And as my eyes dart around the room, I can’t help but think, if I am captive anywhere, then this luxurious bedroom is not a bad place to be.

“What hotel are you staying in?” he asks, and I look at him again.

“Happy Holidays in Ozone Park.” His face scrunches up. Apparently, he knows the place and has just cemented to me that it is, in fact, a dive.

“I will get my men to go and get your things today, so you have everything.” I notice his jaw ticking and a sour look on his face. Why do I frustrate him so much? Maybe I am putting him out by being here. Maybe I should demand he take me somewhere else.

“Where am I?” I ask quietly.

“My private residence. You can sleep and rest here. There is food here, so eat.” He gestures toward a tray full of food on his buffet.

“So I can’t leave?” I ask again, needing to be completely sure I understand this situation. He stands to his full height and shakes his head, staring at me for a moment, before he walks out of the room and closes the door behind him without a second glance.

What the hell have I got myself into?

I take some deep breaths, feeling like I am getting air into my lungs for the first time since I woke up. His overpowering presence sucked up all the air in the room. I look around again and catch a glimpse of the time. 5:30am, the same time it was yesterday when I decided to go for a run. A run that appears to have changed my entire life.

Sighing, I slide the rest of the way off the bed and nearly topple over as I feel the thick carpet underneath my feet. Walking over to the dark buffet, I look at the tray of food. It is all fresh, pastries and breads, both of which make my stomach curl into itself. I no longer have the appetite I once did, so I grab the small bowl of fruit and take it to the armchair. Sitting down, I pull my legs underneath me and pick at the fresh fruit. I can’t remember the last time I had fresh fruit like this, every piece juicier and more flavorful than the last.