Asia In The Mansion (Chapter II)

Entering through the door, Asia felt a chill cover her skin. She knew a new life for her was about to begin, as she paused reaching out instinctively to HIS hand. Her hand waved in a nervous desperation at the end of her wrist and her mouth dried of all moisture as her eyes adjusted to the darkness and the size of the room. 1

This was nothing like the mansion she had just fled. Even without light, she could sense that THIS was not home.2

Her breath caught in her throat as she gazed at the spiraling staircase that seemed to go on forever. James flicked on a light and revealed the beauty of this grand foyer. Gleaming hardwood covered most of the mansion, though one could tell that it was aged. To her right was what looked to be a formal dining room with a large table with seating for twelve complete with centerpiece. To her left, was the formal living room with plush red couches and woven floor rugs in rich hues of red, gold and chocolate.3

She leaned forward to get a better view of the tall windows covered in heavy drapes when James abruptly grabbed her arm.4

"Now, now Asia. You don't have to try and take it all in this evening. Let's find you a place to rest for the night."5

"Ok." Asia mumbled. 6

Indeed the fervor of the night had finally set in and she could use some well needed sleep. Asia's exhaustion increased with each step as she followed James up the spiraling stair steps to the second floor and it's corridors of bedrooms, reading rooms, game rooms, and secret rooms. The room, whose door opened for her, seem to envelope her with its soothing restful darkness as she stood swaying at the side of the four poster bed.7

"Here," was all Asia heard as she crawled into the covers and the warmth she now craved more than anything.8

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Instantly Asia slipped off into slumber once her head hit the soft, plump pillows. Her mind traveled to familiar thoughts as she rested in her cocoon of warmth.11

Asia found herself trembling in fear and gripping cold. It was dark and she could feel the rough, scaping of the stone wall on her back. She could sense that he was here too, watching her fear for her life. A match was lit and she could make out the silhouette of his face as he took a long drag of the foul cigarette.12

"You finally woke up. How did you sleep bitch?" 13

Asia sat and whimpered, not answering. He spat in her direction. She turned her head away and felt her tears begin to form. She refused to believe that this was the same man she had given her life to three short weeks ago in holy matrimony.14

She heard his slow, lazy footsteps as he approached her. Asia screamed out in pain. She turned to see him towering over her, eyes filled with malice as he pressed the burning cigarette into her creamy white flesh. She scrambled to her feet and ran into the darkness and headfirst into a steel post.15

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James watched as Asia fitfully slept, twiching and moaning in a dream state. Finally, her body stilled and he left her bedside to begin the preparations for his new responsiblity.