Bella's POV

My eyes slowly opened and I had to remind myself of where I was- in a strange house with anonymous people who may or may not want to kill and or rape me. Right. Before I even had a chance to consider any option of escape, surrender or where I could possibly conjure up money for a ransom, someone knocked on the door. My heart fluttered and I attempted to calm my suddenly ragged breaths. I had been waiting for a confrontation, and whether I wanted it to be or not, it was finally here.

“Come in,” I replied to the knock, trying to sound brave and failing miserably. My voice sputtered and I sounded weak. The door slowly opened, and I assumed they were attempting not to frighten me. I tried to tell myself that was a good sign.

When the door was slightly ajar earlier as I was issued aspirin, or whatever the hell they gave me, I noticed a lamp on the bedside table. Now, instinctively, I turned it on before they could even think of flipping the light switch. My headache, although slightly improved from the light sleep I had, was certainly still present and the over head light would undoubtedly make it ten times worse.

“How are you feeling, Bella?” Those were the first words uttered from another human being since I woke up in this mysterious room. I had imagined over and over again that when someone finally quit playing games and addressed me, it would be terrifying; I did not, however, expect it to have the complete opposite effect. His voice made me feel safe.

I stumbled over my thoughts trying to remember his original question. Right, my well being.

“I’m fine.” I replied. I sounded a little braver this time, and I was proud of it. I didn’t care if I was being stubborn about my head pounding like a jackhammer, my bladder that was crying out for release or my empty stomach that was now growling loudly.

I couldn’t help but to blush at the latter. I felt that if I was at all able to hide my helplessness, it was now given away, and I was at the complete mercy of my unknown host. Although it was almost silent in the room, I had to remind myself that there was no way that anyone could have possibly heard it.