Captivity Comes in Many Forms(Adult*Slash*M/K) [COMPLETE]

[magikhands]

Title: Captivity Comes in Many Forms
Author: magikhands
Rating: Adult / Slash M/K - Max's POV
Disclaimer: I own nothing Roswell. The plot and its characters belong to its creators
Summary: This story is based on a challenge given on at Slashy Goodness to write a story based on this picture-Challenge. It's AU, Max and Kyle are in college and a bad event brings about unexpected events.
Warning: This story contains content having to do with kidnapping, rape, and graphic material. This is your only warning.


Chapter 1

Loud, hard knocking roused me from sleep. Still groggy headed I stumbled to the door.

“Sean, what happened…?” I started, sure it was my roommate having lost or misplaced his keys again in some drunken stupor. It’s not the first time he’s woken me to get into our room.

“Stay quiet and you won’t get hurt,” a deep voice sounded and I felt the muzzle of a gun against my forehead.

Sleep instantly disappeared, replaced by fear. I squeeze my eyes shut praying it’s just a dream.

“Back up.” The man demanded.

I open my eyes and know that I’m not dreaming. This is definitely real as the muzzle is pushed, its pressure causing me to take a step back then another. I put my hands up, unsure what this man wanted. I was a college student scrounging to pay my way. I owned nothing of any value.

“What do you want?” I asked, my voice trembled despite trying to keep it steady.

“Shut up and put on some clothing.” The man ordered pulling the gun from my head but still held it aimed at me. He was a little shorter than myself, older and balding. His dark eyes were small, beady, and expressionless.

I was wearing only my boxers, my usual sleepwear. My voice stuck in my throat so I nodded as I slowly turned and looked for clothing. I found a pair of shorts and a t-shirt that I hoped was clean on my computer chair. I didn’t know what he wanted from me but I wasn’t going to give him any excuse to fire his weapon.

“Put on some comfortable walking shoes and pack a backpack with some more clothing.”

“Where…?” I started but then shut my mouth when I heard the gun’s hammer clicked back. I turned and did what he ordered. I pulled some underwear and other clothing from my drawers before stuffing them into my emptied backpack. I’d just done laundry the day before so I knew that they were at least clean.

“Now. We are going for a walk. You are to stay in front of me and not say a word to anyone we may pass. Is that understood?”

I nodded, fear rushing through me. He was taking me from my room, but to where?

“Good, go.” I watched the man drape a coat over his arm, its material covering the hand that held the gun.

I slung the pack over my shoulder and opened the door before walking down the hall toward the stairwell. My hands were shaking and forced my legs work. I glanced back and saw he only a step behind me. Though I could no longer see the gun, I knew it was pointed right at my back. I never dreamed I’d be in such a position and it really frightened me. I didn’t know who this guy was or what he wanted. My pulse was racing and my stomach felt as if it would lose its contents.

As I made my way down the stairwell onto the first floor, I looked around desperately, hoping I’d see someone I knew. Someone I could signal that I was in trouble. But it was a Tuesday night and very late. Most were already in bed or where they would spend the rest of the night. My dorm was known as one of the calmest on campus.

We walked out the front door of the dorm but then the man directed me to go cut across the lawn to the right. We walked by two other dorms before he steered me into a dark alley. My hands fisted as the trembling worsened. I was trying so hard to stay calm but now as I walked into this darkness I felt my nerves unhinging. I wanted to scream and run away but I was more scared of the gun behind me.

“It took you long enough.” Another male voice sounded as we neared a black car.

“Yeah, well, had to wait until it was clear. Can’t help the way kids are.” The man holding the gun grumbled. “Turn around.” He then told me and pushed on my shoulder.

“Look, please, whatever it is you want, I’ll give it to you.” I tried to plead through my uneven breath even as my pack was removed from my shoulder.

“Just shut up.” The second man said as I felt my hands being pulled behind me. I tried to resist but the first man uncovered the gun and placed the muzzle on my chest. This stopped all my struggles and let the other man bind my wrists with a plastic cuff that I’d seen police use instead of handcuffs. It was pulled tight causing it to pinch my skin. I tried to separate my wrists but they were secured tightly. Next came similar bindings on my ankles, making my balance a little unsteady.

“Open.” The balding man ordered as he started shoving a thick wad of material inside my mouth. Before I could utter a protest the second man was securing the material with a strip of thick rope, a large knot in the middle that fit between my teeth. He tied it taut bringing out a whimper with the pain it caused.

I was more frightened at that moment than ever before in my life. I couldn’t stop the shaking in my body or the frightened jump when one of the men popped the trunk of the car next to me.

“Time for a ride.” The one behind me said as he took hold of my shoulders and the other man took my ankles and lifted me horizontally. I struggled and cried out but it was too late. They had complete control and we were far enough from anyone to hear me.

I was dumped harshly down in the trunk and heard a loud grunt. I jerked in surprise realizing I was not the only one in here. I struggled to sit up but only ended up hitting my head on the trunk lid that had closed. My thrashing about gave me several aches wehre I’m sure bruises will pop up along with pain in my head I couldn’t rub. Then there was a kick and several anger growls from the other person that shared the trunk with me.

Finally giving up and settling down, I understood that my situation at that moment was hopeless. I had allowed them to bind me and put me here with little fight. However, I did value my life, the reason for my lack of resistance, but that did little to ease my conscious and ego. I bit hard on the material and knot and tried to calm my fears. I took several deep breaths that only resulted in a coughing fit that pained my chest from the smelly fumes and dirt that was in the trunk.

I felt the other person shift as if to make room for the two of us but it was such a small space that it helped little. My mind went to him. From the sounds he’d made during my fit, it was obviously another male. Who was he? What did they want with the two of us? Was it someone I knew? The darkness of the trunk only enhanced the mystery since neither of us was able to speak.

TBC...

[magikhands]

Chapter 2

I don’t know how long we traveled or even in which direction but I knew we were at a destination when the car stopped and the engine turned off. I lay there, listening, waiting for what was to happen next, trying not to loose the sanity that was only hanging by a thread. It was frustrating when all I could hear was the loud pounding of my own heartbeat over anything else. Were they going to leave us here? Would we have adequate air until someone found us? Where were we? Awful images ran through my head from all the movies I’d seen. I swallowed hard and tried to calm my breathing but it wasn’t easy when fear raced rampant.

My questions were answered when the trunk popped open. It was still dark out so that meant we hadn’t traveled too long. However when the two men pulled me out of the trunk I could see that the sky was becoming light with the approaching dawn.

Instead of putting me on the ground the men carried me to the back of a SUV that was parked a few feet away. I was placed inside the back and rolled so that I was face down. I tried to raise to my knees but one of them hit me on the back knocking me back down.

“Uh huh. You stay right there.”

It was the second man, the one who I was brought to. The wind had been knocked out of me so I had no other choice. Besides, my feet and hands were still bound so it wasn’t like I could take off running. Another minute later, the other captive was placed next to me in the same position. I still could not make out who it was or the second man’s features with the darkness. I only knew that my companion in this nightmare was male and shorter myself.

My eyes were beginning to adjust to my surroundings and I tried hard to get a glimpse of the one next to me when we were covered with a tarp. But that was not all. It was tied down as well, pinning us to the flooring of the SUV. I felt a couple of ropes being laid across my body completing the new bondage. I could barely lift my head to turn it though it wouldn’t do me any good as the new darkness took all sight from us.

I could hear the other car start up then several moments later the sound was gone. Then the SUV started but only one door slammed shut. I tried to file all this information away, trying to remember every sound and smell hoping it would be helpful in an escape. It also kept my head busy so I wouldn’t think about the lack of movement I had. The vehicle started down a bumpy road and I was glad that we were strapped down instead of bouncing around like in the trunk with the exception of my head. I had to hold it up to keep it from banging on the hard floor but it was hard to determine when the next bump would come so my neck muscles were sore and tired from the strain.

The road evened out and after sometime the vehicle stopped but I hear that a second person entered it. Though the voices were low and I could not understand the words I knew both men were together again. Somewhere along the way the low hum of the engine and gentle sway of motion lulled me to sleep.

I woke to the sound of grunting and harsh words. It sounded almost like an argument between the two men. Opening my eyes I found it was daylight and quickly closed them, shutting out the blinding light.

“Wake up.” The man who took me from my room demanded as he pushed me.

I couldn’t feign sleep for fear of what they would do to me. I had no choice but to open my eyes when I felt their hands on me and drag me out of the vehicle. I groaned as my feet and legs once more supported my weight but not for long as they were asleep as well, the circulation slowed from the binding at my ankles along with the lack of movement for such a time. Before I could collapse, a set of hands caught me, and pushed me back so that I leaned against the back of the SUV.

As my eyesight adjusted to the brightness, I find myself facing a forest. It looked thick and dark despite the bright sun shinning above. We seemed to be some sort of small clearing. Glancing about I saw no road. I was surprised that the jarring motion had not woken me before.

There was movement beside me. Turning my head while my captives were busy unloading things from the back seat I get the first full look at my captive companion. My eyes widen as I realize it is Kyle Valenti. I knew him but we were not friends. We grew up together in Roswell. He was the Sheriff’s son, all-star jock, and Mr. Popular.

I, Max Evans, was on the other end of the social stick. I wasn’t considered a geek, I had plenty of the girls tripping over themselves to be my lab partner or sit near me, but I was shy, withdrawn. My twin sister Isabel was the social one, always a smile and a friendly word. She was the one that ran around in Kyle’s world, not me. I was more of the child that hid behind the tree. I watched and observed people. Seeing the world, but never truly participating in it. I had a small group of friends but they didn’t know me like my sister.

His eyes widened in surprise as he recognized me. I can tell that he’s just as confused as I was of this entire situation but I also saw a hint of fear in his eyes. At first, I thought it was a reflection of what I felt but when his eyes kept shifting back and forth I knew something more had happened to him. He turned his head toward the back of the SUV and I saw the bruise on his cheek.

The doors slammed shut and the men came and drop several packs off to the side. I got my first look at the second man as they approach Kyle. He is taller and younger than the one that took me. His hair was dark like mine but his eyes were a menacing blue. As if he could sense me looking at him, he turned and met my gaze. I refused to look away. They were not trying to hide their appearances from us, so I might as well look at the person who may very well kill me. That thought settled in my stomach like a rock, heavy and foreboding. I shivered inside but still I didn’t look away. The man gave me a smirk then turned his attention back to Kyle.

