Free Deliverance for Amelia by Bonny Capps

hanging from the rope for hours, wishing that the brisk air would take me away with it. It never did, of course. It abandoned me, only stopping by for a moment to whisper against my skin, reminding me of the hopelessness that has become my life.
    I stand before Gabe, stripped naked of more things than just my modesty – my pride, my strength, all of it. The white dress was only a metaphor, representing my dignity. Representing the cloak that covers my heart; the heart that is slowly turning to stone. In this moment I know that I must hold onto whatever pieces I can that make me myself. I can’t give up. Not yet. Not after what I’ve been through. He can take my body. He can take my pain… but he cannot take my truth.
    “Say it.” He says. His eyes are unreadable. He’s trying to hide his intentions, and I will not fall for it anymore.
    “Say what?” I say through gritted teeth.
    A sly smile spreads across his face as he grips my jaw, “Tell me what is going on in that pretty head of yours.”
    I scoff, returning a mock smile, “Other than nearly dying as a result of your psychotic games, not a goddamn thing…” I pause, knowing that absolute hatred is swimming in my gaze, “ Master .”
    His lips drop and his brow furrows as he shoves me away, “Get in the bath, slave .”
    He stalks out of the bathroom and my eyes follow, the smile never leaving my lips.
    “I’m going to win this, you stupid motherfucker. Watch me.” I murmur before lowering myself into the bath. A hiss escapes me as every inch of cold flesh meets the steaming water.

    I awake to the welcoming sunlight streaming in through the tall windows. Stretching my arms and legs, I wince at their stiffness, noting that Gabe’s side of the bed is still untouched. Good, maybe he’ll leave me the hell alone today.
    Something unfamiliar catches my eye. It looks to be a white maxi dress draped over the dresser with a pair of designer sunglasses. I sit up and swing my legs over the edge before cautiously walking towards the items. There’s a note, perfectly folded down the middle with an “A” scribed on the top folded end.
    I cock an eyebrow as I hastily open the letter to display its contents.
    Good Morning Beautiful,
    Perhaps I’ve found a way to warm you up a bit. Frigid bitch isn’t becoming of you. You’re far too lovely to be so icy.
    -Gabe
    I roll my eyes. Oh, Gabe. You have no idea how “frigid” I can be.
    What does this mean though? The attire that he’s laid out makes me think of vacationing in Hawaii or some other luxurious, sandy getaway. Is he going to take me somewhere? It seems silly even thinking he would do such a thing. I’m his captive. Would he really be stupid enough to allow me outside of my prison? Crazy – yes, but Gabe is certainly not daft.
    I creep out of the room and my eyes go wandering. I wouldn’t put it past him to leap out from the shadows and throw me onto the ground. My entire existence is on edge. The eggshells that I’ve become accustomed to are sharp and unforgiving, never allowing me to forget my place in this hell.
    I find Gabe perched on one of the sleek, leather stools surrounding the half-moon marble bar. He sips his coffee and reads the newspaper like he has not a care in the world. Well, I suppose if you kill for a living you probably don’t care for much.
    His eyes meet mine and he gracefully folds the paper and places it before him, “Good morning, Amelia. Did you see the surprise?” He asks cheerily. His happy tone makes my stomach turn.
    “I did.” I respond quietly, feeling as though I’m in a cage with a vicious lion waiting to pounce on me - its prey.
    He slides off of the stool and saunters over to me. I try and ignore how goddamn sexy he is, my imagination becomes a traitor as I think about his devious mouth, tongue, hands – No, stop it Amelia!
    I snap back into defiance.
    He is not your lover. He is your captor. He is your tormenter. He is your devil.
    I narrow my eyes at him as