Fear. He licked his lips as he tasted it. She was young, fresh, and so tender, but not for much longer. The bruises were a bright purple. She was crying, but so much the better. She was broken, subservient, and soon she would be little more than his slave. Not bad for a good night's work.
She had struggled hard initially, but for nothing.
"You see, you can't get rid of me. I will always be here. No one else will come for you. No one else cares," he whispered softly into her ear. She tightened up, she resisted but a little, but already despair was creeping in. The goosebumps on her body betrayed her, and he triumphed in her despair.
Then, as he watched, a glimmer of hope emerged from inside the despair.
Someone else was there.
Physically speaking, there was little difference between the two, both were strong, both were powerful, the only difference was in the facial features. The first face was contorted in a mask of hatred and disgust. The latest man's face was soft, showing compassion, but with a solemn firmness in him.
"So a mystery man comes to the rescue," the first man snarled.
"I have come."
"But too late. See for yourself, she is mine."
"You have abused her greatly, but she may yet make a full recovery."
"She'll never be rid of me."
"We both know that's not true." There was a pause, but it was only the calm before the storm. Both men were ready for war.
"It is time for you to leave," growled the first man.
"I will not, unless she wants me to," the second man said. Their eyes focused on her.
"Very well," said the first man. He tore off the gag.
"Listen darling. I know things have been rough, but I'll make it up to you. I care about you deeper than you'll ever know. I love you more than anyone. Tell him to leave, so we can start the happiest part of our lives together," the first man said, with emotion. Tears welled in his eyes.
"He is trying to deceive you. He only wishes to dominate you. Come with me and leave him."
"Don't leave me darling. I would die without you. We've had great times together and if you stick with me, we'll have even better times. I loved you from the first moment I saw you, don't you remember?"
"Do not let him fool you again. He only loves the power he has over you. See how he delights in pulling your heart? Come with me and your heart will be light from the lack of chains."
"Don't let me die. I need you."
"Come to me child," the second man beckoned. She got up and after a moment's hesitation, joined the second man.
And the first man screamed! He charged the second man, but with a move of his hand, the first man was gone!
"How are you feeling?" the second man asked.
"Relieved," came the answer.
"Good. Let's go downstairs. I know of an excellent restaurant down the road..." the man said, as they left the room.