“I’m not sure this is such a good idea Pierce.” The balding man said softly as he picked up a bag they’d dropped near us.

“It will be fine Harding. Just stick to the plan.”

Their names meant little to me and neither looked familiar. I look around again and can’t help but feel as helpless as a snared rabbit. We were in the middle of the woods, no road leading to where the SUV was parked. I was bound and gagged, barely able to keep my balance. Escape seemed impossible at the moment. I was completely at their mercy and it scared me.

I leaned against the vehicle vulnerable and watched the two men approach Kyle. The one called Pierce carried a large sharp looking hunting knife. Kyle shrunk back, positive that the end of the road had come. We both had the same thoughts. They would kill us and leave our bodies here to eaten by the wildlife, possibly never found.

Kyle struggled and nearly toppled over as he whimpered and shook his head in protest. Fear rushed through my body as I watched his face paled and his breathing became rapid but he was having trouble with the gag in his mouth. Was this to be my fate as well?

I tried looking away, tried not to watch what they were going to do but I couldn’t tear my eyes away. The men’s movements slowed as they came closer to Kyle. My breath hitched, I couldn’t seem to catch my own breath. My chest felt tight, aching from the lack of air.

The one called Pierce started laughing. I wanted to scream at him, wanted to know what was wrong with him. Why would he be laughing? Death is not funny. Harding stood a few steps back with gun in hand. His face expressionless.

By the time Pierce reached Kyle, he was outright crying, tears streaming down his cheeks and his eyes glued to the knife blade that glimmered in the sunlight.

Pierce reached out and grabbed hold of Kyle’s shoulder. Roughly he shoved Kyle around so that he was facing the back of the SUV. I thought I’d puke and wondered why this man couldn’t kill us like a man, looking at us in the eye.

I watched the knife lower and my breath stopped. Pierce shifted the blade slightly making the sun reflect off the metal. With one swift swoop, the knife slashed down…cutting the binding on Kyle’s wrist.

Pierce stepped back and started laughing. I stared wide-eyed at him as he got the greatest kick out of our fear. Kyle, still weeping, turned slowly in disbelief.

“You’ve got exactly one minute to get the blood back into your hands.” Pierce said as he turned and retrieved several items from a bad.

Kyle’s knees gave out and practically he fell hard on the back of the SUV. His body was trembling and his breathing erratic, almost hyperventilating. I could do or say nothing since I was as helpless as Kyle. All I could do was glare at the man who was amused at our expense. Harding had yet to move or say a word, letting Pierce do as he pleased.

Pierce approached, rope in one hand, a bottle of water in the other. Putting both down next to Kyle he looked at him.

“One word and the gag goes back on. Understood?” His voice was low and threatening.

Kyle nodded. Pierce reached up and removed the knotted rope and material within his mouth. Pierce handed Kyle the bottle of water and waited. Once Kyle had drank some of the water, Pierce secured his hands once more with rope then using the rest of the length to tie about his waist, keeping his arms down and unable to escape. Then he wrapped another length around his chest and arms making sure they were fastened to his side. Pierce then pushed on Kyle’s chest and made him sit on the back of the SUV.

Pierce took a handkerchief from his pocket and poured a little of the water onto it. With his other hand, Pierce turned Kyle’s face to him and used the handkerchief to swipe away some of the dirt that streaked down Kyle’s face. Kyle tried to jerk his head away but Pierce’s fingers dug into his chin, keeping him still. Only when Kyle quit his struggle did Pierce loosen his hold then continued wiping Kyle’s face being especially careful around the bruise on his cheek.

Kyle closed his eyes and seemed to grimace. Watching closer, I saw that Pierce’s fingers holding Kyle’s chin was now slowly caressing it while his torturer smirked. I sympathized with Kyle. I, myself, shiver in revoltion if he were to touch me in such a manner.

Pierce finished with Kyle and turned to me. I trembled in fear. At that moment, I would much rather be ignored, invisible to those around me, but Pierce’s blue eyes had me in his sights. He pulled the hunting knife from where he’d tucked it in his pants and placed it next to my cheek. The steel felt cold against my skin despite the warmth of the day.

“It would be a pity to scar up this pretty face.” He turned the blade so that the cutting edge pressed into my cheek. I squeezed my eyes shut and kept as still as possible. I could picture the knife slicing into my skin and my blood running down my face, it’s warmth draining from my veins.

“Not a word. Understood?” He asked.

I felt the tears of terror escape my closed eyes. I didn’t want to nod for fear of the knife but I couldn’t verbally answer either. When I didn’t respond, he pushed the blade deeper. I whimpered and slowly tried to nod my head. I felt it cut into me with my initial movement before he let the pressure up.

“Good.” He removed the blade from my face and pushed me to turn slightly while he cut the tie on my hands. He removed the gag and went through the same routine of securing my hands and arms as Kyle after allowing me some water. He used the same handkerchief to wipe away the blood from the small cut on my face. I wasn’t a fool to try and pull away. I just closed my eyes and wished for it all to be over.

“If you are done with your petting, I think we should go.” Harding said rolling his eyes at his partner in crime.

Pierce sighed and let go of my face. “Fine.” He turned mumbling, “You love ruining my fun, don’t you?” Harding didn’t answer.

Pierce finished getting things ready for what looked like a hike while Harding kept watch on us but with our ankles still bound, there wasn’t much we could go. I wanted so badly to ask who they were and what they wanted but the feel of Pierce’s knife cutting into my skin was reminder enough to bite my bottom lip.

This time it was Harding who approached us with some more rope. He took a length and tied it between Kyle and I, linking us together but giving us enough room to walk comfortably behind each other. The other length was tied to Kyle’s waist as a lead rope. When our two captors were ready with packs on their back Pierce cut our ankle ties and Harding pulled on the rope for Kyle to start walking.

TBC...

[magikhands]

Chapter 3

We trekked through the woods in silence. Harding was leading while Pierce trailed behind me. I would often glance back, scared of what he may do to me. Each time, he’d smirk as I caught him glaring at me. I didn’t like the gleam in his eyes, like his thoughts were filled with lust …and hideous ideas. That made me nervous.

I tried to focus my thoughts on where we were and where we were going, but everything looked the same to me. My father and I used to go fishing when I was young, before his job cut into his family time but I was never one for the woods. I grew up in the desert, the only forests we had around was the state park. I gave up as I started feeling like we were walking in circles. Maybe we were.

I turned my attention to the one in front of me. Kyle Valenti. I still couldn’t believe that he and I are thrown together like this. We shared little in common. And even though we were at the same school, I rarely saw him.

I had been surprised to find Kyle had decided to come to State University instead of taking a scholarship to one of the bigger out of state schools. I later found out his decision had to do with the health of his grandfather. He didn’t want to go too far away. After our first year at State, Isabel told me that his grandfather had died halfway through and decided to stay because he was happy there.

I watched Kyle trudge along barely breathing hard. He was an athlete, in great shape. I noticed that even with his arms bound his step was sure and firm. He wore a pair of shorts and t-shirt. There were circles of sweat under his arms and a stream of wetness down his spine.

I had admired Kyle from afar for many years. Who wouldn’t? Kyle had a great body. Fit, trim, and muscular. He played football, basketball, lifted weights, and ran track. I’d never seen anyone as healthy as he.

I knew I would never have a chance with such a guy as Kyle. He was straight while I was gay. In high school I’d dated a few girls but I was hiding who I really was. I was scared. But along with being gay, I had another secret. I was in love…had been for a couple of years with Kyle. However Kyle never knew I existed. Isabel was the only one who knew of this. I could never hide anything from her.

She told me time after time that he was not worth my time or energy. She had dated Kyle for a short time. He had a reputation. The rumor was that he was only after one thing from girls and once the chase was done and tired of his catch, he moved on. Luckily, Isabel had not invested her heart with him. In fact, it was she who dumped him after she realized my feelings.

Isabel…oh God…would I see her again? She was my twin, my best friend, the only one on this planet that knew everything about me. It had been hard when she went off to California while I stayed in New Mexico. It was the first time we were separated but we’ve adjusted. We talk just about every day. When will she start to worry when I don’t answer her calls? Will she call our father?

I was knocked out of my thoughts when Kyle stopped in front of me and I nearly bumped into him. We were instructed to sit on some boulders where Harding took lengths of rope and tied our ankles and legs together, making any thoughts of escape nearly impossible. Our captors sat under a tree in the shade while we sat in the sun. We were given water but nothing else.

I watched our captors for a few minutes. It appeared as if Harding was arguing with Pierce. He kept looking at his watch and suddenly I could see that he was uncomfortable about something. Was it because of what he’d done, or was he in a hurry to get where ever we were going? I couldn’t hear their words but it was heated.

“What the hell is going on Evans?” Kyle growled at me, his voice was low so that only I could hear since we were a distance from Harding and Pierce.

“I was dragged from my bed and taken by gunpoint. I was hoping you could tell me.” I let my frustration and anger show in my voice. I didn’t like how he was accusatory in his tone.

Kyle sighed frustrated and tilted his head back. “Fuck.” He whispered. He looked at me. “Yeah, that one,” he indicated Pierce. “Was waiting in my room. We had to wait until the frat house calmed down.” He paused and glared at the man but I saw the shiver in his body. “He seemed to have known that my roommate was gone for the night.”

“Mine too.”

“So how are we going to get out of this?” Kyle asked me like I had all the answers.

“Hey! I said no talking.” Pierce yelled.

I ducked my head and looked away. The blood had clotted on my cheek but I’m not stupid enough to want more. Pierce scared me. There was something about him, he gave me the creeps, and had a dangerous glint in his eyes. I didn’t answer but my mind was desperately searching for a way out of this.

When Kyle and I were thoroughly soaked from sweat from sitting in the blaring sun, our captors decided it was time to keep going. Harding came and untied our legs allowing us to once more walk. This time it was Pierce who led us on the invisible trail through the woods.

TBC...

[magikhands]

Chapter 4

Just when I thought I’d have to open my mouth to beg for rest or drink I saw a cabin up ahead. It was old looking, its metal roof rusted and the wood dark and warped with age. Beside it was a small garage, the rusted door closed but there was a dirt drive that led to it. I wondered if we could have saved a lot of time and energy just driving here. But then, these two seem to have gone through a lot to get us up here. Leaving a trail to their hide-a-way would be out of the question.

