Page 38 of Sinful Mates

I make my way down to the kitchen and put the kettle on, making coffee. I take my coffee and sit outside on the wooden bench seat. I can at least pretend to be normal out here. Tobias saunters out, my purse in his hands. He drops it in my lap, not caring my coffee almost spills. I have the urge to take the cup and throw it at his face, but I don't like the way this man gets his revenge.

"I've got your keys. You just want your clothes? I can get your toy as well," Tobias offers.

Instead of answering him, I turn my back on him, cupping my hands around my cup so he doesn't spill it.

"Imogen," he growls. "What do you want from your apartment?" Each word is drawn out.

"Fuck you, Tobais," I take a moment to glare at him over my shoulder. He pinches the bridge of his nose, nostrils flaring and lets out a slow controlled breath. Without talking to me again, he turns and strides away from me.

Theo wanders out of the house, a cup of coffee in his hand, too. I glare at him, determined to ignore the fuck out of him as well. He leans over, kissing Tobias on the cheek. "I'll get you a list of what she wants later."

Done with both of them, I get to my feet and go back inside, back to my prison, lock the door, and crawl back into bed. I will make Tobias see reason, no matter the cost.

Ten Days later

I’ve been stuck here for ten whole days. But don't think I've given in. I haven't spoken to either of the fucks since earlier. I barely come out of my room. It’s almost funny. They don't think I’m serious. The first few days they kept trying, and failing, in every conceivable way possible to get me to just talk or even react to them.

My plan is bearing fruit, little by little. Tobias has turned into a moodier asshole than he already is. A dangerous play, but I’m not going to be some weak willed woman he can get to change her mind because he can make me wet. He even left three days ago and stayed in the city somewhere. Something about how my silence was driving him crazy.

Ha! This whole fucking house is driving me crazy. I’m more than happy to let him get a taste of how I feel. Theo, on the other hand, never stops hovering. No matter where I am, if I turn around, I know I'll spot him staring at me. Every time I do, I'm tempted to break down. His eyes will widen, hope glowing in them as his lips twitch into a rare smile. But no, they have to understand I'm not their fucking doll to throw on a shelf and only take down when they want to play

I’m lying in bed when he strolls in. "Breakfast," he sings from the doorway.

I roll my eyes, and flop over, turning my back on him.

"Imogen, it's been two days and you haven't left this room. If you don't eat something, I'm going to be forced to tell Tobias what's been going on. You know he'll feed you himself if he has to."

I shudder at the very thought. Tobias would probably love making me suffer like that. He'd delight in it more than usual because I've pissed him off. I’m starving, but I can last a lot longer, no problem. I refuse to give in to either of them. Either I get to go back to my normal predictable life, or I’m not talking or eating, and not in a million years fucking. The scent of bacon tickles my nose. I imagine the fluffy eggs that wait for me and my mouth waters.

Theo remains at the door, waiting for me. Eyes on every micromovement. I get up, stomp to the bathroom and hop in the shower. Even though this entire place is probably the size of a mansion, I feel claustrophobic. You could add a hundred rooms and make every single one worthy of royalty, and it would still be my prison. I've walked the property line and the house so much in these last ten days, I'm shocked I haven't worn my own track into the place.

I thought about running, but Theo is always right behind me wherever I go. There is no question about who is faster, and who knows, he might punish me, too. I tried to convince him on day one to just take me home, but he refuses to go against Tobias. This place has no neighbors, no passing cars, and no people. It’s lonely. I felt more connected when I was living out of my car. I miss the hustle and bustle of the city, but mainly I miss the people, watching as they go about their lives. I miss Tom. But now more than ever, especially since I haven't spoken in over a week and am tormented by my own thoughts, I miss my mother. My life is lonely and small without her in it. It’s a load I can never share with others.

I climb out of the shower, sliding the door open. Theo leans against it, waiting for me. I shove past him. "Tobias is on his way home."

I freeze in place. The last three days have been peaceful without him around. The struggle is always when he is around because I want to yell down at whatever shit he spouts. I've settled for glaring at him but it isn't the same satisfaction as screaming my head off at him. I dress fast, but with the last button, I can't help but hear the crackle of the rocks in the driveway as a car pulls in.

Theo leaves to greet him. I take the opportunity to lock the door behind him, praying he won't want to break it. I just want to be left alone. I’m never lucky enough for that. He stomps up the stairs. He doesn't even knock, just kicks the door in. I gasp, shielding myself from the splinters.

He glares at me through the hole, eyes on the verge of blackness. "Imogen, we're talking right now," he snarls, and I know this time I can't avoid him.

I jump to my feet. But I’m too late. Tobias is already through the door and yanking my arm. “Why aren’t you eating?” He shakes my arm with each word, his fingers dug into my flesh.

“I want to go home,” I reply, ignoring his question and trying to pull my arm free. His grip is too strong, and his arm doesn't even move, like pulling on a brick wall.

“That’s not an option, you know this already,” Tobias growls, his grip increases and I wince. His eyes flick between their usual blue to black onyx. He pulls me toward the door, intending to take me down the stairs.

“Tobias, let go. You're hurting me.” He uncurled his hand, and I breathe in a breath of relief. I really should have known better. He grabs my entire body, throwing me over his shoulder caveman style. I smacked his back once and only managed to hurt my own hand. Tobias slaps my bare ass and I jump. The sting is intense and makes my eyes water. He didn’t hold his strength back.

"Tobias," Theo scolded. “You didn’t need to smack her that hard.” Fire resides on my ass in the five-fingered print I’m certain is left behind. I’m going to have a welt, the fucking bastard.

“She has to learn,” Tobias simply replies.

“I’m not a fucking child! You don’t just go smacking people like that. It fucking hurt, dickhead.” I consider hitting him again, but I'd only bring myself more pain.

Tobias ignores my tirade, taking me to the kitchen and placing me on a stool. In front of me is the breakfast Theo made, now as ice cold as its creator. "Eat, or I will force feed you."

“Like hell you will. I’m not doing anything you want, Tobias.” He punches the island bench, making me jump. I refuse to back down and stand, storming back out. I know he won't hurt me, at least not intentionally. I plop on the couch and turn the TV on. Theo and Tobias argue in the kitchen, loudly. I push up on the volume button, tuning them out. But they only grow louder. Scowling, I turn the TV off, giving up and heading back to my own bedroom.