by Emma Cole
I try to surreptitiously look for exits, but the rear guard must have noticed that I’m casing the area. He rudely informs me that we're in the basement level, and even in the case of an emergency we aren’t getting out of here— there are no exits. The guarded staircases and elevator bank are the only way out of here. I deflate a little at this. I want Rex. No, that asshole can go screw himself. I want Braeden.
As if thinking of Braeden has summoned him, he’s brought in with Rex and Emmett. I go to run and embrace him, but both of my upper arms are grabbed. “No touching.” What a dick. I’m already tired of being manhandled, and it’s only going to get worse from here. I see Rex slightly shake his head and ignore him, but when Braeden does it, I comply, earning me a glare from Rex.
Fuck you, Rex.
My eyes must express this well enough because his face goes to stony impassiveness. He's lost my respect, but I'll follow my bestie to Hell and back if needed.
Our little group is led to a line to get trays of food. After we’re through collecting our lunch, or maybe dinner? I can’t really tell what time it is from the fluorescent lighting, and there aren't any handy clocks hanging out either, but it’s not breakfast food being served.
Regardless of what the guards said, I keep an eye out for any hint of an exit as we’re led out to the hall and down a few doorways. The guard in front opens the room into a type of sterile sitting/dining area like you would see in a halfway house. Well, isn’t that apt? If I stay here too long, I’ll need to be admitted to one. May as well get used to it now.
The room has utilitarian furniture in a kitchen and common area combo. A sectional sofa and a recliner with a coffee table and television in front of it take up a portion of the room. The dining table is like the one my old school lunchroom had, with bench seating, except adult-sized. On the far side of the room a fridge, and kitchenette are set up— complete with a wall-mounted oven.
Rex and Emmett take seats on one side together, while I move around the table to sit opposite them. No way am I sitting next to that cunt muffin right now.
Braeden, letting out a Gusty sigh, sits next to me, opening his mouth as if to say something, until I shoot him a glare that shuts him up quick.
The lead guard addresses us. “Leave your trays on the counter over there, someone will be by to pick them up later. The bathroom and bedroom are through that door, go through the bedroom to get to the bathroom. Towels, extra clothing, and toiletries have been stocked in the hall closet.”
Oh, goody, the kidnappers will let us bathe and sleep. They’re so awesome! I snort at my thoughts, earning a glare from the guard. Oops.
He continues, “There will be guards posted in the halls, and there are security cameras. Don’t try anything, or there will be consequences.” The guard looks at me as he says this. I can’t tell if he thinks I’ll try something, or if I’m the one being held over the guys’ heads— probably both. With his little speech over, they all leave. We finish our food in silence and put our trays on the counter as instructed.
“I’m going for a shower, I feel disgusting.” Not waiting for a response, I leave the table. Frankly, I couldn't care less what they think.
I get a towel and shower supplies from the hall closet and find the list of rules on the door— ignoring them completely after seeing one of them says to shave daily. Whatever. They can kiss my ass on that one. Looking around, I see folded clothing on some of the shelves, and after some searching, find a tank top and some yoga pants that are my size, along with panties, but no bra. I sigh and decide to wash mine out and put it back on later— I’m just going to bed after I get done with my shower anyway.
I notice there’s another door at the end of the short hall, with a keypad next to the doorframe, and when I try it, it’s locked. Not really sure I want to what’s kept in there anyway, I turn to the only other door and open it. Inside, it’s set up like a large dorm room. Four beds with nightstands and lamps— nothing else— not even windows. Although, I suppose windows wouldn’t be down this far in the ground. That thought gives me the shivers, what if there were an emergency? Or the structure above us collapses?
Shaking off my morbidness, I continue through the open door, noting a decent-sized tub and shower combo, counter, a sink with a few drawers under it, and a toilet; still very utilitarian. I set my items out and start the water. I hope they have a good supply of hot water, I want a shower, then a good soak. Stripping down, I climb in, washing my hair and body before rinsing, so I can engage the tub stopper, letting it fill enough until I can lower myself in. I must doze off a bit in the hot water, because I wake up to the sound of a knock on the door.