Pierce led us up the couple of steps and into the cabin, but he didn’t stop there. He pulled on the rope that was looped on Kyle’s neck and we passed through an open den and kitchen area. It held all the modern conveniences that the outside didn’t. There were several doors around the area but he led us to a wall. Dropping the bag he carried, he reached out and pushed on a piece of wood wall. It flipped open to reveal a small console with a touch pad. I tried to see what combination of numbers he punched in but he maneuvered his body so that it was impossible to see.

A door that looking like the wall slid open to reveal stairs. We had no other choice but to follow him down. Harding did not come with us. My eyes widened in surprise and unease when we reached the bottom of the stairs. These men had thought this out down to the smallest detail.

We stood in a basement of sorts, the walls gray stone and the floor cold concrete. It smelled musky with age. It smelt as if fresh air rarely filtered down. There was one small window near the bottom of the stairs. It was more long than wide, a grown person would never fit through it if they somehow managed to reach its height. Not good for Kyle and I.

The room was separated in half by a wall of steel bars. Pierce went to the wall near the bars and keyed a code into its touch pad. A beep sounded and the door to the cell popped open. He pulled it open and tugged on the rope he still held in his hand. When Kyle didn’t immediately move he pulled harder causing the rope to become tight on his neck, cutting off his breath. This spurred Kyle into moving.

Inside the cell was a full sized bed in the middle of the area where Pierce instructed me to sit while Kyle stood. I had forgotten my fatigue and thirst since setting eyes on the cabin. Now all that concerned me was the fear settling in my body. The longer I was in this man’s presence, the more it unsettled me.

Taking a look around, there was a shower in one corner. It looked to be similar to those installed in trailers with fiberglass sides and floor. Next to it was a toilet and a sink with a small cabinet. A flat, square mirror was attached to the wall above the sink. On the other side of the bed was a small closet but it had no door and only shelves within its space. There was a card table with two folding chairs near the bath area.

I turned my attention back to Pierce who was kneeling in front of Kyle and placing something on his ankle. An audible click sounded in the heavy silence. He stood and untied the rope that connected me to Kyle. He took Kyle by the shoulder and pushed him to the cell door.

“I wouldn’t suggest trying to escape.” Pierce said looking to me as he pushed Kyle past the opening. Immediately a buzzer sounded and I watched in horror as Kyle screamed and fell to his knees. His body convulsed and his face was etched in pain. Bound as he still was, Kyle was helpless to the pain. Pierce bent and pulled Kyle by his shirt back into the cell. The buzzing stopped and Kyle stopped screaming, his body going limp on the floor. He’d passed out. “Is that clear?”

I numbly nodded, terror blocking the word in my throat.

Pierce stepped over Kyle and came toward me. My body trembled in fear wondering if I was next to feel the effects like Kyle did. He smirked as if sensing my fear and knelt down to place a device on my ankle. He pulled me up and turned me so that my back faced him. I felt him mess with the rope bindings on my arms. They loosend before falling away. My arms felt heavy as the blood rushed back into them. I sighed in relief.

“Strip and shower.” Pierce ordered as he took the last of the rope from my body.

My relief was suddenly gone as I looked into his menacing eyes. When I didn’t do as he said he reached behind and pulled the gun from his pants. He placed the muzzle to my temple. My breath caught and felt suddenly faint.

“I said to strip and shower.” His voice was low but full of threat.

I slowly reached around, my fingers tingling from the rush of blood coming back into them, and pulled up my shirt. I felt the muzzle back away from my head but he didn’t step back. His presence still filled my space. I felt as if I was moving in slow motion, like a terrible nightmare as I pulled the shirt over my head and continued to undress. I closed my eyes just so I wouldn’t see his that freely roamed my body.

When I stood completely nude I opened my eyes and he gestured with his head toward the shower. I walked over and began to run the water making it lukewarm. Though I wanted to soak my tired muscles under the steady stream, I knew that I’d never be able to relax as long as he was staring at me. I quickly showered as he instructed. He watched the entire time. I didn’t look back at him, but I could feel his eyes boring into me. Watching my every movement. I’d never been so self-conscious in my life. It was unnerving.

Pierce handed me a towel that I’d failed to notice sitting next to the sink. After drying off, I wrapped it around my waist covering myself and feeling a little better. I sat on the bed again as Pierce ordered and watched as he pulled Kyle from the floor. Kyle was awake but had not moved from where our captor threw him. Kyle was ordered to do the same I. He did so without protest but the fear in him was visible in his trembling body.

I tried not to watch Kyle shower. I kept diverting my gaze away but I couldn't stop my eyes from finding him again. Every time they wandered back to Kyle, it wasn’t just his muscles or skin that caught my attention, but the bruises that littered his body. There were light blue ones on a hip, on his chest, and several on his thighs. By the looks of them, they were fresh, only a day old, if that.

Before Kyle could finish, Harding came down bringing with him clothing. As he threw them on the bed, I noticed some of them were mine that I’d thrown into my backpack.

“They’re clean.” He said kicking the discarded clothing out the cell door. He glanced at me then over to Kyle who had now finished showering but stood under the water trying to hide himself. Harding rolled his eyes in disgust. “Fun is done. Come on.” Harding said leaving the cell.

Pierce sighed but he listened to his accomplice. He took one last look at me then a longer gaze at Kyle. I watched as Kyle appeared to shrink further from him as if trying to hide himself. Pierce left the cell and pushed the door closed. The lock click loudly even over the running water.

“Be good.” He smirked as he bent and picked up all the discarded clothing before leaving them alone. The large overhead light flicked off, leaving only a dimmer one in the cell on.

I turned to Kyle who was still in the shower. His body was visibly shivering and I knew that the water had to be cold by now. Standing I went over to him and turned off the water and handed him the towel from my waist. Without thought of my nakedness, I went back to the bed and dressed in the boxers and jeans that Harding had brought. There was no shirt.

By the time I dressed, Kyle had snapped out of his terror and was drying himself off. I handed him his clothing and found that he had only underwear and jeans also.

Feeling fatigue beginning to settle in on me I laid upon half the bed, my hands behind my head and closed my eyes. I could hear Kyle move about, his movements unsure and reluctant. He was as baffled as I was as to exactly why we were here but somehow I sensed his experience getting here had been far worse than mine.

I felt Kyle lie on the other side of the bed but didn’t say a word. Normally I would be elated to be so close to the object of my desire, but the current circumstances had dimmed the prospect greatly. Letting out a slow breath, I settled in and hoped to get a little rest. Maybe with a little rest we could figure out what these people wanted.

TBC...

[magikhands]

Chapter 5

I don’t know how long I slept but when I woke, I felt somewhat rested but my body ached. It took several seconds for my brain to catch up and remember what had happened. I sat up startled, realizing my nightmare was no dream, and looked around. I was still in the small cell and turning I found that Kyle was sleeping on the bed next to me.

I took the moment to look at him. I’d never had the opportunity to watch him sleep. He lay on his side facing me with his legs and arms curled in almost a fetal position. His face was relaxed from stress or worry.. His thick lashes rested on his cheeks while his lips were slightly parted. He was without a shirt like me and I allowed my eyes their fill of his trim defined muscles. If it weren’t for the musky smell and dingy surrounding reminding me of our situation, I would swear I’d died and gone to heaven.

As if feeling my gaze, Kyle shifted and slowly opened his eyes. Their blue was the color of the ocean and cloudy from sleep. He looked at me and like me, his brain kicked in. The haziness cleared and instantly replaced with fear. He sat up too quickly and curses rattled from his lips. Closer now, I see the bruises had darkened in the time since his shower. His hands went to his ribs and pain etched his face. Gone was the calm serene look.

“Are you ok?” I ask cautiously. I was worried how he was holding his side. I have to wonder if Pierce beat him into subduing or for other reasons. Kyle could have a bruised or broken rib, but without x-rays we wouldn’t know. I could only hope it wasn’t more serious.

Kyle didn’t look at me but he nodded his head. “Just a little pain where he…” He let the sentence die.

“Did he kick you?” I asked wanting to know more of what happened to him. The more I think about it, the more I felt I was the lucky one. But how long would that last?

Kyle hung his head, still gripping at his side. He nodded but said nothing more. I let it drop for now.

I ran my hand through my hair and let out a loud sigh. For the first time in my life, I don’t have a clue as to what to do. I’m sitting here in a cage for reasons unknown, kept here by people I don’t know. Glancing over at Kyle, I watch as his shoulders sag in defeat. Never had I seen Kyle at such a loss. He’s always been one of control. The leader of the pack, taking charge whether it be in sports or in life. In all the years I’d spent watching Kyle, I’d never seen him take to defeat so easily. This realization served to strengthen my resolve. I had to find answers and a way out for both of us.

I shifted my body and let my back rest on the wall behind me. I sat there in silence and pondered the reasons why Kyle and I would be chosen, to be thrown together like this, taken from our homes.

“Kyle…” I said getting his attention. His head lifted in acknowledgement but he didn’t turn to me. In fact, he hasn’t looked at me since waking. “Have you spoken to your father in the past couple of days? Is there something going on back home?”

My thoughts kept going back to our parents in Roswell. His father was the Sheriff while mine was an Assistant District Attorney. That could be the only connection with this whole mess.

I watched his head bow. “Yes.” The word came out shaky. “I should have listened.” His words were low and he shook his head. I leaned forward to hear him clear.

“What are you talking about Kyle? Listened to who?”

Kyle refused to look at me or to answer me. I moved and sat next to him and felt his body stiffen. I reached out and lifted his head with a hand. I was gentle in my touch but still felt a tremble course through his body.

“What is going on?” I asked again.

Kyle’s eyes refused to meet mine, their gaze shifted to the side focusing on anything else but me. “A few days ago I got a call from my Dad. He told me that I needed to come home. At first he wouldn’t tell me why but when I refused he told me that they’d finally arrested some guy that was hooked in with drugs and possibly the Mafia. He told me that since they found him in Roswell, that he was part of the investigation along with the District Attorney’s office.”

“But you didn’t go.” It was a statement.

“No.” His eyes went down but I refused to let his head drop. “We had that big game and I refused to leave. I told him that I would be careful, that I would call him several times a day. I promised him that I’d stay in for a while instead of going out partying. That’s why I was home last night instead of out with the guys. He agreed but I knew he didn’t like it.” Kyle finally looked at me for the first time. “I should have gone home.” I heard the regret in his voice.

Letting go of his chin I nodded in agreement. “Yeah, you should’ve.” I turned away and looked out beyond the bars. Fury began to build inside of me. I didn’t know. No one called and warned me.

