Because I Love You four

The game itself wasn't too difficult to learn. Just take a card and move the number of spaces on it. Or go to where it says to. Simple. Very simple and a little on the boring side. Rhys didn't really mind it in the slightest bit. It was sort of a welcome distraction from the situation at hand. This wouldn't entirely distract him. He supposed that it was better than doing absolutely nothing.

Or having to watch those dumb Disney movies. Sure, he did like the book that Emmett gave him. They just weren't enough to distract him at all. Take his mind off of his entire situation. Part of him wondered whether or not if his co-workers had noticed that he was missing or not yet. If any of them had called the police. Rhys really hoped that they had. While taking a card, Emmett asked,"What would you like for dinner, my love?"

'Enough food to satisfy an adult?',Rhys thought bitterly. Thoroughly annoyed with the toddler portions he had given him the past two days. Though the younger man knew way better than to say that. As he probably would be beat once again. And way worse than the first day. Instead, Rhys asked,"Can we have pizza for dinner, Papa?"

It was something that he had wanted for weeks. In fact, he was going to make that for dinner the night he had been kidnapped. Rhys gave Emmett a little playful pout. Not being entirely serious. As he doubted that this would get him what he wanted. Yet, to his utter surprise, it worked. As the older man gave a soft sigh. Smiling a little, Emmett stated,"Oh, okay. We can have pizza tonight."

"Good thing I got all we need to make homemade pizza.",he continued. Homemade pizza sounded great. It was one of his favorite versions of pizza. Usually cost the least to make. Though he doubted that Emmett would allow him to help all that much. Much like he hadn't last night aside from putting water into a stupid pot. Which was kind of annoying in his book. As he may not be the world's greatest chef, he was alright. And he knew all about kitchen safety. Rhys could make breakfast, lunch, and dinner without Emmett. He didn't understand why the older man couldn't allow him to do this. But, didn't dare ask him about the whole thing. There was a part of him that hoped he could put some toppings on it. Make it whatever he wanted. Feeling a little weirdly giddy about the whole idea. It was silly to be so excited from something so small. Yet he found himself so strangely excited over the whole thing. And he wasn't entirely sure why. This really wasn't anything all that big. Or all that interesting. All they'd be doing is making dinner together. Maybe making dinner together. Hell, he shouldn't be happy to do anything with Emmett. Shouldn't want to make the older man happy at all. Then again he knew what would happen if he upset him. How much pain he would be in if the older man was angry. And it would be simpler to keep him happy.

It was just all so confusing and difficult. Rhys wasn't so sure about anything anymore. And he was going to keep a smile on his face. Pretend to be calmer than whatever he was feeling. Which Rhys wasn't even sure of. There was anxiety of being hurt. Fear of messing up and being held captive like this. Yet, a small part of Rhys was fine with this. Not having to work. Or worry about having to work.

All he had to worry about was the next game. The next movie and next chapter to enjoy. Mostly the next chapter of the book. Which was bringing up some good memories from his childhood. Along with a few bad ones that he was trying to suppress. As they were his only escape in childhood. Like they were being right now. Taking his mind off of the older man's treatment. Rhys smiled as he neared the end of the game. It was nice being able to win for once. Well, at least win a silly board game. As he wasn't winning outside of that in any aspect. Not anytime soon at least. As Rhys felt he would probably be in Emmett's 'care' for a good long while. Something that he really did not want. Though he felt it was going to be happening.

Like it or not.

When Rhys got to the end, Emmett clapped for him. Which sort of irked him in an odd way. As it felt so infantilizing and mocking. Instead of showing this, Rhys smiled as Emmett put the game away. Soon as it was all in the box, he got up. Walked over to the bookshelf where it belonged. Then set it back where it had come from. A second after, he turned on the old T.V and popped a Disney movie in. Another old one, 'Alice in Wonderland'. Soon as it started to play Emmett got him to get up off the floor. Having the younger man sit on the couch. Curling up on Rhys's left side and put an arm around his shoulders. Holding him close to his body with a giant dopey grin on his face. This made Rhys super uncomfortable as he sat there on the couch. As he didn't want to be this close to his captor. Being overwhelmingly warm the way he was now and trapped against a very muscular body. It made him worried that Emmett would hurt him. Or worse. Rhys wasn't quite sure what that could be. All he knew is that he never wanted to find out. So, Rhys did his best to not tense up in his touch. Knowing that if he did, Emmett would get angry at him. Then there would pain to follow. So, so much pain to follow.