“Lark? You alright in there?” Braeden, he must have been worried. I’ve been in here long enough to prune, so I guess he probably thought I drowned myself. Eh, I'll reserve that option if needed.
“I’m fine, be right out.” I push off my maudlin thoughts and pull the stopper to drain the water. I get out, drying myself off and dressing. I’m still brushing my hair as I open the door to find Braeden is standing there with concern plastered on his face.
“Do I need to worry about you checking out on me?” He flinches as he asks this, and for him to bring it up means he’s really, extremely worried about me. His mom killed herself when he was a teenager, and he’s the one who found her— slit her wrists in the tub.
I hug him, dirty clothes, body odor, and all. Not that he really smells that bad, Braeden always smells like home. “Of course not, I would never do that to you. If things get that bad, I’ll talk to you about it. We’ll get out of here, it can’t be that long before Rex can get a message out and get us free. Really, I don’t care about their stupid assignment at this place, we didn’t sign up for this crap. I’ll play along as well as I can until we’re rescued.” Reassuring us both the best I can, I let him go and step back, feeling guilty for even thinking about it.
“Ditto, Birdie.” He uses the comforting nickname he gave me the day we met.
“I’m gonna go get into one of those beds, make sure you’re between me and Rex. I’m liable to smother him with a pillow in his sleep if he gets too close to me. Who knows what that man was thinking, cheating would have been preferable to this.” Making my way back into the bedroom I choose the bed closest to the bathroom and finish brushing my hair before climbing into the bed between the stiff, industrial sheets, that smell strongly of bleach. I’m almost asleep before my head hits the pillow.
Chapter Five
Not Following the Rules
I wake up to low voices and the sound of the shower running, not moving or opening my eyes yet, but I can hear Braeden and Emmett talking.
“How long do you think before we can get out of here?” Braeden asks.
“Let’s not discuss that openly, never know who might be listening in, and I like my head attached to my body. I’ll let you know as soon as I know anything. I’m more worried right now, over what's going to be done with the two of you. You weren’t originally part of the buyer’s acquisition. I don’t know how Apollo plans to keep you from the general rotation.”
That same concern has been running in the back of my mind since I woke up and found out what had happened, and it seems Braeden shares my thoughts.
Braeden continues to voice his concerns, “I’m worried about Lark, women tend to get it worse in these types of situations. Frankly, I’m used to getting buttfucked, fucking others, and sucking dick. It’s not like I’m a straight guy getting his anal cherry popped. Can’t say being forced into it is going to be a cakewalk, but I have less orifices than Lark.”
Oh, shit. I’m gonna get fucked in the ass. Rex and I played a bit with that, but only in little ways, and a finger rubbing on the outside is a lot different than a dick on the inside. At least Rex is going to get the same treatment. It would be kinda hot to see him getting mounted. I’ve had my finger in his ass during blow jobs, and he seemed to like it well enough, but in our case, what was good for the gander was not happening with the g
oose. I snicker silently. That makes me feel a little better, but also a tad ashamed for feeling it at the same time.
“Not much we can do on that right now." Emmett, answers him. "We’ll just have to try our best to keep her with us exclusively.”
Oh my god, I’m going to have to fuck my best friend and Rex’s partner, and they’ll all be watching and fucking each other as well. I'm going to have a fucking panic attack. I want to go home. I curse Rex again as I stretch and sit up, causing the guys to stop talking.
“How long was I asleep for?”
Braeden answers me. “A couple hours, how are you feeling?”
“A little better, still woke up here though.” I grimace at that fact.
The water in the bathroom shuts off, and a few minutes later, Rex comes out in sweats, barefoot, and rubbing a towel over his wet hair. Asshole, needs to put a shirt on. I turn away, refusing to look at him.
He stops in front of me, but I still won't look up at him. “Are you going to be angry with me forever? I tried to do the right thing, Lark. I never meant to drag you into this.” I glance up long enough to glare into his sapphire eyes, and yes, I really do still want to blacken them.
“Fuck you, Rex. Get me out of here,” I say, my voice monotone. I need to distance myself from this, from him.
Braeden comes over to my bed and pulls me into his lap, wrapping his arms around my torso, making me feel safe for the moment, but I know it won’t last. Rex looks on disapprovingly, but I don’t care. He can go fuck himself.