After several minutes of silence Kyle’s voice broke me from my simmering anger. “You didn’t know did you? About what was going on?”

I shook my head, this time my turn refusing to meet his gaze. “No. I received no call.” I briefly wonder about Isabel. Was she ok? Did she know or had someone reached her as well? I silently cursed my father and his selfishness. Just because he disliked my choice of lifestyle didn’t mean that he could put us in danger. But then…I knew that his pride would hardly let him call me after he shut me from his life for good.

“I’m sorry. I should have warned you. I should have…”

“It’s not your fault.” I told Kyle slowly turning my head toward him. “It wasn’t your responsibility.”

“But…”

“No.” My voice came out a bit harsher than I wanted it to and he flinched. My next words were softer in tone but they still held the bitterness that was welling up inside of me. “My father hasn’t spoken to me since the day I left for college. He has wiped me from his life. It was not your place to tell me.”

Kyle said nothing in response. What could he say? I knew he had to know about the fallout between my father and I. I’m sure all of Roswell knew by now how Philip Evans disowned his only son because he announced that he was gay. Isabel had been my rock through it all, keeping me sane as I went through the trials that ensued my outing.

“Ok,” I said trying to gather my thoughts. “So they kidnap us, the sons of the Sheriff and ADA hoping to turn the tide on a trial. Maybe as blackmail for them to drop some charges or to sway their testimonies.” I rub the back of my neck as thoughts ran raped i my brain. I refused to let the thoughts of what was in store for us come crashing in. We’d seen our captors’ faces. We knew their names. That could not fair well for us.

Before Kyle could respond the sound of footsteps along with the creak of the stairs alerted us of someone coming down. I held my breath hoping against hope that it was not Pierce. I didn’t think I could handle any more of that man at the moment. He gave me the creeps, the way his eyes seemed to stare right into me.

It turned out to be Harding. He was carrying a tray with food. He approached but before he punched in the code to open the cell door, he looked to us.

“Both of you kneel on the bed facing away from me. Put your hands on your head.”

When we failed to react he sighed and shrugged his shoulders. “Alright. I guess you won’t be eating for a while.” He turned and started toward the stairs.

“Wait.” Kyle called out before I could. At the mention of food my stomach rumbled something fierce. I’m sure Kyle’s was doing the same. “We’ll do it.” He said turning away and doing as Harding had instructed. I followed Kyle’s lead.

The cell door clicked open and Harding’s footsteps echoed as he entered and set the tray on the small table. He left and the clang of the door shutting made me tremble.

“When you are done, place the cups and plates outside the bars out of your reach.” He instructed before leaving the basement.

I got off the bed and approached the table. My stomach knotted with need of nourishment. I know the last time I ate was dinner the night Harding took me. Now I felt famished. We sat in the chairs and looked down at the food. Water filled paper cups and the paper plates held a sandwich and chips. It wasn’t much but it would have to do.

“Do you think it’s drugged?” Kyle asked. He was hesitant about eating the food as was I but I could see that he was hungry by the way he licked his lips and stared at the simple meal.

“I don’t know.” I looked down at the food, my stomach growling loudly. I picked up the sandwich and took a bite. It was only a ham but at the moment, it was the best tasting thing I’d had in a while.

Kyle followed my lead. We ate in silence savoring the normally drab and boring lunch. Surely we would be fed while we were here. What use were hostages that were sick or dying? But nothing guaranteed we’d get three meals a day. Maybe keeping two young strong men a little on the weak side was part of the plan.

When I finished with the food and drank the water I took the paper plate and cup and pushed them through the bars out of reach. I didn’t see why we had to do it but I wasn’t about to see what the consequences were.

I took the time to browse around the small space inspecting all the nooks and crannies of the place. I noticed for the first time that there were four metal rings embedded in the concrete wall not far from the bed. Seeing nothing important about them, I pushed it from my mind and sat on the bed to start inspecting the device around my ankle. It was a complicated piece of electronic. The only crease in the metal was where the two halves met to make it whole. There had to be a computer chip somewhere in it but I could only guess the compartment was on the inside, next to my ankle.

Kyle watched me before he too started looking around. “Max.” He said gaining my attention. He pointed up toward the ceiling. I followed where he pointed and saw a set of wires on the other side of the bars that ran along the ceiling. That had to be what caused the ankle device go off when Kyle crossed over the doorway. If only there was a way we could deactivate it, but it was placed well out of our reach and I’m sure neither of us had a clue as to how to deal with this type of equipment.

“It’s impossible.” Kyle sighed sitting down on the bed.

I sat in the chair but I refuse to give up. “We’ll just have to keep trying.”

TBC...

[magikhands]

Warning: This chapter describes the horrible act of rape. I didn't go into to much descriptiong since it was hard enough for me to write.

Chapter 6

I lost track of time. I know I napped a few times but darkness covered the window only once. During that time, Harding came down only once to gather our trash. We’ve seen no one since then. Kyle and I didn’t talk much. We were both stuck in our own thoughts. I sat against the door, examining the lock while Kyle slept. The lock was another obstacle. A metal plate, making it almost difficult pick without special tools, covered it. It seemed only opened by use of the electronic keypad.

Kyle started thrashing around on the bed. He began mumbling then cried out. His words were incoherent but it was apparent he was fighting something in the dream. I got up and went to the bed. I know it’s sometimes dangerous to wake someone from a violent dream so I treaded on careful ground. I lightly touched his shoulder, making sure not to hold him down and make him fight more.

“Kyle.” I said but he didn’t hear me as he continued fighting some unknown force. “Kyle!” I said with more force and took the chance and shook his shoulder. Kyle woke with a start, his eyes wild with fear, and screamed. “Kyle! It’s ok. It’s a dream.” I tried soothing him. I didn’t know who or what he was fighting but whatever it was, it filled him with terror.

“Max?” He said breathless looking around as his brain processed where he was and that he was in no danger. He pushed away from me putting distance between us.

“Yeah. You were having a nightmare.”

Kyle looked down at his sweat soaked body. It was then I noticed his trembling. He reached up and swept the hair from his forehead. “It was just a dream.” He said with relief.

I wished I could share in his relief because I found our situation nightmare enough. Resisting the urge to gather Kyle in my arms and console him, I got up from the bed and paced the length of the bars. I was restless. I had no control over anything and I felt so helpless. It was an awkward position for me.

I glanced over at Kyle and watched as he went to the sink and washed his face with water. He leaned on the sink, head bowed, and calmed his breath. I wanted to ask what his dream about, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to the answer.

Sometime later we heard steps coming down the stairs. We looked up hoping it was Harding with some food but found that it was Pierce. He was carrying a tray of food along with a small black bag over his shoulder.

“On the bed as before.” He instructed before he opened the door.

Kyle and I did as we were told, deciding earlier that until we could find a way to escape we wouldn’t cause any problems with our captors.

Pierce entered our cell and placed the food on the table. But instead of leaving and letting us eat, he placed the tray outside the door and walked to the other side of the bed. I heard the rattle of chains and took a chance at a glimpse toward him. He was pulling links of metal from his bag. From the corner of my eye I watched as he connected one to each of the brackets embedded in the wall. Unless I completely turned my head, I was unable to get a good look at what he was doing and seeing how the man frightened me I didn’t want to draw attention to myself.

“Max.”

I jumped when he said my name. Slowly I turned my head. If I could have commanded the earth to swallow me at that moment, I would. I remembered how his eyes gleamed when he held the knife to my face, how they dared me to disobey, to give him an excuse to hurt me.

“Come here.” Pierce ordered.

When I didn’t move right away, my brain had yet to knock my body into motion, his eyes narrowed on me and his features scowled.

“I don’t like to say things twice.” He nearly growled.

Though my brain was screaming for me to stop, I forced my body to move. Getting up from the bed I stood before him. He reached out and pushed me toward the wall. I finally saw what he added. Raising my wrists, Pierce locked them in heavy black metal manticles attached to a couple of links of chain secured to the brackets in the wall. He bent and did the same to my ankles. Giving them a tug, I found that I was there until he unlocked me.

“What do you want with us?” I managed to get my voice past the lump of fear stuck in my throat.

“Entertainment.” He said simply turning from me and going toward Kyle who had not moved since Pierce entered the cell. Pierce reached into the bag that was lying on the bed and pulled out a length of rope. Going behind him, Pierce pulled Kyle’s arms down from behind his neck and tied them together at the wrists.

Kyle’s head was bowed but I could see that he was squeezing his eyes tightly shut while biting his lower lip. When Pierce pulled away I saw how Kyle’s body trembled. It was clear that Kyle was truly frightened of Pierce and I was helpless bound to the wall as I was.

Pierce pulled up on Kyle’s arm and Kyle stood, but kept his head bowed. Without hesitation Pierce pushed on Kyle’s shoulders making him kneel. I heard a small sob and watched with alarm as Pierce opened his fly and pulled out his penis. He grabbed Kyle’s head and pulled it toward his length. Kyle’s whimper echoed in the cell and to my horror, Kyle opened his mouth, eyes squeezed tightly shut, and took Pierce’s dick without any other protest.

The sight sent a flurry of renewed rage though me. I yanked at my bounds ignoring the steel cutting into my skin.

“What the fuck are you doing?” I screamed at him. “Get away from him! Kyle, stop!”

I had suspected that Pierce had done something to Kyle when he was kidnapped but now I’m positive something bad had happened. Kyle would never do this and the fright he had of Pierce was obvious every time he came near.

Pierce looked over at me with a smirk and raised brow. He reached behind and pulled a gun from his waistband. He pressed it to Kyle’s temple. Kyle’s eyes were shut but I could see tears running down his cheeks and his chest heaving trying to catch a clear breath, which was difficult enough with Pierce’s dick filling his mouth.

“If you value his life, you’ll stop making all that racket. It's hard to enjoy with so much noise.”

I knew there was nothing I could do. He had us right where he wanted and I had let him do this to me. He knew that I’d give him a hard time, that I’d fight back. That’s why he made sure I couldn’t interfere. I stopped my struggles and turned my head away. There was no way I could watch him rape Kyle.

“Better.” I heard him say then sobs from Kyle.

I shut my eyes tightly and try to block the sight and sounds but I couldn’t. Nothing I could think of would distract me from the noises that filled the basement. I was angry with myself for allowing this to happen. I was pissed that I hadn’t asked Kyle what had happened, or for not trying to protect Kyle better.

