Survival of the fittest - AmyMarie and Shadowfax

[Shadowfax]

Ashelin's thoughts told her it was working, so she carried on despite the sick feeling in her gut. She just reminded herself of the others though and battled on. Oh how she wanted this man dead.

"Good, that makes me pleased. I don't want to be with any stupid man who thinks he's good enough to just hold a gun or steal things. I want one who has power and you have that Matt. Men at your command, supplied when you need them and the power to deal with those who rebel against you. I don't want to be sold to those men of yours, I want to belong to you and only you" She said with another sweet smile.

She tried to sit up straight, but the cuffs were starting to cause her problems.

"And your kinda handsome too" She said. Now that made her want to gag.

***

Jack nodded and lit the end of Harvey's cigarette before walking over to George. He was about to say something to him when Aaron and Aimee appeared. He smirked at the sight of them and punched George on the shoulder as if mocking him. He went and sat down next to Harvey and glanced over at Aimee as he smoked his cigarette.

"I hope Matt comes out soon. I need to get some supplies. What do you reckon? Take Georgie boy here? He can be the bait to lure out potential attackers" Jack sneered.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Matt continued to be impressed by what she was saying. He edged closer to her as she spoke. 'And your kinda handsome too'. At that he smirked. He was now sat directly in front of her. His hand slowly moved its way up her leg.

"I'm beginning to like you...but-" he looked at the cuffs. "If anything is going to happen, I'm going to have to take those cuffs off. Any wrong moves though sweetie, and you know what'll happen". He twirled his fingers through her hair and rested his hand on her thigh. It was a test to see if she reacted negatively. He wanted to make sure he wasn't getting himself into s***.
----
George rolled his eyes at Jack. He knew Aaron wouldn't of done anything. Or...he thought he wouldn't of. George knew he could be unpredictable, but he wouldn't of hurt his sister. Sighing, he smiled again at Aimee who kept glancing at him. Harvey thought for a moment and nodded.
"Ha, good idea". As more of the gang began to wake up, they all made there way to the big table.

Harvey looked once again at Aaron and Aimee, who were now talking to each other quietly. Harvey wondered why the girl would be so keen to speak to him after what he assumed had happened last night. "Aaron" Harvey called. Aaron looked up "Was she any good mate?". Aimee cringed, George groaned, and Aaron didn't know how to reply.
"Uh, yeah" he finally mumbled. Harvey gave some of the others a shove as they laughed.
"How 'bout you tell us all about it?".

[Shadowfax]

Ashelin's heart was racing and she was fighting the urge to punch him in the face as he got nearer and began to twirl her hair in his hands. She was trying to ignore the fact he had his hand on her thigh so she kept eye contact with him. She flinched ever so slightly at his touch, but she quickly amended this to take his mind off things. She leant forward and kissed him for a moment to prove herself.

I have to do this.. it's the only way.. It's the only way to save them.. and me She told herself in her mind.

She pulled away from Matt, feeling ashamed, but knew she had gained his trust. She tilted her head.

"I'll show you a good time later. You better get back to your men. Your a leader, those idiots will need you to tell them what to do" She said, gently kissing him again.

"Go. I'll be here when you get back. Just try not to be too late" She said with a smirk.

--------

Jack smirked at Aarons unease. He still owed him for threatening him in the car so he sat down and leered at him.

"Yes, do tell" He mused.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Matt, wearing a proud grin on his face stood up. He had got what he wanted, he usually did. The man wasn't sure what to do though, whether to un-cuff her or not. With a reluctant sigh, he took the cuffs off.
"Food and drink in that bag there. See you later sweetheart". He swaggered out of the room and shut the door, locking it behind him. He still couldn't be too sure.
---
Aaron was angry more than anything. He shot a glare at Jack but then smirked.
"She's better than anything you've had mate, thats for sure". He stared straight at Harvey and continued "You wanna know about it? Well, all I can say is that she was hard to control, but a great big thug like yourself surely wouldn't find it hard".

Aimee was surprised, but was aware that Aaron was turning his comments back on the two men and not making them directly linked to her. She appreciated that. Harvey gave a huff,
"Hard to control? We'll see about that". With that comment, Matt arrived in the lobby.
"Morning boys" he said, going over to the table and picking up a drink. He saw Aimee and smiled a little. When he was done with Ashelin he'd move onto a more weaker subject.

"Hope you weren't too gentle with her Aaron". He finally acknowledged George, he turned around he gave him a smirk before looking at his gang.
"Did Georgie behave himself last night lads?"

[Shadowfax]

Ashelin watched as Matt got up. She wondered whether or not she would be tied to the bed for the rest of the day, but to her shock he uncuffed her. She blinked with confusion for a moment as she allowed it to settle in that she was now free and could wander the room without fear of being caught. When he mentioned food, she was truthfully happy. Ashelin had not eaten since the previous morning and she needed something to keep up her strength. She smiled at Matt as he got up to leave.

