Before. 4/5

See? It's me there in the bed.

Not relaxed. Not sinking into a downy nest. Not pulling over a comforting cover.

My nerves jangle. Nervous for the unknown. Terror at the sound of a key turning in the lock.

The restraints were broken. I tell myself that. Attempting to comfort.

But not knowing when.

What they'd managed to do before I escaped.
That.
That was what scared me as I lay in the bed.
Leather straps chafing at ankles.
Pinched skin against my wrists.
Twisting flesh as they held me tight. An embrace of restraint rather than one of delight.