I couldn’t stop my eyes from opening when the noises changed. The scene of Kyle bent over the bed, his pants pulled down and Pierce about to thrust into his captive.

“No.” I said weakly, tears falling from my eyes as Kyle screamed in pain. There was nothing I could do. Hate flowed through my body. My eyes fell to the gun that lay discarded on the bed. I knew if I could somehow reach it, I wouldn’t fail to use it. But I was helpless. No matter how hard I pulled at my bindings I couldn’t move more than a couple of inches. All I could do was stand there and cry while the nightmare continued.

Kyle begged for Pierce to stop but with every plea he seemed to thrust more fiercely. At one time he leaned over and spoke. “Ah Kyle. You said you liked it the other night.”

This comment made Kyle cry harder but he stopped his pleading. It seemed as if reminding him of the night he was kidnapped had sent Kyle into a terror that I’d never experienced before.

“Why are you doing this?” I sobbed, my voice almost a whisper, when Pierce seemed to satisfy his perverted need to torture. The image and sounds of Kyle being raped was burned into my brain, forever there to remind me of how cruel people can be.

“Why?” He looked over at me while he pulled up his pants. “Let’s see…what did my psychiatrist say right before I killed him? Oh, I remember now,” He smiled wickedly. “Because I’m a sick psychotic fuck.”

Pierce picked up the gun and came to me. He tucked the barrel under my chin and my breath stopped. My eyes were wide knowing that he was about to kill me. But he didn’t. He let the cold metal slide over my skin sending a shiver through my body and goose bumps to spread over my chest and arms.

“But I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m doing it to him and not you.” He said looking me in the eyes. I didn’t respond, mostly because fright paralyzed me. Pierce glanced over his shoulders at Kyle who is still sobbing but hasn’t moved from where Pierce left him. “I hate cowards.” He turned his attention back to me.

The barrel of the gun was now at my waistline, lying just above my jeans but I could still feel it pressing into my skin. If I’d had food in my stomach, I’m sure I would have vomited at that moment. But I only swallowed hard, pushing the burning bile back down.

“And he’s a coward.” Pierce lowered his eyes and took in my exposed chest and arms. His gaze lowered and I felt the heat of his stare on my crotch. I shifted my weight wondering if I was to be next in his torture games.

“You…” He finally removed the gun from my body but lifted his free hand to brush my cheek. “I admire your courage. Knowing how your father would react, you still admitted the truth.”

“What does that have to do with…what you did to him.” I asked hesitantly, voice trembling and hoped I wasn’t pushing my luck as I fished for information.

He looked at me a moment, brows scrunched together. “What? You didn’t know?”

I glanced over his shoulder at Kyle who’d quieted down but his shoulders still shook with sobs.

Pierce gave a short chuckle. “You didn’t know that he bats for the same team?”

I couldn’t hide my surprise as my eyes widened and looked over at Kyle again.

“The difference between you and him is that he won’t admit that he likes a good stiff cock up his ass.”

Pierce turned away from me and smacked Kyle on the ass before removing the rope. He picked up the bag, and left the cell. The door locked firmly behind him and silence hung heavy in the air after he left the basement.

“Kyle.” I said softly. Even though his arms were unbound Kyle had yet moved. When he didn’t respond I called his name louder. I sighed when he still didn’t respond and leaned my head back against the wall. Letting out a breath I looked up at the ceiling. I had to find a way to get through to him. To get him out of whatever world he’d escaped to.

Though I only had a side view of Kyle, I knew Pierce had done damage. He’d used no lubricant, only the spit Kyle had left on his dick. And Pierce had been rough and uncaring with Kyle. I didn’t know if it was shock or just a defense mechanism but Kyle was fading from me and the last thing I needed was for him to go somewhere I couldn’t reach. Not now. I won’t let him off that easy. He wasn’t going to leave me alone.

“KYLE!” I yelled snapping the silence. “Look at me.” I commanded. My harsh voice made him only flinch but it was a response so I continued using a firm tone. “Look at me Kyle. I said look at me!”

After several moments, Kyle shifted his body and raised his head. I felt my heart jump into my chest as I saw the brokenness of his expression. His eyes were flat, their glimmer gone and his face pale. His eyes were red and swollen.

“You’ve got to get up. I want you to go and take a shower.” His brows crunched together in confusion. “Kyle, do you understand me? Go take a shower.” I said again, my voice softer but no less firm. I waited patiently for his brain to process my words.

I let out a breath of relief when he gave a slight nod and stood. His movements were slow but he managed to step out of his clothing pooled around his ankles and make his way to the shower. I knew he was in a haze of shock but I couldn’t let him sink further away.

I turned away as he showered, giving him as much privacy as allowed. I tried to push back the images and sounds of what had just happened but I couldn’t get Pierce’s words out of my head. His reasoning for doing what he did was completely fucked. He was hurting Kyle because he wouldn’t come out in the open about his sexual orientation? Nothing about that made sense.

The sound of the water stopping broke me from my thoughts. Kyle put on his boxers but left his jeans on the floor. He looked around as if he was at a lost as to what to do next. His eyes were still red and swollen. I wanted nothing more than to comfort him. To gather him in my arms and promise him that no one would ever hurt him again. But I couldn’t. Pierce had left me chained to the wall and I knew that I couldn’t make a promise like that to Kyle while Pierce and Harding held us here.

“Get into bed Kyle. Get some rest.” I said to him, making my voice as comforting at possible.

He looked over at me before approaching. His eyes went to my wrists and the chains that held me. It was as if he was seeing my predicament for the first time. He raised a hand to my bindings but stopped before he could touch the metal. He lowered his head and hand in defeat knowing he couldn’t release me.

“I’m sorry.” He said turning away from me.

“Kyle…” But he ignored me as he crawled on the bed. He took the pillow I was using and curled his body around it. I didn’t know what to say.

“He’s right.” Kyle’s voice broke.

“No, he’s not. He’s a psychotic fuck.”

He looked up at me. “I’m a coward Max. Everything he said was true.”

“No…” I start but I see that he’d blocked my protests and turned away from me. I saved my argument for another time. “Just get some rest,” I said resigned. It was a good thing Pierce had left me chained. I knew if he’d come to unlock me, I’d have tried to kill him for doing this to Kyle.

TBC...

[magikhands]

Chapter 7

Kyle rested, or at least I hoped he rested. He stayed facing away from me but as the silent minutes ticked by, I heard his breath even out. I relaxed a little knowing that at least he was able to have some undisturbed time. I, on the other hand, couldn’t relax enough to drift off. I was still chained to the wall and seething in my anger and vulnerability. I spent time studying my bonds, but the way they were proportioned, they were just far enough apart, even if I could find a way to unlock the lock mechanisms, there was no way for any of my other body parts to reach my wrists or ankles.

It was some time later when Kyle stirred. He lay there several minutes not looking toward me before he got up and went to the table where the forgotten food sat. He picked up both plates and carefully brought them over and placed them on the bed. I could see that it was once more a sandwich but this time accompanied with a paper bowl of soup. My stomach growled loudly at the sight.

Kyle nodded in understanding and what he did next surprised me. He took a bowl of soup and started feeding me. I protested at first, telling him that it wasn’t necessary. That it would wait but he insisted that I needed to eat. Giving in, I ate, but only when he promised to eat too. So it went, Kyle feeding me the soup then the sandwich. It was strange having someone feed me. I felt like a helpless kid. Helpless at the moment, yes. A kid, no, especially when my mind wanted to think of Kyle in…other situations than the one we were in. More like what he could do to me if it were he who chained me to this wall. I shook the thoughts out of my head after remembering what Pierce had done to him.

Kyle washed out the bowls in the sink before bending them along with the plates and pushing them through the bars. Pushing the plastic spoons through he mumbled something about not cleaning up a mess. He sat on the bed, leaning against the wall, legs drawn up to his chest, and his arms wrapped around them. The silence hung heavy in the air.

“Kyle, I think we need to talk.”

“Not now Max.” Kyle sighed but I wouldn’t let it drop.

“Yes now. I mean what else do I have to do, huh? I’ve been standing here for who knows how long.” I shift knowing that soon I’d have to go to the bathroom and I didn’t want to have to ask Kyle for assistance. “It didn’t only affect you. I was here too. I had to see what…”

“But it wasn’t you that he did it to, now was it?” Kyle asked angrily.

“I’m sorry.” I said weakly. He was right. I only had to endure the sight. Kyle had been the one to feel Pierce’s touch and abuse.

“Sorry that it wasn’t you? Sorry that you had to watch him rape me? Or are you sorry because I deserved it?” His anger, guilt, and grief mixed together in his harsh tone. Tears filled his eyes and fell when he closed his eyes to stop them. “I’m sorry Max. I shouldn’t be lashing out at you. I know you tried what you could to stop it.”

“Yeah, lot of good that did.” I huffed softly, more to myself. I’d screamed for Pierce to stop then shut my mouth when he put a gun to Kyle’s head. I didn’t do much.

“He didn’t listen to you…but I heard. Thanks.” Kyle’s voice was soft and I could hear the change in tone.

Silence fell over us as we were each drawn into our own thoughts. When I thought I’d have to beg Kyle to help with the unpleasantness of a restroom break, we heard footsteps coming down. I looked over at Kyle who seemed to have tried to shrink from sight. Both are eyes were on the bottom of the stairs wondering if it was Pierce coming back for more.

I nearly pissed my pants in relief when I saw Harding come toward us. As usual, his features showed none of his feelings so it was hard to tell what was going on in his mind. He waited at the keypad but didn’t say a word. He waited for Kyle to ‘assume the position’ before entering.

Pulling a key from his pocket, Harding came straight for me. As he got closer, I noticed that his face looked pale, and more drawn than before. He unlocked each of the shackles and as he released the last one, I swore I heard him say, “I’m sorry.” I looked at the man but for the first time he wouldn’t meet my gaze. He stepped back and reached into his pocket to pull out a small sample package of Ibuprofen. He placed it on the bed next to Kyle but didn’t say anything else.

Without further hesitation, Harding walked out of the cell, gathered the trash and left the basement. For the first time since we were taken, I got the feeling that Ed Harding was not as willing as he seemed to be the night he kidnapped me. He suddenly didn’t seem to be happy with what was going on.

TBC...

