He stacked the dishes next to the sink without rinsing them. Truth be told, only one needed to be cleaned off. His. The bitch didn’t bother to eat any of the pizza he’d picked up for them. He even went so far as to light candles and let her out of her cell. She just sat there after the shackles were removed. It took the threat of a knife in her stomach to get her to look at him.
Some guests were that rude.
Had he erred in keeping Alice alive? The confidence that brimmed in her the night of the storm was a distant memory now. She put up less of a fight than a perch. The only wounds on him were those that came from him punching the wall in frustration. He looked down at the dark yellow skin on his knuckles. Next time he’d make sure to miss the stud.
Perhaps a drink would help. He grabbed a bottle of wine and two red solo cups. The cap twisted off with ease. He tossed it into the sink. There’d be no need for it again. The two of them could down the bottle easily. She’d be dying of thirst. He’d intentionally withheld water from her all day.
He blew out two of the candles, dimming the room further. Shadows danced about. Always the gentleman, he rapped on her cell door and waited. A few seconds passed without a response. “I’ve brought something special for you, Alice.”
Her apprehension bled through the crack beneath the door. He wished he could suck the air out of the room to lift her from her bed quicker. In fact, why hadn’t she moved? It was her first free time without the shackles. Surely she’d be itching to stretch her legs.
He took a few steps back. His hands carrying the cups and wine lowered to his side. What had he left in the room? Normally nothing was available they could use as weapons. But had he made a mistake this time? Was she forcing his hand, inviting him in to get close to her, and then WHAM! She’d smack him across the head with a tire iron.
He laughed at the thought and told himself, “Don’t let your mind get the better of you.” He filled each cup halfway, set the bottle on the table and went back to Alice’s door. There was no point using his manners again. He pushed the door open and entered.
She looked up at him, tears in her eyes, arms wrapped over her bare breasts.
“You see, I didn’t even have to unlock it, Alice. All this time, you could have come out. Now, I know you were having a rude moment. I’m willing to overlook that if you’ll share in a glass of wine with me.”
She glanced at the red solo cup he held toward her.
“I know, I know. It’s not really a glass.” He pushed his lips out and glanced upward. A silly face meant to disarm her a little. “I can’t trust you with one of those yet. Do you know what you can do with a wine glass once you break the bottom off the stem?”
She scooted back, tucking her legs under.
“No, of course you don’t. You’re sweet, Alice. Not full of malice.” He chuckled softly. “Here, take this chalice. Together we can storm the palace.” He set the cup on the floor in front of her and waited to see if she’d pick it up. “There’s nothing mixed in there or anything like that. I don’t play those games. If I want something, I’ll take it. I don’t need to drug you first.”
She closed her eyes and lowered her chin to her chest.
“Suit yourself.” He exited the room to grab the wine bottle, then returned. She hadn’t moved. He squatted in front of her and poured another splash in his glass. Swirling the liquid, he stuck his nose in the opening and inhaled. “It really is a nice Merlot. You should try it.”
She pulled back from his touch as he reached for her chin.
“Now, now,” he said, smoothing her hair. She had nowhere to go. They both knew it. He downed his wine in a single gulp. He reached for her chin again. This time she didn’t resist. Her head tilted back, lips in full view. He leaned in and kissed her. The wine was on his lips and tongue. She’d taste it. Oh yes, she’d get a nice mouthful. He did all the work, of course. Might as well have stuck a dead fish tail in his mouth. He pulled back and smiled at her. “Was that so bad?”
He took her non-response as an approval.
“I’m going to retire for the evening, but first, I’m leaving you with something.”
She flinched as he reached out to set his cup next to hers. Then he emptied the bottle into both cups, rose, and left Alice alone with the alcohol. Maybe it’d chill her out. Convince her to trust him a little.
Then again, maybe not.
He really didn’t care.