Of which hadn't fully faded on his ass. It wasn't like before but, still. It didn't feel all that great. Rhys just sat there as he watched the movie. A fake smile plastered across his face. One that he desperately hoped wouldn't look as fake as it felt. As it would probably lead to another beating. Obviously, he wanted to avoid this at all costs.

From the corner of his eye, he saw that Emmett was watching his face. So very closely. In ways that made him want to throw up. Pushing that down, he tried desperately to enjoy the movie. To ignore that the older man was staring at him like this. And gave a little gasp when Emmett planted a kiss on his cheek. It made him feel even worse about the situation. Even less in control of everything. His face burned as the older man giggled at his reaction. What was so funny about him feeling uncomfortable about this? This wasn't hilarious! Rhys didn't want any of this bullshit! Grinning like a Cheshire cat, Emmett chuckled,"Sorry, baby. I just couldn't help myself."

"You looked like you needed a little affection.",Emmett explained. Giggling even more as he gave the younger man a side hug. It felt really wrong but, he was in no position to complain. And Rhys just says a polite 'Thank you' to Emmett. Hoping that this would be the last unexpected act of affection he'd get. But, he highly doubted that it would be. When the movie was over, Emmett rewound the video. Put it back in its case. Then unlocked the cuff on Rhys's ankle with a smile. The overwhelming urge to run nearly came over him. Rhys smothered it the best that he could. Just sitting on the couch as Emmett grabbed his hand. Forcing him to get up off the couch and walk to the kitchen with him. Forcing Rhys to sit on a counter. Which felt very strange to the younger man. And he wasn't entirely sure why Emmett was making him do this for. Though he guessed that it probably was just to keep an eye on him. Well, a better eye on him. Again, Rhys wasn't going to ask the older man anything about it. Fearing that this would anger him into something terrible. As he wasn't sure what was safe to ask and what wasn't. So, Rhys just sat there as he watched Emmett work in the kitchen. Putting most of their dinner together as he hummed to himself. While he listened to him do so, Rhys plucked up his courage. Then he asked,"Papa? What's that song you're humming?"

"It's 'Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight'.",Emmett answered. A sweet smile on his face as he mixed the dough. Soon as that was done, it was spread on a cookie sheet. It sounded like a very old song, and it made sense as to why he'd never heard it before. This song seemed pretty old. Hell, the song probably was older than Emmett, too. At least he knew what the song was. Even if he didn't really want to know it. Rhys did his best to ignore this. Focusing on keeping an eye the older man as he preheated the oven.

Not trusting his mind to not wander anymore. Rhys may only have been captive for a few days now. But, he kept overthinking everything in the world. A trait that had helped him at home. Now it was a hindrance rather than a help. Zoning out at times that he had to be focused on. Keeping himself from being in the moment where he had to be. Rhys's teeth dug into his bottom lip as he watched him. Feeling that paint would keep him better grounded in reality. So long as Emmett didn't see him doing it, he probably would be okay. Something in him feared that if the older man saw it, he would freak. Or do something completely irrational like hit him.

Possibly worse than a spanking, too.

Another thing that he so desperately wanted to avoid. It sounded so very weak. And he knew that it did. But he couldn't help feeling afraid of Emmett. As the younger man wasn't entirely sure of what he was capable of. Nor the length Emmett would go to punish him for 'misbehaving'. And that was the most terrifying part of the whole thing.

Along with not knowing if anyone noticed his absence. Aside from his job, maybe. They might have noticed. But, was very doubtful that they'd do anything about it. At least, not yet. As he wasn't sure what any of his co-workers would do. Nor what they would try. What anyone else in his family would do. If they noticed that he was missing from his home. As they weren't entirely on good terms. Some of them Rhys wasn't even speaking to anymore. Not thanks to anything that he had done. Well, anything that was all that terrible. Aside from not going to college. Transitioning publicly. And having his whole uterus removed. One of his relatives spilled the beans about that whole thing. Which Rhys was still pissed at them for it. As it had made his life a living Hell afterward. So, many of his relatives called him up to scream at him. To tell him how useless he was now. And how dare he get rid of his womb. After he thoroughly mutilated himself so much. And publicly humiliated his entire family the way he did. Just how dare he not have any children. Like a 'normal woman' his age was supposed to. What he'd been...a snapping of fingers dragged him out of his toxic spiral. And he found himself staring into Emmett's eyes. A look of concern on his face. Then he felt a sharp pain on his lower lip. Along with something hot and liquidy dripping down his chin. Putting his hand to the mess, the older man asked,"Sweetheart? Are you alright?"

