Caged Byrd

Chapter Six - Alex

I woke to the sensation of rough fingertips dragging along my skin. They traced the curve of my hip before brushing a strand of my hair back over my shoulder. Though my mind was still hazy from sleep, I pushed away the hand. "Stop," I mumbled, squeezing my eyes shut. I wasn't ready to wake just yet.

"Wake up..." a low, rumbling voice breathed against my skin. A surge of adrenaline rushed through me as I remembered where I was and who the voice belonged to. Alex must have felt my body go stiff, because his fingers stopped teasing my skin. Instead, he slid his arm around my waist, flattening his palm against my stomach. "You don't need to be scared of me Jamie."

Hesitantly, I reached for the hand on my stomach, pushing it away. When Alex complied, I pulled the edge of the t-shirt down and sat up, scooting to the edge of the bed. "Do you have to touch me so much?" I asked. The anxiety that had left me during sleep was returning once again. Alex raised an eyebrow. "I mean, I get your whole goal for this insane plan of yours, but aren't you supposed to be lulling me into compliance or something?" I said.

"Would it achieve a different result?" he asked. His blue eyes danced with mischief. I paused, thrown by the question. Obviously the answer was no, but I couldn't say that if I wanted him to stop touching me. "I didn't think so." He stared at me, taking in my appearance. I nervously tugged at the hem of the t-shirt again, wishing I had some pants.

"Uh... Can I have some real clothes now?" I asked tentatively. He didn't respond for a moment. "You're not expecting me to stay naked, right? You had clothes for me in the closet," I said.

He sighed dramatically before offering me a wry smile. "Of course not. I want you to feel comfortable while we get to know each other a little better today," he said. I stiffened, unsure what he meant. He took in my posture and amended his words. "Talking, Jamie. I meant we'd be talking." I relaxed just a bit.

"Okay..." I said hesitantly. "So can you unlock the cabinets in the closet now?"

"Of course," he said. But, he didn't stand. Instead, he seemed to be hesitating. "I know you're going to fight me on this, but we both need to shower."

"No," I said stiffly.

"Jamie-"

"I'm not taking a shower with you." I turned an icy glare on him. He stared back coolly.

"I didn't mean you had to take a shower with me. I meant we both needed to take one. Not necessarily together, although I wouldn't be opposed," he said, giving me his best, disarming smile. When my demeanor didn't change, he sighed. "I'll give you 20 minutes to shower and get dressed, and then I'll be coming back in."

I knew I needed to start picking my battles, but it was difficult. It was difficult not to fight every action, every demand, every statement. Not fighting felt like compliance. Acceptance. I bit back another denial before stiffly nodding. "Fine," I said through clenched teeth.

"Good," he said, heading towards the bathroom and closet. "Let's get you some clothes then."

After unlocking the cabinets and allowing me to choose an outfit while he pulled on a pair of shorts, he left me in the bathroom alone. I stood for a moment, anxiety welling up within me. I heard the bedroom door open and close. I rolled my shoulders, taking a deep breath. If I didn't want him to return while I was naked in the shower, then I needed to get to work. I quickly stripped down, leaving my clothes on the floor for the moment. Alex had explained that everything I needed was already in the shower.

I timidly stepped into the stone shower room. The shower was a work of art. It wasn't large as far as rooms go, but it was the largest shower I had ever seen. The room was around five foot by five foot with a slate floor and light colored, smooth stone tile walls. There were two shower heads. I tried not to think more on that observation.