Savageville’s Captive Bride

My brother-in-law’s palms were rough from years of farm work, yet they felt strangely soothing as they stroked my shoulder.

His sun-darkened arm stood in stark contrast to my flawless pale back.

In the corner enclosed by the firewood stack in the countryside, we coiled around each other like two snakes, tightly entangled.

…

My name is Mia Flores. I’m twenty-four and just graduated from college.

I had hoped to stay in the city and build a career, but my family’s circumstances simply wouldn’t allow it.

My father passed away early, and all these years, my mother—a widow with no one to rely on—had to care for my sister with intellectual disabilities while saving up for my tuition.

I couldn’t let her worry about me anymore.

After getting off the rural commuter bus, I pulled my small suitcase along the road home.

Then hurried footsteps sounded behind me. I turned to see a young man, about six feet tall, dark and muscular.

He wore a white T-shirt, sweat streaming down his face.

“You must be Mia,” he said.

Seeing my wary look, the man gave a good-natured laugh. He extended his hand. “I’m your brother-in-law, Luke Lopez.”

I was shocked. When did my sister with intellectual disabilities get married? I had no idea!

Flustered, I called my mother. After asking her, I confirmed that the man named Luke Lopez was indeed my recently married brother-in-law.

“Now you believe me,” Luke chuckled.

He reached out and took my heavy suitcase, then naturally grasped my hand with his other hand.

His palm was calloused. Maybe it was my imagination, but his fingers seemed to be tracing circles on the back of my hand.

It felt ticklish, intimate. Not something a brother-in-law should do!

“What are you doing?” I murmured.