"Why on Earth did you bite your lower lip for?",he probed. Gently nudging Rhys's hand out of the way. Emmett wiped the blood off with a warm washcloth. Inspecting the wound as Rhys thought of a proper excuse. Feeling frantic that he had harmed himself in such a manner. Probably with the older man him watching him like a hawk. Then it hit him, Rhys answered,"Just uh, thinking about my job, Papa."

"Kind of feel bad about not showing up and not calling in.",Rhys continued. It was sort of the truth. Not entirely what was wrong but enough in his mind. And he hoped the older man would buy it. It seemed like he did as Emmett leaned in and kissed his forehead. Giving a soft sigh as he hugged him gently. Like this news made him sad or something. Quietly, Emmett scolded,"Well, that's for your bosses to worry about and not you."

"No more biting your bottom lip anymore, okay?",Emmett questioned. It wasn't a hard ask. Even though he hated being spoken to like this. As if he were nothing more than a child. Which, he guessed he was in the eye of the older man. A child to be taken care of. Coddled and not allowed to do anything for himself. Aside from feeding himself. And part of him felt that Emmett would control that too if given the chance. Rhys answered,"Okay, Papa. I won't do it again."

"Good boy. Now go sit down at the table and I'll finish making our pizza.",Emmett instructed. A sweet smile on his face as he got Rhys off of the counter. Kissing his forehead once again. Then he continued,"Dinner will be ready in about ten minutes."

"Be a good boy and try to be patient.",he pleaded. In a tone that really got under Rhys's skin. But, he didn't say anything rude to the older man. Or try to. Instead, Rhys merely nodded his head in agreement. Quietly he walked over to the seat that Emmett insisted that he sit in. Sat down as he sort of listened to the older man walk around the kitchen. Realizing that he probably freaked the older man out with what he had done. That was why he wasn't allowed to put on the toppings. Or to help out in general. It sort of bummed him out. This also wasn't good. If he spaced out too much then Emmett would probably get suspicious. Suspicious and once again probably violent. And who knew what kind of punishment that would bring the younger man? Maybe not another round of spanking. But it probably wouldn't be good.

Like possibly a full beating. Or him being denied food for a while. Which would leave him weak and sick. Too weak and sick to try to escape Emmett. Something that he felt that the older man would be perfectly fine with. Especially, the whole idea of Rhys not being able to escape. Having to rely wholly on the older man to feel better. Another thing that he really wanted to avoid at all costs if he could. While he sat there thinking to himself, the pizzas were placed on the table. Emmett gave him a sweet smile as he started to plate Rhys's pizza. Before the younger man could begin to eat the slice, Emmett started to cut it up for him. Right into tiny bite-sized pieces. Just like his Mom did when he was very little. It was both a nostalgic and annoying act in his mind. Reminding him of a simpler time from his childhood. And showing him that he was utterly powerless in this. That the older man was the one in charge. And that he was beneath Emmett in a way.

There was this strange air of dominance to this. In ways that he wasn't entirely sure of. Or understood. Nor did he think he ever would. All he knew is that he had to survive this. Rhy didn't raise a fuss when Emmett finished cutting his pizza. Which was only enough to feed a small child. Another thing that he knew better than to fight him on. And jut thanked the older man instead. Picking up a piece as he started to eat. Noticing that his drink wasn't milk or juice. That it was a small cup of soda in a Disney cup. Either Sprite or 7up. Maybe some Ginger Ale. Rhys just thanked the older man for the drink. Grateful for something that wasn't just for a freaking baby. Emmett stated,"Figured that you deserved a little Sprite as a treat."

"You've been a really good boy for me lately.",Emmett complimented. In a tone that made his skin crawl. But, Rhys just bore it with a tiny smile. Continuing to eat his dinner in silence. As did Emmettt. All they did was eat while an uncomfortable silence fell between them. When they finished eating. Emmett cleared the table while humming. Soon as he was done with that, he cleaned Rhys's face and picked him up. Rhys didn't protest about this as the older man took him upstairs. Right to the bathroom to take a bath like the other night. Something that the younger man didn't really want. Or feel that he needed either. Again, he didn't fight the older man. Well, not until Emmett stripped out of his own clothes. His stomach dropped as he averted his gaze. Cheeks burning as he asked,"Papa, what are you doing?"

