I watched the woman I kidnapped enter my basement in a haze. It seemed like she finally sobered up. I drank some of my liquor as I stayed hidden in the shadows.

She stumbled down the stairs dizzily, her mind still drugged. I slowly stood up, walking behind her. I felt her bump into my chest and looked down at her.

“Good evening, belle.”

I walked to her, towering over her height. My veiny hands cupped her soft cheek.

I sighed softly, realizing I should explain why she was here.

“I’m going to keep you here for 365 days so you learn to love me.”

I ran my finger over her lips.

“If, by then, you don’t, I’ll let you go.”