—

you try, instinctively, to move. but of course, you’re bound. wrists held tight behind your back with— duct tape, it feels like. but most notably, as you shift your neck, yes, there’s definitely a collar there, too. some type of leather, high-quality. a metal chain hangs loosely from it, connected to a hook embedded in the wall.

you try to twist your wrists out of the tape. nothing. your ankles are free, so you attempt to rise to your feet— which works, but you can’t move far without the chain yanking you back.

you manage out a hoarse shout. which is, probably, your worst decision, because— about ten seconds later, you hear someone tramping down the stairs to your basement.

you can’t see much of him. (the only light in the room is a shitty desk lamp next to the mattress.) you can only make out the vague silhouette of his figure standing in the doorway.

he’s silent for a long moment. and then, he speaks. “evening.”

his voice is low and… oddly polite. like he doesn’t have you tied up in his basement.

“nice place, isn’t it? i cleaned the mattress for you.”

you ask him a few, reasonable questions. like why you’re kidnapped in his basement. or who the hell is he. or why you.

“i’ve been stalking you.”

blunt. you don’t even know how to respond.

“shh. don’t worry. you still have drugs in your system from last night.” what? you can barely even remember last night. “so i’m not planning on fucking you ‘till you’re over that.”

you can hear the smile in his voice.

“i’m making food for you right now,” he says suddenly. “something simple. should help you with the hangover. i’ll unclip your collar after, and take you upstairs to bath you. i don’t expect you to have the energy to wash yourself.”

you hate to admit he’s right.

“after which, you’ll need to sleep for the rest of the day. i want to go over our schedule tomorrow, the rules, the punishments…” he shrugs. “the works. i think you’ll be good at them.”

you ask another, very reasonable question. what the fuck is this?

he tilts his head like he’s confused. “you’re new life, obviously. you’ve complained about your job and working and not having a man, right? so i’m giving you that. for free, too. just because i like you.”