"Taking a bath with you, my love.",Emmett answered. Like it was the most obvious thing in the world. And that there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. His guts twisted as he tried to step away from him. The older man didn't let him get far as he grabbed Rhys under the armpits. Picking him up as he let out a gentle sigh. Setting him down in the tub first before getting in himself. Making sure that his grip was tight but not too harsh. Quietly, Emmett continued,"Baby, I need a bath, and you do too."

"Papa's not going to do anything gross. He promises.",he added. Tone that same gross one from earlier. It added no real comfort and made him sort of sick. Even if there wasn't anything sexual to it, it felt wrong. So very, very, very wrong. And as much as he wanted to fight it, he didn't. Rhys worried what the older man would do as punishment. And he allowed himself to be washed.

Just enjoying the gentle fingers in his hair. And the way that Emmett was humming that old song. It really helped him feel more at ease. The bath also seemed to settle Emmett a little. As his frame seemed a bit more relaxed than before. Not enough that he felt he could easily escape from the older man. But enough that he didn't need to feel afraid of him. That maybe he would mess up and forget to lock the bedroom door. Sure, that was a lot to be hoping for. But, Rhys couldn't stop himself from hoping. After all, it was all he really had right now. Hoping and his vivid imagination. Neither of which Emmett couldn't take from him. No matter how hard he tried.

A few minutes later, the older man drained the tub. Wrapped him in a fluffy towel. Then wrapped himself in one. Picking Rhys up again and carrying him to his bedroom. Emmett redressed the younger man in his pajamas. He hurriedly got himself in a matching pair and slipped them on. Something that deeply disturbed Rhys on some level. Why Rhys wasn't entirely sure of. All he knew is that it was really creepy and sort of gross. To him it was really creepy and gross. Another thing that Rhys knew better than to speak about. Instead, he allowed the older man to pick him up once more and carry him back to the bathroom. Both of them brushing their teeth. Rhys hated how the tooth paste tasted. Bubble gum was a decidedly nasty flavor. He really would have preferred good old mint to this junk. As he felt it wasn't good for his teeth. And that it probably wasn't going to do much for him.

Aside from tasting pretty damn terrible.

Soon as they were done, Emmett carried him back to the room. Laying him on his back on the bed. Gently, the older man grabbed his right wrist. Pulling out a pair of handcuffs from the nearby nightstand. Using it to cuff Rhys to the bedpost. In a soft tone, Emmett informed,"Thought we could change things up tonight."

"I read you a story, we cuddle, and I sleep in here tonight.",he explained. It scared the younger man at first. Not wanting his captor to sleep in bed with him. And not be able to use one arm. Then it angered him. If Emmett slept in the same room as him tonight...then, then he couldn't escape tonight. Mostly thanks to having only one hand free. And the other fact that Emmett would hear any attempts made. Which really pissed him off to no end. As he really wanted to leave and go to the police. Go get Emmett arrested for what he's done. Not just kidnapping, any possible murder or jaywalking he'd done. Anything that the police could unearth about the horrible creep.

Again, Rhys just smiled at the older man like before. Saying how much he liked the idea. Which made Emmett beam even more at him. And with that, he got a book from the nearby trunk. It looked to be a hand made book. Almost as if he wrote and drew it. Which was probably the case here. Though it didn't look terrible. If Emmett had drawn it, he was quite the artist. But the story itself wasn't all that good. It was about a father cat who stole a kitten. Forcing the kitten to be his. And raising the poor thing like he were his own. It was so creepy and he hated it. But to avoid being beaten, Rhys pretended that he liked it. Smiling as the older man read through it. Even acting like it was making him fall asleep.

And at the end, he shut his eyelids. Acting like he was asleep as Emmett got ready to sleep himself. Gently slipping out of the bed as quietly as possible. As if he were actually worried about waking him. Rhys just laid there as he listened to the older man move around the room. Putting the book away, turning off the light, and getting under the covers. Curling up close to Rhys like a child with a teddy bear. Being careful to not make too much noise or movement. Kissing the young man's cheek, he whispered,"Goodnight, Orson."

"Papa loves you.",he added. Rhy didn't know what to make of this. Nor did he dwell on it as he felt himself finally drift off. Praying that tomorrow would be a better day. Sleep has come easier than it ever had in the past. And the dream that he had was very messed up. The first part of the dream had him home with his family. They were all acting sort of normal. Sort of. But, they didn't sound like they normally did. They all sounded like Emmett for some reason. His Mom, Dad, and any random stranger he spoke to. It was the freakiest thing his mind came up with. Well, at first that was. Then his arm fell off in the dream. He saw it drop from him like he was an action figure. No blood or pain or anything like that. And every time that he tried to bring it up, no one cared.

