Thread: Thinking outside of the box  [DOM+AutumDreaming]

Bella held her breath after her proposal, praying to Heaven and anyone listening that he would accept it. She was young and innocent, which she knew would be a high seller on the market from which he dabbled. He rubbed his face against hers, nuzzling her while his fingers looped inside her underwear and began to pull them down her body. She didn't want this, certainly not, but she would consent to anything he asked so long as he just let her family live. If he wanted to to go so far as act like an animal for him, she would swallow her pride and just do it. At last, he gave her his word that he would try to use her offer as persuasion. Relief flooded over her, the young woman so grateful that he had accepted the term. For all intents and purposes, he had just warned her that her life, at least the one she had known, was over. Whether her heart continued to beat or not, the innocence she retained would be stripped from her. She nodded, accepting this wholeheartedly. Yes, I am willing to accept that. As he moved to untie her from the restraints, she caught something in his words for now. He would let them live but for how long? All her sacrificing could be for nothing, but if it gave them a chance then she wouldn't argue it. He was even going to let her speak to them one more time before she was taken from the only familiarity she had. As he pulled her from the tub, she bent and pulled her underwear back up on her body. He was being generous for a hitman, even going so far as to let her bring along some clothes. Back in her room, she moved swiftly. A hooded sweatshirt was thrown over her thin tank top, along with a pair of matching sweatpants. She wanted her body to be covered, even if he took that from her sooner or later. Clothes were thrown in a suitcase along with a book, her Rosary, and a picture of her family. When she had closed it, she moved over to her cellphone and dialed her father's number. On the second ring, she heard her mother's cheerful voice. Bella, sweetheart, hello! Mom- Bella choked out, her heart sinking. Oh, honey, the baby is so sweet! You should have seen his little hands. We're about to leave Angelo's, I got you some- Ma, I need to talk to Daddy, please. Her voice was stern, suggesting something wasn't right. Oh, sure honey. You okay? Tears were flooding her eyes, but she tried to keep her voice strong. Yeah, I love you. Oh, I love you, too, Bella. I'll see you soon. Paolo's voice was naturally loud and gruff. What is it, Bella? He asked her, obviously walking away from the noise in the background. Daddy, listen to me. There's a man he- oh, it doesn't matter. Look, I'm supposed to tell you that you need to pay tribute and encourage others to do so, too. Her father fell silent, taking a moment to reply. Bella, I don't know what you're talking about. He was going to kill you, all of you. She was crying hard now, her voice breaking. He said you'd get my head in a box if you didn't do whatever he was talking about, but I don't care. Don't come home! Get Mom and go! She begged, crouching down on the floor. I'm going with him. I convinced him to let you live, but he said my safety depends on your playing nice with associates. She was speaking so quickly, her anger flowing through her words. I don't care about me, but protect them! Paolo didn't reply to his daughter for a long time, too stunned to speak. Bella? He finally said, his voice unfaltering. Are you scared? She thought for a moment, shaking her head. Not for me. Good, that's good. I gotta go, tell them I love them. I will and I love you, too, honey. Thank you, Isabella. The man hung up on his daughter, expecting to never see or talk to her again while she was alive. It wouldn't be long, he believed, until he discovered her body. Until then, though, he would simply act like she was missing to keep the rest of his family safe. Bella threw the phone across the room, letting it shatter on the wall. She fell into a heap on the floor, rolling herself into a ball. Her sobs were uncontrollable and relentless, but she was so happy this man- this angel of death- had granted her this last moment to talk to the family she had singlehandedly spared.