"Don't be too late now" She said with a wink and with that he left the room.

Once he was gone, Ashelin's face fell and she sighed with utter disgust. She took one of the beers from the bag and lifted it up. She hated beer, but she needed some sort of comfort for the rest of the day and to help her get through the evening.

**

Jack looked up as Matt entered the room and smirked.

"You look happy boss" He said with a cheeky boyish grin.

At hearing his question, Jack looked at George who was still cuffed to the post they had cuffed him to the previous night. He smirked at the sight and looked back at Matt on answering.

"Good as gold" Jack said.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

"Happy? I'm over the moon mate" Matt replied, drinking from a bottle. He had one hand propping him up on the table as he started to laugh. "Got her upstairs hooked right around my finger. 'Gonna get some' later apparently". Harvey laughed along with his boss, but George looked up in confusion. Ashelin wasn't going to-...just to get them out? At a time like this he would of uncomfortable pulled the fabric around his neck, so instead wrung his hands together.

Matt stretched out and looked around the room. He wasn't sure what they'd get up to today, but he was in no hurry for the time being. Aimee had a moment of panic. Where was Sam, and how was he? It seemed they had all forgotten about Sam. She glanced at the stairs anxiously. Surely he was alright. Her thoughts were distracted by a now coughing George.

Matt just looked and laughed, but George wasn't stopping. He hadn't had a drink for god knows how many ours, but it was beginning to take affect. Aimee watched as tears began to form in his eyes from how hard he was coughing. Not able to sit and watch, she shot up and sped over to the gang's table. Avoiding grabbing hands, she snatched a bottle off the table top and hurriedly undid the bottle top.

She went down to George's level and held the bottle to his lips and titled it. He stopped coughing and he smiled gratefully to his sister and bumped his head against hers and he mouthed thank you. Aimee was all too happy to have contact with George again and went in for a hug. She was stopped by a blow against her side that sent her sideways and doubling over on the floor in pain.

George looked up. Matt had done it. Unpredictable and totally unneeded. The roar of laughter made Matt just laugh along with them.
"She did absolutely nothing wrong!" George shouted at him, throwing himself forward. "Why on earth-" he continued
"Because its damn funny thats why" Matt jeered back, and just for good measure walked over to Aimee and kicked her again.

The teenager didn't even care she probably looked like she was fitting on the floor. Matt had managed to kick her lower back and the pain was throbbing. She didn't actually manage to make a sound because she was so shocked it had happened the first time. George started an array of name calling and shouting at Matt, but when Matt held his boot against her head George silenced himself. Thought George had stopped, Matt didn't intend too. He was bored, and his boredom needed satisfying.

"Wow boss, stop beating up my prize!" came a voice behind them all. Aaron was stood up, but was wearing a joky grin. George wondered how Aaron managed to sit there, but couldn't be angry at his friend for doing so. It would of revealed everything. Matt grinned back
"Oh, sorry mate" Matt heaved the girl onto her feet but Aimee could hardly stand. As Matt eyed her over, he began to smirk again "I can probably think of a more productive way of using her right now...but we'll save that for later". Aimee staggered away back towards Aaron and fell into a seat.

[Shadowfax]

Ashelin sat there with her back to the wall as she let the alcohol go to her head. She needed comfort right now. Usually she didn't like being comforted, but she just wanted to be in the arms of someone who cared about her. For someone to tell her she was going to be alright. She snorted with laughter at the mere thought. She had never had that. She would never have that. She took another full mouthful of beer and swallowed. The beer caused her to cough and she felt sick so decided to begin eating some of the crisps in the bag.

"I have to do this... I have to keep them safe" She said to herself as she began to chew on the crisps, her eyes glazed over and her mind wandering.

As she sat up the pain shot through her body, but she fought the pain and began to pace round the room. She just wanted to be free again. But soon she would be. Her and the others. She wondered how Aimee was. And if Sam had managed to do what she asked him. Then there was Aaron.. Was he on their side? And lastly.. George. The man who had saved her twice now. She smiled at the thought and wished more than anything that they were back in the staff room at the service station. If only they could have slipped away, they'd never be in this mess. She sighed and sat down on the bed. Her hands were shaking now.

"Keep calm Ash.. it will all be over soon" Ashelin told herself.

***

Jack watched on with utter amusement as Matt began to kick and abuse Aimee. He smirked and looked down at the battered form of the teenager before she got up and fled over to Aaron. He watched her closely, knowing that George's eyes were on him. He looked at Matt.

"So whats the plan for today boss? Raid? Go and see if we can find some more hostages?" he asked, his cigarette in one side of his mouth.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Matt sighed and then thought for a little while. He didn't want to risk going out and being late for Ashelin upstairs.
"You know what? Just do as you like. I fancy a few games of poker and a few beers personally". He mused for Aaron to come over to the table he had sat at and Aaron reluctantly went over. "Join us for a few rounds mate?" he asked him. Aaron forced a smile,
"Yeah, why not". Aimee remained where she was. She tucked her knees up to her chest and closed her eyes.