[magikhands]

Chapter 8

The window darkened, lightened, then darkened once more. During that time, Harding came once and gave us some bland tasting food. They were feeding us just enough so that we were nourished, once a day and our stomachs growled halfway between feedings. There was nothing to do but pace and sleep. Kyle and I spoke little. Every time I tried to get him to talk about what had happened, to get some it off his chest, he would clam up and not speak to me at all. He was very stubborn. I knew he felt it was his fault, that he probably deserved what Pierce did to him. I couldn’t get him to see it differently no matter what words I used to convince him.

With the darkness, we slept. I on my side of the bed and Kyle on his. I tried my best to stay away from him. I didn’t think he’d take any of my touches after being raped so brutally and I didn’t want to upset him anymore than he was.

I tossed and turned, my mind kept thinking about what Pierce had done, about my father, my sister, along with my feelings for Kyle and how fate had thrown us together like this. I noticed that Kyle was having just as difficult time sleeping but I finally was able to calm my mind enough to doze off.

I woke with a start as Kyle started crying out and flaring around on the bed. I realized immediately that he was dreaming again. It happened almost every time he went to sleep but not usually this bad. I blocked his arm from hitting me and held it still. His fighting increased becaming more violent. He wouldn’t wake up no matter how many times I called his name. I didn’t want him hurting himself or me so I wrapped my arms tightly around his torso, pinning his arms to his side. I knew this was making him struggle harder but he’d already given me a few bruises and I almost got two black eyes and there were scratches on his chest from his own nails.

I fought his strength as he tried to buck me off and began speaking soothing words into his ear. They were soft and comforting as I patiently waited until he either calmed or woke. He did both. He started, hearing my voice and his body went limp in my arms only a moment before he broke down. I held him while he cried.

After he calmed down, I encouraged him to turn, his front facing mine, and continued to hold him in my arms. One of my hands ran through his sweat damped hair, pushing it back from his face. I felt him snuggle down into my chest, his face burrowing into the crevice of my neck.

“It’s ok.” I soothed allowing him closer and ignoring the sudden rush of desire that ran through my body.

“He was here again. He was…touching me.” Kyle sobbed. “And I … I …I…couldn’t stop him. I fought him but he kept hurting me.”

“I know…I know. He won’t hurt you again.” I vowed softly. “I won’t let him…not ever again.”

Slowly Kyle’s sobs stopped and his body relaxed, his breathing evened out. It was only then that I allowed myself to fall asleep.

~*~

I can’t remember anything specific waking me, but as I drifted from the sweet sensation of sleep, I remembered the warm body I still held was Kyle. He’d turned over while we slept, his back was pressed against my front allowing me to spoon in body protectively. He shifted and gave a sigh but I had to bite back a groan as I realized I was hard and pressed tightly against Kyle’s body.

Normally, this would be a dream come true, but under the circumstances…it was very difficult on me. I knew after what Kyle had been through, being raped by Pierce not once, but at least twice, the last thing he needed was my hard dick prodding at his ass. The memory of what Pierce did deflated the urge but not completely as my dick kept its hardness. I knew it was Kyle’s warm flesh in my arms keeping the desire and lust burning.

With gentle movements and trying to be as quiet as I could, I slipped from the bed. Kyle shifted and groaned at the loss of my heat but his eyes stayed closed. I stripped from my jeans and boxers after starting the shower. A cold shower. That’s what I needed. Something to cool the heat threatening to boil just under the skin.

I closed my eyes and let the water beat upon me. It helped, cooling my desires but I also had to get the thought of Kyle wrapped tightly in my embrace out of my mind. It was a feat but I was able to control my body enough to calm it. Turning off the water, I turned to grab the towel to find a set of blue eyes watching me.

“I didn’t mean to wake you.” I said weakly snatching the towel and wrapping it around my waist. I felt the heat spread through my body again and silently cursed.

“You didn’t.” He replied. Little did I know that he was awake when I moved from the bed and had watched me since shedding my clothing to step in the shower.

“Are you feeling better?” I reached down and took up my clothing and laid it by the cell door. I went to the shelves and got myself a fresh pair of boxers and jeans Harding had brought with the last tray of food.

Kyle, lying on his side, head propped on his raised hand, watched my movements. It made me feel a little self-conscious. I turned my back to his eyes and dropped the towel to get dressed. We had no privacy. As I pulled up the boxers, I could feel his eyes still one me. I didn’t quite know how to feel.

Thanks to Pierce, his secret was out, at least to me. Kyle liked guys though he’d yet to admit it out loud. I knew how frightening that could be. I was there once myself. The knowledge about Kyle was a shock to me. He’d done well hiding it. I never guessed he liked guys. And yes, the news fed my fantasies but that was no reason for me to get excited. Kyle was going through a very difficult time. Just because he was outed didn’t mean he liked me.

I turned and found that Kyle had sat up. His legs were drawn up and his arms circled them. “I’ll be ok.” He said but his tone didn’t hold the confidence to match his words.

I nodded and turned to the bars that kept us in here. There was sun shining through the small window. It had to be late morning or early afternoon. It was hard to tell with the distorted shadows and the sense of time lost. I let my head lean on the cold metal as I counted back the days.

“Five days.” I said softly with a sigh. I couldn’t believe that we’ve been here for five long days. Was this really about a trial that was going on in Roswell? Were people looking for us? Was my father panicking or was he making it harder on our captors, putting his job first like he’d done so often in the last few years?

“That long?” Kyle asked in disbelief.

I nodded but didn’t turn around. I was trying everything to keep from thinking about how nice it had been waking with Kyle in my arms, how well our bodies fit together.

The sound of footsteps broke me from my thoughts. I stiffened hearing the heaviness of each step. Those were the steps they both dreaded. They only brought pain. I backed away from the bars, my stomach twisting violently. Pierce’s visits were never good.

He waited at the keypad, bag in hand, and his eyes narrowing on us. I kneeled on the bed, back toward the cell door. With a trembling hand, I reached for Kyle, coaxing him to do the same. Inciting Pierce to do more than what he had planned was not on my to do list. Kyle’s eyes were wide with fear but he did as he was expected to do. I could feel the mattress beneath us tremor as Kyle’s fear manifested into trembles through his body. I wanted to reach out and comfort him but I forced my hands to say behind my head.

The door opened and he entered. His presence brought heaviness to the air, foreboding bad events.

“Come here Max.” His voice was low but demanding.

I glanced over and saw that he was standing by the wall where the chains still hung. I had avoided that area since Harding released me. I didn’t look in that direction and always pushed the thought of those links and manacles out of my head.

“No.” I tried to make my answer strong but I heard the tremble.

“I will not tell you a second time.” Pierce growled.

I turned to him, our tormentor, and repeated my answer though fright wracked my body. I could clearly see the anger as he reached into his bag and brought out a riding crop. The sound of it snapping on his hand made my body shake but I held my ground. I am not one for confrontations. I’d only been in a couple of fights in my life. Some of the jocks had seen me as easy prey since I was the silent one, the one who hung back and not joined in with the crowd. But they learned fast that I held my own and left me be.

Pierce walked around behind us. I didn’t turn my head to follow but braced my body for a blow. The snap of the crop sounded but it landed on Kyle’s back, not mine. His cry of surprise echoed through the room. I turned and saw Pierce’s arm raised for another hit on Kyle but before it could make contact, I blocked it by pushing Kyle down and throwing my body over his.

“Get off!” Pierce shouted, his anger vibrating off the walls. I shook my head then felt the snap of the crop. Five more times it fell on my back, each blow coming down harder and quicker. I could feel my skin tearing under its assault. I tried to hold back my cries of pain, blood flowing from my lips as I forced my mouth shut, but they seeped out as whimpers with each strike.

Catching my breath, I felt cold metal pressed to my temple. I didn’t move knowing what it was. My pulse pounded rapidly in my head and I could scarce breath. Under my body, I felt Kyle sobbing, his body quivering against mine. I gulped in a lung full of air and steeled my body for what was to come. I had promised Kyle that Pierce wouldn’t hurt him again, if I had to die trying to fulfill it, I would.

“Go ahead. Do it.” I challenged him. “But what good am I to you dead?”

“What makes you think anyone cares what happens to you?” He asks as he cocks back the hammer of the gun. The click sounds loudly in my ears. My stomach churned and threatened to heave. My already fragile thoughts are clouded by more doubts. Surely my father would at least try to get me back. He’s my father, I’m of his blood.

“Pierce!” Harding shouts from the stairs. “Get up here. It’s time.”

Pierce pulls away from me pulling the gun from my head. I hear him gather his bag but I’m scared to watch in fear of catching his attention and ignoring Harding’s calls.

“I get what I want.” Pierce said as he lays one last blow to my back. The surprise of the strike tore a cry from me. Through the hazy pain clouding my mind, I heard the cell door slam and footsteps taking Pierce away. For now.

It took me several minutes before I could manage enough strength to pull my body up off of Kyle. The burning pain from each movement made me cry out. I sat up, legs under my body, my hands braced on my thighs, and head hung. My breath was rapid as I fought back the sting. The riding crop had broken my skin and I could feel blood trickling down my back like the tears from my eyes.

Lifting my eyes, I saw the red welt across Kyle’s back. I reached out and gently touched a shoulder. “He’s gone.”

Kyle jumped at my touch but slowly lifted from the position I’d pushed him into when I laid my body across his. He turned to me, eyes wide.

“Why did you do that? You shouldn’t have. He wasn’t going after you.” Kyle started babbling, his nose stuffy from the crying and eyes swollen and red. His hands were fisted on his thighs. “He could have fucking killed you.”

“But he didn’t.” I said taking a long shaky breath. My body wouldn’t stop shivering. I knew I was probably going through some sort of system shock as the fear and pain ran rampant.

Kyle reached out, touched my shoulder and pushed me around so he could get a look at my back.

“Oh my god Max!” Kyle hissed.

I knew it probably looked bad. It felt bad. Every movement rocked my body, shooting the pain of the whelps and open sores through my body.

I watched as Kyle got up and wet a cloth from the sink. He came back and helped me lie on my stomach. I had to grit my teeth and hold my breath so that I didn’t worry Kyle as I held back the curses and whimpers of pain it caused.

“Kyle, you don’t have to do this. I’ll take a shower, it will get clean then.” I tried to reason with him.

“That will be a lot more painful than this.” He insisted and pushed down on my lower back when I tried to get up. I collapsed under his slightest pressure.

I felt the cool cloth on my back and jerked. It sent both soothing pleasures along with sharp pain in my body. It was a feeling I’d never felt before, nor would I want to again.

“I still don’t know why you put yourself in harms way. I don’t deserve it.” Kyle tended to my wounds as gentle as he could.