Or they tried to downplay it. Like it wasn't that big of a deal. And that Rhys shouldn't be so upset by it. It was just his arm after all. Not like it was head or anything useful. He felt freaked that no one saw an issue with it. That his arm literally just dropped off and was gone now. Yet, no one cared. In fact, they were madder that he brought it up for some reason. Even calling him a 'Drama King' for doing so. It made his head spin until he felt himself waking. A hand on his stomach like the other day. Lips on his temple as the other morning. Kissing him twice before Emmett's voice cooed,"Good morning, Sweetheart."

"Did you have pleasant dreams?",he asked. Rhys nodded his head at this. Not wanting to talk about his horrible and confusing nightmare. At least not with his captor. Who thankfully didn't pry deeper into it. And instead just unlocked the handcuff on Rhys's hurting arm. Rubbing his wrist to get some life into it. Something that he was very grateful for. Even if Emmett was the cause of it. But, he was less grateful when Emmett picked him up and took him to the bathroom. Another bath despite having one last night. It wasn't like he had gotten that dirty all that quick. Rhys didn't ask him why he insisted on bathing so much. Or why Emmett was joinging him once again. As he didn't want to push his luck. Nor did he want to prolong this whole horrible ordeal. All he wanted was some breakfast and a way out. Back to his home. Back to his boring but safe day to day life.

Thankfully the bath went quicker than last night. And Emmett didn't make him brush his teeth before getting dressed. This time, the older man let him dress himself. Sure the older man locked him in the room but, it was a start. And helped him feel some form of freedom. Which was kind of nice. Even if it was just the barest amount of freedom. It was still sort of nice. Rhys pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. One that had a cartoon wolf on it that he really liked. Fighting the urge to smile as he smoothed the shirt down. Reminding himself that the older man wasn't nice. That he was holding him against his will. Willing to harm him for any excuse he could think of. Even for daring to try to escape the older man.

Something that anyone would do in this situation.

Emmett was not a kind or loving man. Hell, he probably didn't even like him. After all, he called him 'Orson' last night. The older man was probably using him for some form of closure. The young man downstairs was probably this 'Orson' fellow. Probably dead, too. And Emmett couldn't face that he wasn't alive anymore. So, he took Rhys to replace him.

Nothing more and nothing less.

Despite believing this. Knowing that the older man didn't truly love him...it made him feel sort of sick. It didn't feel fair to him. And a small part of him felt that Emmett did love him. That it was just a misunderstanding last night. And that Emmett hadn't called him that. Or Hell, he called him his son. Not 'Orson'. That he had misheard him. Rhys quickly pushed that feeling down. Smothering it as he mumbled,"I have to get the Hell out of here."

"Before that Bastard further fucks up my head.",he added. Getting his tools out from under the pillow. He shoved them into his pocket. Then he made the bed to appease his forced Father-Figure. Soon as he was done, Emmett came in. Wearing a more grown up version of Rhys's outfit. A small smile came to his face as he grabbed Rhys's hand. And he stated,"Aw. Great minds think alike, Sweetheart."

"Now, let's go have pancakes and brainstorm something to do today.",Emmett added. Walking the younger man down the stairs again. Right to the dining room and to the table. Gently but firmly making Rhys sit at his spot at the table. Once again kissing Rhys's temple. A huge grin on his face as he walked to the kitchen. The urge to run nearly overwhelmed him. But he quickly smothered that feeling as it came. Knowing full well that he wouldn't be able to escape. Or be able to unlock the front door all that easily. As Emmett would catch him the second, he would try. Then he would punish him worse than the other day.

No, if he wanted to pick the door lock, he would have to be careful. Be sneakier than that, too. He definitely had to do it when Emmett wasn't able to spot him. Or hear him fiddling with the lock. But he wasn't sure how to do that. Just what would get the older man properly distracted. Or just what could get him out of his sight for long enough. Then it hit him. Emmett wanted to play a game with him, right? Well, he wanted something to do then they would have something to do. And Rhys had the perfect game for them. Hide and seek. The only trick to this was whether or not he should hide first. Or if the older man should. If Rhys was the first seeker, the older man would get suspicious. As it probably would take him a while to unlock the front door. If he hid first, and was careful, he could get out easier. Unlock the front door easier, too. As long as he kept out of Emmett's sight...he could possibly escape today.