George groaned; it was going to be a long day. However, if Ashelin's plan was going to work, they'd be out. He still needed a way to tell Aimee and/or Aaron they needed to be out of their room though. He'd think of something. For now, he just had to sit it out and wait.

The day went quickly for the men. Through poker and drinking, they had wasted an entire day. They had taken gaps to eat though. They had invited Aimee to come over for food, but she wouldn't move. Of course, she ended up going anyway and having to sit there for a bit when things got boring for them. The things they had whispered to her would never be heard by George, nor would she tell him.

Matt stood up after the last game, which he hadn't won but he wasn't too bothered. He had someone waiting for him upstairs.
"Thanks for the day lads", he began walking towards the stairs again. He was drunk, like usual, but in a better temperament, if he had a better temperament.

[Shadowfax]

Ashelin spent the day in her own company. It felt like she had been alone for days on end, awaiting some terrible fate to come to her. She had gotten through three bottles of beer so enough to keep her sane and in control of what she was doing, but also enough to numb her feelings... Somewhat.

At every noise she winced thinking it was time and that a drunken Matt would appear. She felt sick and still worried if she would be convincing enough for him, but she had to be. Once he'd fallen asleep she'd dress and steal his hand gun. Then, at midnight she would leave the room and get the others out of here by taking Matt hostage and getting the others to lock themselves in the hotel rooms on the bottom floor. Thankfully she could see on the cctv if they were locked, then she was going to cut the electrics so they would be trapped.

The clock now read 6 o clock. Ashelin's head fell into her hands as she thought of the horrors to come. The thought made her shoulders shake and her belly bubble with sickness. All she wanted was for this to be over quick, She gently sat up and looked to the ceiling, words escaping her mouth before she thought.

"This will be my atonement. To make up for all the wrong i've done in life.. Let this be my punishment.. Let this be my atonement. But please, let them all be safe. Please let my people be safe. They are the only ones, who have ever stuck with me unless under orders" She said, a silent tear running down her cheek.

A moment later she heard the door outside open and she quickly dropped her forth bottle of beer. She took a moment to look up at herself in the mirror and instantly saw the bruise fresh on her face. She placed a hand momentarily on her cheek as if for comfort, but soon recoiled it and looked back at the door. It was slowly opening and her heart dropped.

**

Sam meanwhile had found himself being very useful. He's got Ashelin, Aimee and George's belongings and had the keys to the car which were foolishly, or intentionally left by Aaron when he drove them here. Sam had also found himself a pen knife, of which he'd used to slash the gangs car tyres. No way were they following them anytime soon. The boy had also managed to get plenty of food together and in the boot of the car, along with blankets, water and the camping gear Ashelin had told him to get.

Now, he just had to wait. The watch on his thin wrists read 6'oclock so he knew he had a good wait. He could just about make out the figures in the lobby from his hiding place, Aimee being one of them. George much to his sadness was still tied to the post and Sam wondered if he had been fed. Still, atleast in six hours time he would be feasting on the supplies Sam had managed to find. He just hoped Ashelin could pull it off. Whatever it was she intended to do.

**

Jack watched Matt go and began to laugh.

"I think he's gonna be in a lovely mood tomorrow morning" He said, elbowing Harvey in the arm gently.

He too got to his feet and went over to the hotels desk to find more beer. The poker day had exhausted his own supply, but there were usually some beers nearby. But not today it seemed.

"Damn it. Harv, give us a hand grabbing some booze from the bar will you?" He said with a sigh.

[UncoordinatedPisces]

Matt pulled the handle on the door unsteadily and strode into the room. He slammed the door behind him, having no consideration of noise or taking Ashelin by surprise. It took him a while to find her in the room, he surely was in a state. His eyes locked onto the woman finally and he grinned.
"Hello sweetheart, missed me?" he asked, flopping down onto the bed.
---
George, along with Jack, watched Matt go. He didn't laugh. He prayed that Ashelin would be alright. That woman had gotten them all out of tight spots, and well...she was a friend now. He heard Jack's comment and doubted it. Harvey sighed and grumpily stood up to go to the bar. George seized this chance. The other gang members were preoccupied.

"Aaron" he half-called, half-loud whispered. Aaron turned around to him with curiosity. "Out of your room by midnight" he mouthed. Aaron didn't get it at first but Aimee got it the second time around.
"He said 'out of your room by midnight', there must be some sort of plan". Aaron looked at her briefly before nodding at George to confirm he had understood. George, relieved, just had to wait now. Aaron made his good-nights and took Aimee by the arm again.

He shot George one final glance and made a slight gesture to his seat. He had left a spare key to his room. George smiled, as soon as this lot were asleep he could slip out of the cuffs and go upstairs. It'd be easy...in theory anyway.