Caught in the tub

When the heart craves solace, yet the mind fears the outcome of that comfort, what happens when a love so dark consumes your entire being, leaving you in the deep emptiness of regret and pain? And yet, despite everything, your heart longs for that dark and dangerous love.

The heavy sound of running footsteps echoed through the still night, audible from miles away.

Two figures dressed in black darted through the shadows, their pace relentless.

One of them, her breath labored and body exhausted from the chase, pushed herself to keep moving.

It wasn’t just her life on the line, it was the life of the tiny one growing within her.

“Allison, quick! We have to hurry!” the other figure called out urgently.

“I’m trying… please!” she shouted back, her voice raw with desperation.

“He’ll catch up with us soon, we need to move faster!”

Allison knew the stakes. This was a matter of life and death. If he caught her, everything would be over.

She couldn’t bear the thought of returning to him. She wouldn’t allow her innocent child to endure the same suffering she had.

Ignoring the searing pain that tore through her body with every step, she pushed forward.

Freedom from his darkness was within reach, and this time, she swore she would never go back.

***

(Flashback)

A YEAR AGO

The sky seemed heavy, a dull silver glow stretching far beyond the horizon.

A young woman stood quietly at the bus stop, waiting to go home.

She played with her fingers and sighed softly.

Raindrops began to fall, one hit the ground near her feet, disappearing into the tan stone, while another slid off the iron railing. Soon, the rain came down steadily.

Allison smiled, tilting her face toward the rainy sky. This was her favorite kind of weather.

She stretched out her hands, letting the cool droplets run down her skin.

The city before her shimmered with colorful lights, its beauty amplified by the rain.

After a few minutes, the late bus finally arrived. Allison climbed aboard and quickly put on her earphones.

As she settled into an empty seat, she closed her eyes and let "Love Me Like You Do" play softly in her ears.

The day had worn her out, and all she wanted was to get home and fall into bed.

***

Allison’s pov

"Miss, wake up, or you'll miss your stop."

The voice startled me awake. I opened my eyes to see an elderly woman sitting behind me, her kind eyes watching me.

"Thank you," I murmured, rubbing my face as I looked outside. My bus stop was just ahead.

I rang the bell and quickly got off, relieved to finally be home.

Home was my favorite place, right after the library, especially my room.

Oh, how I loved my bed! Every day, I waited for the moment I could get home, collapse, and forget about the world.

My name is Allison Gray, and I'm twenty-two years old. I work at one of the most prestigious hotels in the city as a cleaner.

It's exhausting, but I love my job. The pay is enough to cover my family's bills and put food on the table.

I have a large family, my mom, and my twin siblings.

Our father left us years ago. I was barely ten when he disappeared, and the twins were only six.

My mom never told us why he left, and over time, we stopped asking.

A few years later, Mom got sick. She hasn't been able to work since. That's when I stepped up to take care of us.

By the time I walked into our cozy four-bedroom apartment, everyone was already asleep.

A smile spread across my face when I saw a familiar figure curled up on my bed.

Mom was fast asleep, a tray of food sitting cold beside her.

Typical Mom, always thinking about me even when she's tired.

I kissed her forehead softly, careful not to wake her, and headed for the bathroom to shower.

The next day was a full shift, meaning I'd be working all day.

After dressing in my usual blue jeans, black hoodie, and sandals, I packed my blonde hair into a bun and left the house.

The twins had already gone to school, so I quickly ate and headed to work.

When I arrived at the hotel, I changed into my uniform and got to work.

"Miss Gray, you're assigned to clean the penthouse today," Zach's voice came through the intercom.

Zach was my supervisor, and let's just say we didn't get along.

He had it out for me from day one, for reasons I still didn't understand.

"Sir, my shift covers the sixth to eighth floors," I explained.

"Am I repeating myself, Miss Gray?"

"No, sir," I muttered under my breath as he cut the line.

This was my first time cleaning the penthouse, and I couldn't help but be impressed when I arrived.

The rooms were massive, decorated with expensive lights and luxurious furniture.

Whoever stayed here had to be filthy rich.

I started cleaning, surprised by how tidy everything was. It wasn't as messy as I'd expected.

I changed the sheets and towels, but by the time I finished, the heat was unbearable.

My body was sticky, and the large bathtub in the bathroom seemed to call to me.

I tried to shake the idea. Allison, you can't just use a guest's bathtub!

But the thought of soaking in warm water was too tempting to resist.

No one was here. I figured the guest wouldn't be back for hours.

This was my one chance to get some much-needed relaxation.

I quickly stripped down, filled the tub, and sank into the warm water.

A sigh of relief escaped my lips as the water soothed my aching muscles.

I put on my earphones, lay back, and closed my eyes, letting the music wash over me.

It felt like heaven, and for a moment, I forgot about everything.

But then, a noise snapped me back to reality.

I opened my eyes, and my heart stopped.

A tall man stood in the doorway, hands in his pockets, staring at me.

I was completely naked in his bathtub.