall said it was a quarter to eleven. It was late. I moved around the place as if I had lived here for years. I switched off the lights. I made sure the gas was off. I turned off the TV. I took a quick shower and pulled on a pair of floral shorts and a white tank top.

“Maybe tomorrow,” Nyra said when I sat down in front of the mirror to brush my hair.

“Maybe,” I agreed. The silence fell over us, and then there was the distinctive sound of the trap door being unlocked. I froze as my gaze drifted to the open bedroom door, and I listened closely. The door opened, and then it was closed. I heard the lock, and I held my breath. When I heard his footsteps, something inside of me settled.

“He is here,” Nyra remarked, and I smiled as I set the brush aside. Archer was here.

♛♛