The idea of finally leaving the older man made him smile. Nearly bringing him to tears as well. But he sucked it up as Emmett came back with their food. A small smile on his face. As usual, his food was all cut up. There was only enough to feed a small child. And it somewhat dampened his mood. Not enough to make him stop smiling. Just to remind him that Emmett didn't see him as an adult. Still, he thanked the older man for the food. Emmett asked,"No problem, Baby. Now what should we play today?"

"How about 'Hide and Seek'?",Rhys offered. It probably would be the only game that Emmett wouldn't say 'no' to. A tiny smile came to his face as he poked at his food. Really praying that Emmett would go along with his idea. That he wouldn't tell him no. And for a brief moment, Rhys felt his stomach twist as Emmett looked thoughtfully at him. A tiny smile came to his face as he nodded his head in agreement. Then Emmett answered,"Okay, Baby. I'll be the first seeker, and we won't be going upstairs for this."

"Okay?",Emmett questioned. Which Rhys quickly agreed with. It narrowed down the valuable hiding places. But he didn't care. All he cared about was getting out of there as quick as humanly possible. All he would have to be is a bit sneakier than normal. Hell, Rhys would hold his breath if he absolutely had to. Rhys would do anything to get free of Emmett. Both of them ate their breakfast in silence. Emmett cleaned up his face. Then cleaned up their table. Putting all the dirty dishes and cups into the sink. Soon as he finished, they headed to the living room. Where Emmett turned to a nearby wall. Putting his hands up to cover his eye. Almost immediately he began counting. To how high, Rhys wasn't all that sure. But, he wasn't going to take any chances. He hurried to find a spot that Emmett wouldn't spot.

At least not right away. It took him a second to realize what would be the best place for him. Inside the hallway closet. Soon as he was inside, he hid behind the coats that Emmett had. Making absolutely sure they didn't look like they'd been moved. Biting his bottom lip to keep himself quiet. Not caring that the action reopened the wound or not. He had to keep from being heard by Pa-EMMETT. His blood ran cold as he realized what he was doing. Calling his captor 'Papa' only after two or so days in his head. He hadn't been captive all that long and he was doing this. It was really starting to scare him. While he was deep in thought, he heard Emmett's voice. Telling him that he was coming to find him whether he was ready or not. Quietly, he pressed a hand over his mouth. Doing his best to muffle his breathing. Along with stopping the bleeding. Keeping himself from gasping when the door opened. Emmett muttered,"Where are you, my love?"

"Just where is papa's little man hiding?",he added. Rhys held his breath as Emmett poked at the coats. But, didn't look between them. For a second, he thought that he was caught. Right until he heard the older man sigh. He stated,"Nope. Not here, either. I hope he didn't go upstairs."

"I would hate to have to punish him once again...",Emmett added. Rhys felt his blood turn to ice as Emmett shut the door. He heard his footsteps grow more distant until he couldn't hear them anymore. Then gave it another second. When Rhys was absolutely sure that Emmett wasn't around, he made his move. Climbing out of his hiding spot, he got out two of his meager tools. Carefully straightening the staple, he mumbled,"Going to leave today."

"Gonna go home to my crappy apartment and see my family.",he sighed. Tears of joy running down his cheeks. Soon as he left the closet, he made sure the coast was clear. And when he was sure it was, he got to work. Rhys couldn't remember the last time he had done something like this. And he hoped he could do this quickly. Fearing that Emmett would catch him in the act of escape. Soon as he was halfway through, he heard a gasp. Rhys didn't dare stop or turn around. Emmett had caught him. And if he stopped for a second he was dead. So he hurried up as he heard footsteps behind him. Rage clear as day in his voice as he screamed,"YOU'RE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE YOUNG MAN!"

"YOU BETTER STOP RIGHT NOW OR ELSE!",he bellowed. Rhys didn't. He kept at it until the door finally unlocked. A grin came to his face as he finally ripped the door open. Running out of the horrible house and down the front steps. Not looking back as he bolted through the yard. Towards the nearby woods that he didn't know anything about. Not entirely sure of where he was going at this point. But anywhere was better than back there. Alone with a man who was definitely going to kill him if he caught up. And Rhys didn't dare glance back to see how close he was. Praying that he could either lose the older man in the woods or find help.