CHAPTER 29 : "Bound in Silence".

As Alex taped Annika's mouth shut, he declared, "Now you won't be able to speak". Annika struggled, hoping the rope would loosen somehow, and continued to move her hands forcefully. Alex then sat beside her, noticing her intense gaze, as if she wanted to teach him a lesson. Undeterred he attempted to push her hands down again.

Alex fetched a jar of water and poured it into a glass. Removing the tape, he offered Annika water , Annika said, "how can l drink water with my hands tied ?" With a knowing wink, Alex positioned the glass at Annika's lips, his fingers lingering close to its edge. Startled, Annika bit his hand, causing him to exclaim, "What a creature !" in pain. Annika seized the moment, asserting, "l've got to teach you a lesson, Mr Alex Royce". With determination, Alex reapplied the tape to her lips.