Chains Of Obsession

: Testing

ly'

-

on me. Each rule was another reminder of what my life had become-a set o

rything had its place, expensive and tastefully decorated, but it was a cage nonetheles

ustration mount. How could he expect me to

-

g, Michael appeared in the room, quite without waiting for permission. In his hands, he had a tray with a meal-grilled c

lled. He didn't look at me, yet the tension that

unger I'd had away. I wanted to fight him now, push against the minuscule

k unless I

chin. "I don't want to eat," I said

ritation across his face. "I didn't as

, crossing my arms, figh

Emily, I'm not in the mood for defiance. You

ning out. "You can't control every little thing I do.

silence was alive with warning. "You're te

ated like a prisoner," I shot back before

alculating. Then wordlessly, he reached into his jacket pocket and

dropping as the first tendrils

edience has consequences. I'm giving you one last chance. E

ice, my pulse racing. "Y

re in my world now, Emily. And in my world, yo

h twisting. I didn't want to give in, didn't want to let him control me so easily. But

in his direction because I never once broke eye contact. Satisfied

a soft tone but full of condescension. "Th

humiliation corner me, but with a second bite, I tried to

. "Do you understand the rules,

d, my voice low, the wor

his face. "Excellent," he said. "Then

room; do anything that would rid me of this feeling of helplessness weighing me down. I knew i

reached the door, he paused, looking back over his shoulder. "Remember,

d I was left alone again, his