“I made a promise to you Kyle. I told you that he would never hurt you again. I meant it.” I turned to him. His movements stopped and he stared at me in disbelief. Surely someone has stuck up for him before. “I couldn’t just allow him to rape you again. We both know that’s why he came down here.”

Kyle looked down, his cheeks reddening with shame. He got up and rinsed out the cloth. “You didn’t deserve this.” Kyle came back and started working on my back again.

“Neither do you.” I said closing my eyes as exhaustion filled the spaces between the throbbing pain..

I felt Kyle finish washing my back. He wiped my chin and lip getting the blood from it. He got up, rinsed the cloth before coming back to lie on the bed. I don’t know why, but whatever was going on, I felt that we were safe from Pierce’s abuse for a while longer.

I opened my eyes and saw Kyle lying on his back looking up at the ceiling. If he moved the slightest, he would fall off the bed. Distance wasn’t what I wanted.

“Kyle, come closer.” Kyle turned his head and looked unsure. “I won’t bite. I promise.” I try to give him a teasing smile.

I saw the hesitance as he rolled to his side and slid closer to me. I wanted to roll to my side and face him but I could feel the whelps and cuts had gone around almost to the side so I was sure it would be uncomfortable for me in that position so I thought it best to stay on my stomach, my left arm under my head while my right one reached out and rested on Kyle’s hip. He didn’t flinch or pull back. In fact, I believe he rolled forward a little so that he was closer.

We laid like that for some time, the silence blanketed us. It was Kyle that broke the tranquility of the moment.

“Do you know the real reason I took the scholarship to State?”

“You wanted to be closer to your grandfather.” I said easily. That was a no brainer. Everyone knew Kyle’s grandfather had taken ill their Senior year and that they were very close.

Kyle shrugged. “That was a small part of it but it had more to do with you.”

My eyes widened in surprise. “Me?”

He gave a small nod and lowered his eyes suddenly finding the sheets very interesting. “I found out that you had been accepted so I decided to follow.”

I was dumbfounded. I didn’t know what to say. Kyle and I had barely spoken a dozen sentences to each other in high school. I avoided him because of my feelings and I was scared that he’d find out.

“After my grandfather died, a school out east tried to get me to transfer, but I refused. I told the coach that I was happy where I was. But the truth was that I didn’t want to leave you Max. I didn’t like the thought of being so far away from you, of not seeing you often.”

“I don’t understand.” I rose on my elbow, shifting my body a little to the side but I didn’t take my hand off of his waist. “You and I…we’ve never spoken much to each other, we never hung around the same circles. I didn’t even think you knew I existed, must less hate the thought of being away from me. These five days are the longest we’ve ever been together or the most we’ve spoken.

“Yeah. I don’t know how many times I started to approach you, to try and talk to you, but every time I was near I chickened out and ran the opposite direction. I was frightened. How you made me feel, the things I’d dream about doing to you, or you doing to me, along with what other people would think. It all scared me so much that I hid behind my position and attitude.”

Without thought my hand had slid upward to lie above his waist line and my thumb was caressing small circles on his skin.

“You dated my sister. And all those girls you were with….”

“Those girls meant nothing to me. I tried filling the void that grew every year but nothing worked. As for Isabel…” His cheeks shaded pink. “I only dated her as a way to get closer to you. But that didn’t work. You avoided me like the plague.”

“I avoided you to keep from beating the shit out of you in jealousy or throwing you down and fucking the hell out of you.” I gasped realizing my words. Kyle knew I was gay, I was open about it, but I’d not yet admitted to having any feelings for him. I laid my head back on my arm and hid my face. “Shit. Did I really say that out loud?”

I felt Kyle’s hand on my shoulder. “You really felt that way about me? You were jealous that I was dating Isabel?”

Well, I’d stuck my foot in my mouth, might as well push the whole thing in. I raised my head and nodded. “Yeah. I was quite unbearable to live with during that time. That’s why she broke up with you. I was driving her insane and she knew how I felt about you.”

Kyle’s hand slid up and down my arm. “I never knew. You never let it show. Damn. All the time that was wasted.” He muttered almost angrily.

“You weren’t ready for something like that Kyle. I don’t even know if you’re ready now.” I told him gently. He’s been hiding behind sex and girls for so long. It’s hard to come out. To tell those close to you, those you love and trust that you are gay. Even in today’s world.

“I’m tired Max. I’m tired of hiding. I’m tired of running. Pierce was right. I’m a coward and it’s time to change. It’s time I became me and love who I want.”

I smiled at Kyle, proud of his brave front. I just hope he means it. It’s easy to say it during a time of stress and when you are locked away from the real world, but once that is past, will he feel the same?

I said nothing of my thoughts or doubts only gave him an encouraging smile. He reached out and gently touched my face.

“Will you help me?” He asked and I could see the sincerity gleaming in his eyes.

My hand tightened on his hip in approval. “I’ll be there for you.” I said softly.

Kyle smiled for the first time. He moved closer to me with slight hesitancy. I could feel his uncertainty but he leaned in and let his lips brush lightly over mine. He did it again, this time for a longer time, testing the waters. I did not move closer or pull away. I let him have this time, this experimentation, his first step into the waters.

Kyle pulled back and lay his head down on the pillow. Our eyes locked, his blue glittering with desire and goose bumps formed on his skin under my touch. His body relaxed as he let out a sigh as in relief. He closed his eyes and I could see his lips curved into a slight smile. Seeing Kyle this way made my heart flutter and my stomach tighten with hope. Yes, there could be some light at the end of this tunnel after all.

TBC...

[magikhands]

Ok, sorry for not posting earlier. Spent the day with the family

Chapter 9

I dozed off and on, the pain from my back subsiding enough for me to sleep but then I’d move and it was back in full waking me. Kyle stayed next to me most of the time. When he thought I was sleeping once, he got up and showered. I couldn’t stop myself from watching as the water ran down over his body, going over his tight and built muscles that only an athlete could have. Watching him touch his body, soaping it, and handling his length got me hard and I had to swallow the groan of my desire. I think he knew I was watching because he seemed to have taken a longer time in the shower and drying off. In fact, I could have sworn I saw a slight smirk on his lips when he bent over, his ass to me to pull up his underwear. That’s when I realized that Kyle could be a hell of a tease when he set his mind to it.

Footsteps echoing down the stairs knocked us out of our private existence. I knew instantly it was Harding. His footsteps were lighter and almost hesitant. I was amazed at the difference of the two men and wondered how it came that they got together in this crime. Harding seemed almost harmless. He’d only kidnapped me at gunpoint…but that was the extent of his aggressiveness.

Grunting in effort and pain, Kyle helped me sit up and kneel on the bed. Harding had a tray of food and I never minded his visits. The cell door popped open and he entered setting the tray of food on the table.

“There is something for your pain next to your sandwich,” He said to me before turning and leaving the cell. He walked several steps but didn’t start up the stairs. His voice was a little startling and I couldn’t help the weariness that I felt.

“Please. Go eat.” He said. “But act as if I’d gone away. The camera doesn’t have audio but Pierce likes to check in on you often. I would like to speak with you. Maybe help you.”

It took all my control not to turn around and start cussing the man out. He’d hardly spoken to us except for orders and now he wants to talk? To help us? Who the hell did he think he was? I clenched my teeth together and slowly moved as he instructed. I took Kyle’s hand, glad to see that he wasn’t shaking from Harding’s visit as he had in the past. I think he’s realized as I have, that Harding means us little harm. Together we went to the table to eat.

“There have been some…set backs in your situation.” Harding said once we started eating.

“So this does have something to do with the trial my father told me about.” Kyle said right before taking a bite of his sandwich. We both tried to make it convincing that it was just the two of us.

“Yes. Your father was smart to warn you while you were stupid not to take heed.” Harding shook his head.

“So my father is causing you problems?” I asked sure that my dad was not doing as they wanted to get me back.

“No. ADA Evans has been very accommodating and cooperative. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to get you back Max. It’s Kyle’s father that is being… difficult.”

Kyle’s sandwich stopped halfway to his mouth and his eyes lifted to meet mine with surprise. He caught himself and finished his movement before asking, “What do you mean?”

“He’s doing some investigating on the side. Trying to get more proof to put their suspect behind bars. Pierce’s boss is not happy about the trouble he’s stirring up. But if all goes well today, the ransom will be exchanged tomorrow along with the terms being met that were demanded of the suspect’s people.”

“So if the ransom drop is tomorrow, why are you offering to help us? Why not just wait for our release?” I asked fighting the urge to look over at him. When Harding didn’t answer right away I risked a glance. He was standing outside of the camera’s view, head down and fingers picking at each other.

“He’s not going through with the exchange.” Kyle said softly and my heart sank.

“Is that true?” I asked pushing around the chips on my plate. I watched as my fingers started trembling and suddenly I was no longer hungry. In fact, I felt as if I was about to lose the few bites I’d managed to swallow.

“I’m afraid so.” Harding answered. “Pierce has a habit of bragging about his plans, getting off on the thoughts of his actions.”

“And you know of his plans for us.” I said in almost a whisper but my voice echoed through the silence. I sat back then winced as the back of the chair hit my fresh sores. “Fuck.”

“He’s…he doesn’t want you around Max.” Harding leaned against the wall, shoulders sagging. It was obvious that he didn’t like to be the messenger of this news. “You’re too strong for him. He can’t control you like he wants. But Kyle…he thinks you’re perfect for his sick mind games.”

Kyle’s face paled, his eyes widened, and I could practically smell his terror. Kyle wouldn’t last more than two days in Pierce’s hands. Since taking us, he’s been mellow, needing to keep us alive. But once he’s clear to do as he wants, he’ll kill me and take full pleasure at Kyle’s torment. I couldn’t let that happen.

I got up and walked to the sink. Running cold water I leaned down and threw handfuls of the cool liquid in my face swallowing the rising bile in my throat. Using my arms to brace my body over the sink I took several deep breath and choked back the sobs. Having to watch Pierce rape Kyle had been a nightmare. Then feeling the brunt of what he could do in anger on my own body, I knew I had to try anything to get us out of here. I didn’t want to die and I was determined to go down fighting.

Lifting my head and inhaling a long deep breath I spoke. “How can you help us?”

“I’ve got a plan for you to escape but I need something in return.”

I pushed off the sink and went back to my chair, not once glancing over at my kidnapper.

“How do we know we can trust you? Maybe this is all part of Pierce’s plan.”

