Caleb glanced over for the millionth time, making sure Oliver's back was still turned.

The thought of being nude in front of anyone right now-- he even had to keep his eyes averted from the mirror. He didn't want to see himself naked. He kept his eyes glued to the man's back as he slowly slipped off his boxers-- the last piece of his security. He wobbled over to the shower as quickly as he could, ducking inside and only letting out the breath he'd been holding when the curtain was shut and secured flush against the walls. 

Whatever fragile relationship he and Oliver had had was broken now. Oliver had locked him away instead of helping him through the aftermath of not one, but two assaults. He hadn't come to check on him throughout the entire night. And when he had, all he wanted was for Caleb to eat so he would stay alive and bathe so he wasn't too dirty to be around. Oliver didn't care about him. Caleb had to stuff his fist in his mouth to keep from crying out in frustration. 

"Are you okay in there?" Oliver's voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts, grating on Caleb's raw nerves. 

"I'm fine." Caleb made sure to keep his voice calm. . . and maybe even a little sweet.

He heard Oliver let out a breath of relief. 

Was this how it was going to be, now? Was he going to be kept locked up in here like a discarded plaything? Had this been Oliver's plan all along-- was he going to keep Caleb all to himself and use him like the others had?

Caleb's legs nearly went out from under him. If that was the case. . . he couldn't stay here. He couldn't live like this, locked up in a small, dusty room at the end of an abandoned hallway. 

He gritted his teeth and leaned on the shower wall for support. No way in hell was he going to submit to this torture.

* * * 

(two weeks later)

Caleb had fully submitted to Oliver. He was completely obedient; he didn't ask questions or argue or resist. He let Oliver tell him when to eat, when to shower, what he should do with himself to pass the time in his room. He kept his tone sweet and respectful, and didn't talk back. 

Oliver didn't question Caleb's behavior, either. Caleb had simply realized and accepted that this was his life now, and Oliver was more than happy to take care of him. He'd developed feelings for Caleb, and hadn't realized it until he found Caleb after the assault. It had made him beyond angry. . . and forced him to confront the emotions he'd been burying for months. 

He loved Caleb.

He really did. He wanted to be with him every second of every day-- his sweet voice, gentle nature, his bright smile, the soft scent of apples that clung to him no matter what. It all wove into the beautiful soul that was Caleb, and Oliver couldn't get enough.

 Caleb stood near the cold windowpane, waiting for Oliver to come. It was time. . . nine at night. Caleb had flung back the curtains and stared out the tiny, grimy window like he did every evening, squinting through the smudged glass to watch the guards do their rounds under the floodlights outside the mansion. He had watched them, every night without fail, since he'd been locked in here. 

The door creaked open behind him and he heard Oliver's familiar sigh. He stepped away from the window and turned to see the man headed towards the bed. 

"Come here, sugar," Oliver chuckled, flopping down on his back and holding his arms out for Caleb. "It's been a long day."

"What did you do?" Caleb asked quietly, laying down beside Oliver and snuggling into his chest. 

"You always try to talk about what's going on out there." Oliver dismissed, his playful tone taking on an edge. "I want to know what you do in here when I'm gone."

Caleb sighed. Oliver kept avoiding talking about anything to do with the outside of these four walls, and he was getting frustrated. He didn't even know where Griffin was or what Oliver had done to Victoria and Bella after the incident-- "Nothing much. I just play games and watch TV, usually."

Oliver smiled. He'd brought Caleb lots of things to do to occupy him-- board games, a TV and gaming console, puzzles of all kinds, and an insane amount of books. He'd also brought all of Caleb's clothes, and had set up a snack basket on the small table beside the door that he refilled when it was running low. 

"So you like the things I brought you?" His eyes shone as he looked down at Caleb, who he held close to his chest. "That makes me happy."

"Do you want to play a game with me, then?" Caleb asked, giving Oliver a sweet smile. His stomach tightened. . . but he had to do this. 

"I'd love to, sugar." 

They got off the bed and sat on the carpet. Caleb was absent-minded as he picked out a board game and set it up. . . he kept glancing out the window and tilting his head towards the door. 

This is how it has to be, he thought, forcing a smile. Just for now.

                Part 34 Coming Soon