Chapter 65: SMALL FREEDOM
MIA
The door unlocked with its familiar sequence of beeps, and Dante stepped inside, looking almost proud. “Ready for your hour outside, cara?”
I stood quickly, heart racing despite my efforts to stay calm. This was the deal we’d struck—compliance for small freedoms. One hour a day beyond the room, fresh air and daylight. A chance to map my prison. I nodded, keeping my face neutral. “Yes.”
He took my hand, his grip firm but not painful, and led me out. The basement stairs felt endless, each step bringing me closer to the world I’d been stolen from. We emerged into the building’s upper floors and I was stunned at what I saw. The corridors I vaguely remembered from before, now transformed into a maze of exits. My eyes darted everywhere, taking in every chnage.
Sunlight streamed through tall windows lining the hallway. I drifted toward the nearest one, pressing my palms against the cool glass. Outside, the city moved—cars moving far below, people tiny specks on the sidewalks. Freedom so close yet unreachable. I tested the frame discreetly but it was barred from the outside with thick metal strips welded across, designed to look decorative but clearly functional so I couldn't break through.
Dante watched me, arms crossed, a faint smile playing on his lips. He knew exactly what I was doing.
We continued walking. I noted the fire exit doors which now had electronic keycard pads that required more than just a palm scan. I lingered near one, pretending to admire a painting on the wall while my fingers brushed the reader which gave no access without the right card. Dante’s card, probably. Every potential escape route was secured. Elevators required codes and even the stairwell doors locked from the inside.
I tested another window further down the hall. Same thing—barred. The fresh air came from a slightly cracked vent high above, carrying the distant hum of the city. I breathed it in deeply, closing my eyes for a moment. It wasn’t recycled basement air and smelled good.
“Finding anything useful?” Dante asked, voice laced with amusement as he leaned against the wall.
I turned to him, forcing a small shrug. “You’ve thought of everything.”
“I’ve had months to plan this,” he replied smoothly, stepping closer. His hand rested on my lower back in a possessive manner. “Did you think I’d leave openings? I know you, Mia. I know how your mind works. The hope is… endearing. But every exit is monitored and every window reinforced. You’re safer here with me.”
My stomach sank and I felt defeated but I didn't let it show. I wouldn’t stop mapping or planning until I get out of here. This hour was reconnaissance, not surrender. We walked the upper floors slowly, which I had never really looked at. It had luxury offices which were mostly empty, conference rooms with views of the city and a rooftop access door that required dual authentication. I memorized layouts, counted steps and noted blind spots in the cameras I could see. My mind raced, building a mental blueprint despite the growing exhaustion.
He let me linger near the windows again as the hour wound down. I stared out at the world, memorizing the street layout below, the direction of the nearest major road. If I ever got out of the room alone, even for minutes, these details could matter.
“Time’s up,” Dante said gently, checking his watch. He took my hand again and led me back toward the basement stairs. My legs felt heavier with every step downward. The recycled air hit me as we descended, thick and confining once more. The heavy door to my room opened, and I stepped inside, shoulders slumping despite myself. Mentally, I was drained but I still had to hold through.
Dante followed me in, closing the door. That’s when I noticed the new addition on the far wall. A sleek calendar, large and printed with clean black numbers. Red X’s marked off days. I walked closer, counting silently and saw that there were twelve X’s which meant twelve days.
I’d been here for just twelve days but it felt like months. Time had blurred in the windowless box with meals, visits and restless sleep.
Dante came up behind me, hands settling on my shoulders. “I thought you’d want to track time. I know captivity can be disorienting without markers.”
I stared at the calendar, throat tight. “How long are you planning to keep me here?”
I think I had asked this before, but I wasn't so sure anymore.
He turned me gently to face him, cupping my chin so I met his eyes. His expression was calm and utterly convincing. “Forever. Or until you understand this is love. Whichever comes first.”