Emmett speaks to me instead, probably hoping I’m less angry at him. “Lark, you’re going to have to be prepared to not get out of here right away. I’m not sure how long it will take for a message to get to our contact, and then for an extraction team to be sent in. All we can do is stay alive until they get here. I know we’ve never really bonded much, but I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. I came of my own free will, as did Rex. I’ll do my best to respect you.”
I’m kind of surprised he would make such a declaration. He hasn't come around the house much when I’ve been there, even though he lives there. I think Rex asked him to make himself scarce after he walked in on us naked, me going down on Rex as he sat on the couch. He'd stood in the doorway and stared a little too long, even if it was an accident. I guess he's probably about to get his curiosity satisfied.
Realizing I should probably say something, I respond, “Thank you, Emmett. I appreciate it.” I stay snuggled for a bit in Brade’s lap until the sound of the main door opening and closing interrupts us. I tense, and Braeden holds me tighter, as Rex and Emmett stand to block us both. Apollo and his little buddy, Marcus, appear in the doorway. Marcus, the one in front, addresses us.
“All of you use the toilet, then clean your genitals thoroughly with these, put them in the trash, not the toilet, when you’re through. Once you've finished, come into the room at the end of the hall, the last person in must close the door and make sure it latches.” Marcus throws each of us a pack of wipes, and Rex catches them, turning without a word, and walks to the bathroom doorway, leaning against the frame.
“What the fuck?” This from Emmett. “Right down to it then, huh? 'Sanitizing wipes for the perineal area'." He reads off the packet he received. "Lovely. Who’s first, then?”
“You and I will go first, then Lark, and Braeden can bring up the rear. I don’t want her in first or last on anything. If we can keep her in the middle, we can at least try to protect her.” Rex pushes off the door-jamb to go into the bathroom, coming out a few minutes later with no expression on his face as he heads out the door.
Emmett does the same, then it’s my turn, and Braeden kisses my forehead before ushering me off his lap and toward the bathroom. A deep flush creeps up my chest, turning my face red, knowing that everyone knows what I’m doing, and from the fact that I know they had to do it too.
My hands are shaking as I close the door and read the instructions. Just like when you need to pee in a cup at the doctor's office. I do my business, wipe correctly with three wipes, wash my hands, and leave the bathroom, unable to look at my best friend as I pass.
The door with the electronic lock is standing open, but I can’t see directly into the room thanks to the little entry area blocking the view. There's enough space in it for two people, and I can see it turns at least two corners before it ends. I think its purpose is to actually keep either room from seeing into the other, even with the door open. I linger at the second corner, getting my courage up. The timeout allows Braeden to catch up with me, and I reach back for his hand. With a deep breath, I round the corner, and just stare with my mouth hanging open.
It’s a fucking sex fiend’s deviant playground. There are odd things all over, not to mention the clear cupboards and drawers filled with objects. All the surfaces and fronts of the counters and cupboards appear to be plexiglass, not quite as crystal clear as regular glass. Guess it would hold up better in this type of area. Honestly, I’m not even sure where to begin. Completely petrified, I’m squeezing the shit out of Brade’s hand, and have zero interest in letting go.
The room is large, nearly twice the size of the apartment we just left. There are several chair type things that look like a cross between a dentist's chair and a gynecological exam table but with more arms and a little slimmer. A shiver runs across my skin looking at them. There are two sling/swing contraptions hung next to each other on sliding tracts and stocks set up near those. On the wall is what I think is called a St. Andrew’s Cross, although I doubt saintly things are performed with it. Who knows, maybe that one was the saint of perverts? On another wall are bars extending out like in a handicapped toilet and metal holes inset in the wall between them. Not sure I want to find out what exactly those are for either. The cabinets are full of sex toys and gadgets and other equipment I can’t quite make out from where I stand. There are stainless steel rolling tables set next to the different stations, the type you find in medical facilities.
I don’t want to step into the room, but Braeden takes the lead and pulls me with him to stand near the others. Apollo is sitting in a chair near a counter, and Marcus is doing something around the side of it, leaving Apollo to address us this time.