“You don’t know.” Harding said. He looked up at the ceiling. “Listen. I’m not the nicest of persons. I’ve done some bad things in my life. I’ve even killed people but it was always in self-defense. But I’m not party to Pierce’s plans. I’m along for the ride against my will.”

I thought about his words. I could hear desperation in them. I’d seen the signs of his unease since he took me from my dorm. I looked to Kyle, he face was ashened and he was just looking down at the food before him.

“Kyle?” I called his name softly.

He looked at me and I caught my breath. His eyes were filled with tears and his body trembled. He opened his mouth but no words came, only a single frightened sob.

“What do you want in return?” I ask not taking my eyes from Kyle’s.

“When you escape you have to take my daughter with you. Get her far from here. Hide her, give her a new life. Anything to keep her safe.”

“She’s here also?” I asked surprised the there was another person here.

“Pierce took her. That’s how I got into this. My specialized skills with computers and security were needed for this and a few other jobs. He’s holding her to make me do these things for him. As long as he has her, I’m at his mercy.”

“Why can’t we do this now? Get out of here and take her with us. When the authorities hear that you did all of this against your will, there will be leniency.” Kyle returned to the conversation though still shaken from what Harding had told us.

“She’s with Pierce. When he has to leave, he takes her with him. He keeps her locked in a room upstairs with a device like yours.”

“Then how can we take her with us if she’s with him all the time?” I asked trying to get a feel of the plan.

“Tomorrow, it’s planned that we both go, leaving her locked in the room like when we went for you two. He’ll readily kill me and no one will ever find her again if I don’t do as he says.”

Kyle got up, leaving his food, and found the washcloth he’d used earlier on me. He wet it then approached me.

“Let me check your back.” He said softly and making me turn in the chair so I’d face the bars… and Harding.

“Nice.” I whispered so only he could hear me. I felt him squeeze my shoulder before getting to work on cleaning the areas that had opened with my movements. “What is your plan?”

TBC...

[magikhands]

Chapter 10

Harding came down the stairs sometime the next day but this time he wasn’t alone. We watched silently, myself sitting on the edge of the bed while Kyle was frozen to the chair he sat. Pierce had accompanied Harding but he’d stopped at the bottom of the stairs while Harding continued toward us with a tray of food in hand.

I noticed how Pierce’s eyes narrowed almost angrily when he looked at me before turning to Kyle. I heard Kyle gasp seeing the dark look on Pierce’s face. Pierce’s knuckles were white from grasping the railing so hard. I could see that it was taking much of his control not to come closer to us.

I finally broke out of my scared stupor and took Kyle’s arms so that we could kneel the on the bed as usual. We waited as Harding entered and set our food down. When he left, the door shutting echoed off the walls sending a shiver down my spine though I’d heard it many times since being here. It’s a sound that you never truly get used to.

When the footsteps faded, we both let out a breath of relief. We were spared another run in with Pierce. Wasting no time, we went to the table and began to eat. Three bites into his sandwich, Kyle wiped his mouth with a napkin and palmed a small sliver of metal that Harding had put in it. Angling away from the camera, he showed me that it was only about two inches in length and as thin as paper. There were small holes on the surface but without closer inspection, it was hard to say what they were. It was amazing that something so small would deactivate the restraints strapped to our ankles.

We continued with our routine as we had since arriving. We pitched the plates and cups outside the bars when we were done and then went to lay on the bed. We laid so that Kyle was down at my ankles and his were at my head. With Harding’s advise, we were able to angle it so that Kyle could slip the small piece of metal under the device on my ankle to deactivate it. He made a small show, just in case Pierce was watching, of rubbing my leg. I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it, and to see Kyle’s face show a genuine smile with his actions warmed my heart.

“You’re a tease.” I smiled and chuckled but felt heat rush to my groin.

“Never been called that before.” He answered. “I’ve always been a follow through kind of guy.”

”We’ll see.” I sat up and leaned in so that we could share a light kiss. I wanted more, I wanted to hold him in my arms and keep him there forever, but I knew he wasn’t ready for that type of relationship yet. Not after what Pierce did to him. But I would be patient. Besides, we had a plan to follow and I couldn’t get distracted.

Kyle had passed me the small sliver of metal during the kiss and now it was my turn to deactivate Kyle’s device. I caressed Kyle’s leg, my fingers swirling tiny caresses that made goose bumps cover his skin. I laughed quietly at his intake of breath. Kyle may have been a stud for the women through the years, but there was much he had to learn about what men could do. Especially one with experience in pleasing another guy. But those lessons were for another time.

I sat back and we continued to talk…and waited. I glanced from the corner of my eye at the camera just outside of the bars. There was a red light on top of the lens. We were to wait for it to go off before going to the next step. Harding had explained that he could program it so that it would record us for a period of time then start playing it in a loop several times giving us about thirty minutes to escape. After that, he couldn’t guarantee how long the loop would last.

As I sat there, trying hard to act normal, I couldn’t ignore my stomach as it clenched and flipped. I was anxious for the time to come but I knew I couldn’t rush it. Harding was risking our lives but mostly his daughter. If I had a watch, I would have kept looking at it.

“The first thing I’m doing when I get home is to hit the CrashDown and get a big greasy juicy burger with Saturn Rings, and a big thick Alien Smoothie.” Kyle said as he closed his eyes and sighed.

“I’ll join you.” I say taking another glance. There was no light. “It’s time.” I say hoping we could trust Harding.

Kyle was the first one up and approached the door. My eyes stayed on the camera hoping the light didn’t suddenly flash back on. I turned and watched as Kyle pushed on the door. With the lightest of scratches, it opened and I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. Kyle turned and took my hand then gave it a squeeze.

“We don’t have much time.” I told him and started out of the cell.

“How do we know these don’t work anymore?” Kyle pulled me to a stop.

I turn back and give him the slightest of smiles. “Faith.” I pulled him forward and took a step across the doorway. Nothing happened. I took another step, and still nothing. I smiled at Kyle. “Let’s go.”

We hurried up the stairs, stopping before the door that would allow us one step closer to freedom. I punched in the sequence Harding made us memorize and waited. The red light switched to green and the door began to slide open. Using caution we stepped into the cabin. No one was around. Across the room was a closed door just like Harding said there would be.

“You get Tess while I find our clothing.” I say reluctantly letting go of Kyle’s hand.

There was a small door near the main entrance. Harding told us that it was a closet and that was where they’d stored our clothing and shoes. There would also be a backpack waiting for us that held some food, water, and a cell phone. I looked over before opening the door and watched as Kyle retrieved a key from the shut door’s frame. It was right where Harding said it would be. He put the key in the door and turned it. So far, so good.

Kyle cautiously opened the door and when I saw that it wasn’t a trick, I went to work getting what we needed. Everything was as it was supposed to be. I quickly scooped up what he told us to take and went to the room Kyle had entered. Voices could be heard through the small cabin.

“Tess?” Kyle asked as he entered the room and saw a petite blonde haired girl sitting on a bed. Her bright blue eyes watched him wearily.

“I’m Kyle.” He said as he stepped in the room.

“My father said there would be two of you.” Tess said quietly not moving from her spot. She was still uncertain.

That’s when I entered the room. “There are.” I handed Kyle his shirt and shoes and started putting mine on. The material, though soft, rubbed on my back making me a little uncomfortable. I covered my grimace and tried to ignore the discomfort.

“I’m Max.” I said trying to give her a friendly smile though I was frightened out of my mind. I wanted out of this place, I wanted to go back home, and forget all about the horrors I’d witnessed. “We don’t have much time. Are you ready?” I slipped into my tennis shoes.

She nodded and stood. I held my hand out and with just a moment of hesitation, she took it. I gave her hand an encouraging squeeze. “We’ll be ok.”

“What about my father?” She asked.

“He knows where we are going. If he can, he’ll meet up with us.” I say.

Kyle bent and slipped the small strip into Tess’s ankle device then picked up the pack and put it over his shoulders. He was fully dressed and ready. “I’ll take this.”

I was a little disappointed that I could no longer admire his bared chest but then pushed it out of my mind. There would be time for thoughts like that later. Kyle led the way out. He slowly opened the front door and looked outside.

“All clear. Let’s leave this nightmare.”

The three of us walked out of the cabin that had been our prison for too long. Stepping off the porch, we turned to the right and headed towards the woods. Harding told us the fastest way down would be by the road that led to the cabin but to make sure we stayed well hidden in the woods so if something happened, Pierce would not see us if they had to return before time.

After some time walking, Kyle leading the way while I still held Tess’s hand, I reached into the pack and pulled out the phone. The three of us had been silent the entire time, none wanting to risk being heard…just in case. Looking down, I saw there were two bars on its reception.

“I think we can get through now.” I told Kyle and handed him the phone. We’d already decided that we’d call the Sheriff first.

Kyle quickly dialed the number and looked around. He was as nervous and tense as I was. We knew Pierce would kill us if he found us. And I had a feeling that our deaths would not be swift, but cruel and torturous, especially Kyle’s.

“Dad!” Kyle said excitedly when he heard his father’s voice. I leaned in to listen also.

“Kyle?! What…? Oh God! Where are you? Are you ok?” Jim Valenti started firing questions.

“Dad…dad.” Kyle had to speak up to interrupt his father’s ramblings. “I’m fine right now. Has the ransom drop been made?”

There was a moment of silence on the line. “No, it’s an hour away. Are they making you call? What else do they want? Is Max there also?”

“Listen to me. Max and I are ok for now. But not if you don’t come and pick us up.” I stepped back and let Kyle tell his father where to pick us up. Harding told us of a place we could hide until Kyle’s father came for us. He said that Pierce knew nothing of the place. He said we could see the road but no one could see us if we kept still. Kyle also told his father exactly where the cabin was just as Harding made us memorize, along with Pierce’s plan.

Kyle hung up the phone. “We are about an hour from Roswell. Dad is on his way and he’s calling the State Police and FBI to pick up Pierce at the cabin. Dad says that they’ll continue with the ransom drop then they’ll be waiting for Pierce up here when he returns.”

“And my dad?” Tess asked. I could see the fear in her eyes and saw her bottom lips tremble. I stepped closer and wrapped my arm around her in a protective way.

“Your father is going to try as hard as he can to come back for you.”

Tess nodded. “I understand.” She bowed her head and from her actions I had to wonder if Harding had already somehow said his goodbye to her, or if she doubted she’d see him again.

“Come on. We’ve still got a ways to go.” Kyle squeezed my arm.

TBC..