“I’ve managed to add the two new ones to the program." His wording is odd, like we aren't people. It gives me the creeps. "Same conditions apply as for the originals, with the exception that if the buyer doesn’t want all four of you, the other two,” he gestures, indicating me and Braeden, “will be auctioned off at the end of the training program. That gives us six weeks to complete this. Note, however, that any insubordination will be punished. I cannot avoid that, so please consider your actions carefully. You never know when you are being watched, and I cannot keep the jammers I have in place on indefinitely without arousing suspicion. Marcus will take over while I observe.”
I can’t decide if I should throw my hissy now or bide my time. I don’t want to just willingly take this, but I’m not sure what other option I have. The guys seem to be going along with it, and I can’t rebel without their support unless it’s more serious than it has been so far. I decide just to go along for now, pick my battles, or whatever shit applies to this situation.
That thought lasts all of sixty seconds before I balk. Marcus takes the stage and begins speaking, well, dictating is more like it. “You will all strip, then fold and place your clothing in these bins. I am going to number you instead of using your names. You," he points at Rex, "are One." Points next at Emmett, then Braeden, and finally at me, numbering us as he goes. " You are Two, you will be Three, and you are Four. You will learn to respond to them or be punished.” He sets out the bins on the counter.
The men move to do as instructed, but I stand there and cross my arms defiantly. No way am I getting naked in front of five guys. I only know three, and only two have seen me completely naked and only one on purpose. Marcus looks at me, and I stare back. “You will do as you were instructed, Four, or I will remove them myself, and you will not recei
ve any type of covering back for the rest of the day. Am I clear?” The frostiness coming off his tone is enough to have the guys moving back toward me protectively. I can’t have them getting hurt over my modesty. I sigh and wave them off as I move past them. Reaching the counter, I take my clothes off, placing them in the bin after folding them.
Marcus is staring again. “You didn’t shave. Did you not see the instructions in the closet?” I’m trying not to gape at the naked men around me. They’re all buff and hot, even my bestie. And hairless. Where the hell did Rex and Brade's chest hair go? Did they shave their armpits? I’m so distracted trying not to get caught ogling, that it takes a moment to process what Marcus was saying. Oh yeah. Should have known I would get in trouble for that one. I nod my head, not wanting to open my mouth, and get myself into more trouble. It’s then that I notice that all the men are bare downstairs. They look like little baby birds, bald. I almost giggle out loud. Yep, legs are hairless too. What the hell?
“Yes, you saw the notice? Then you deliberately defied the rules. And what is it that you find so amusing?” I school my expression and shake my head. No way am I saying what I just thought. “I’ll set up waxing for you when we are finished here, then, since shaving seems to be too tedious for you. And, for your insubordination, the men will get full waxes as well.” Ah, shit. I hate waxing. Brade is gonna kick my ass. I still say nothing, and Marcus continues on after a parting glare directed my way. He gets one right back. Rex and Braeden both sigh audibly. Huh, guess they can find middle ground if it involves being annoyed at me.
Chapter Six
Crash Course
“Gentlemen, I’ve read over your answers on your sexual experience. I have tailored plans to each of you. Four, get in this chair over here.” I docilely go over to the chair he specifies, a vinyl piece with some type of soft fabric attached instead of the usual paper runner a normal exam table would have. I climb on as the guys watch. I stiffly allow Marcus to manipulate my limbs. My arms are taken out slightly and secured. A band goes under my breasts across my chest until it’s snug, while my feet are placed in stirrups with supporting leather straps behind my knees that are somehow attached underneath me. The feet are drawn up and out to be slightly above and next to my hips. It’s putting a bit of a strain on them, but nothing terrible. My eyes close in embarrassment until a ratcheting sound starts, and they fly open at the sound. The straps tighten on my knees and pull them outward until I wince with the strain. One click back and I relax a little until a portion of table drops out from under my ass leaving me feeling the cool air and five gazes on my nether regions. I don’t have much time to process this before the top flips down and my head tips back making my mouth parallel to my neck. This can’t be a good thing. Marcus leaves me like that, much to my furious embarrassment, and turns to the staring men. The baby birds are not improved upon from this angle. Hey, they were staring already, so that makes them fair game in my book.