I bit down on my lower lip, to keep from gasping or even worse stating my upset for what he’d just said and bringing attention to the fact I was there and awake, hearing everything that was said. Was I some psych project for him? An experiment? Was anything he said to me real or was he just an expert puppet master with me attached to the strings?
The Boss: Prove it. If you can prove it to me then she can stay here, locked in at all times and without access to the rest of the compound, of course.
Lance: Alright, what do you have in mind? As I’ve said she’s perfectly submissive to me, but I refuse to allow any of the men to touch her. She’s bought and paid for, and for all intents and purposes mine and only mine to do with as I please.
The Boss: I have some matters to attend to, but bring her down to my office in a bit and we’ll see just how obedient the little cheerleader has become.
I heard retreating footsteps and the door to the apartment opening and closing and let out a sigh of relief.
“You can get up now, he’s gone,” Lance stated.
“How’d you know I was awake?” I asked, peeping my head up and looking across the room at him, lazily reclined against the bedroom wall, arms crossed over his bare chest, jogging pants riding low on his hips, giving me a teasing hint of hair that began below his bellybutton and disappeared under his jogging pants.
“I could tell by your breathing. I spent a good portion of the night watching you sleep.”
“If anyone else said that to me it would be extremely creepy.” I sat up fully in the bed, holding the blanket tight to my chest, covering my breasts.
Lance’s eyes wandered downward and a smirk spread across his lips seeing my act of modesty. “Are we reverting back to you being my shy little virginal cheerleader again?”
A warmth spread across my cheeks as I forced myself to release the sheet, allowing him a view of me naked from the waist up.
He pushed himself off of the wall and strode over to me. “Much better.” Standing at the side of the bed, he grasped my neck, his thumb stroking the front and then following the line of my collarbone. “I know every inch of you. I just need to close my eyes and can recall every scar, every birthmark…”
I inhaled sharply, as his index finger travelled lower, to leisurely tease my nipple, turning it into a tight rosy nub.
“Is it true?”
“What?” His eyes lifted from my breasts to meet mine.
“You were only nice to me because you thought it would be the best way to mould me into what you need. Am I just some sort of experiment to you? A guinea pig to test your theories on?”
Lance sighed, dropping his hand from my breast, and sat down next to me. “At first, yes. I figured that if I was going to get involved in the process then I might as well try things my way and hope it could be a less painful process for both parties.”
I gasped and lowered my gaze, not expecting the brutal truth from him. So foolish, I was such a foolish girl. How could I have mistaken deception for affection? I was truly gullible.
“But, I didn’t anticipate it backfiring on me and developing feelings for you,” he continued. “I thought I could keep myself distanced.”
“Don’t get emotionally involved with the slaves…” I mimicked one of the first things he’d said to me.
“Normally I don’t. I have an agenda, Gwen, I –”
“Does it have to do with the deal you made for your father?”
His jaw clenched and he nodded. “Something like that.”
“Are you some sort of drug dealer? You had those pills…”
He laughed. “Nope. Not a dealer, distributer or anything of the sort. The organization has its hands in a lot of pots, but drugs isn’t one of them, although it can factor into some deals. Both the people who produce them and the buyers are volatile people. More so than the people we deal with for other things. Getting into the drug business is more risk than The Boss would ever take, not when he’s so profitable in other areas.”
“What did you mean by it was his hobby – the slaves, I mean?”
“I meant that in my opinion the slaves are more of a hindrance than they are worth to have around. His other business endeavours makes much more, without the maintenance the slaves require. But he considers it an add-on feature of the business. A bonus service, if you will.”
I couldn’t believe Lance could be so cold when talking about the slaves. “They’re human beings, not add-on services!”
He let out a frustrated groan, thrusting a hand into his hair in agitation. “Look, I didn’t say I felt that way. You asked and I’m explaining my father’s opinion on the matter. The fact is he enjoys having the women of his choosing at his disposal. It gets him off. I’m in no position to question it, just as you’re in no position to continue asking these types of questions.”
I held his gaze and nodded. He’d said more than he ever had before and by the look in his eyes, he’d said all he planned on – at least for now anyhow. A part of me had hoped after last night that maybe things had changed enough that he’d let me in. I’d told him I loved him, he’d professed his devotion to me, but he couldn’t let me in on the secrets he undoubtedly had?
“I’ve never lied to you, Gwen, and I don’t plan on starting now.”
“But you don’t let me in fully. You said you trusted me.” I pled him with my eyes to open up.
“I do. But there are some things you don’t need to know, not at the current time.”
He hadn’t fully closed down on me. A part of me hoped if I handled the conversation delicately he’d open up. I had to try, even if I was taking a chance on making him angry. I shifted on the bed, sitting back on my knees and placing my hands on his bare chest. “Why?”
Lance brushed a lock of hair behind my ear and caressed my cheek with the back of his hand. “Maybe I’m not ready for you to see the man that I really am, the monster I’ve become. Maybe I enjoy the look of admiration and devotion in your eyes and how it makes me feel human again.”
I frowned, not sure what to say at this point.
“You said you trust me. Then trust me a little longer.”
I lowered my hands from his chest. There was no point in pushing it, I had nothing but time anyhow. “All right.” The second thing that had me worried sprang to mind – his father’s request. “What about what The Boss said about proving myself to him; what am I going to need to do?”
His eyes darkened and he gave his head a shake. “You’re not going to be doing a damned thing.”
“I heard him, Lance. I don’t think you digging your heels in and refusing is an option and I don’t want to go back down there.” I’d had the best sleep since I arrived at the compound the previous night. Cuddled next to him, with his arms around me in a protective embrace made me feel safe and secure. I couldn’t lose that feeling now. I’d do anything to make sure I didn’t go back to the fear and horrors that lived below the surface of the compound.
Lance jutted his chin out, a look of pure defiance in his expression. “I promise you that you won’t be going back.”
“You don’t need to worry about me. I can handle it. You told me to play my role last night and if it means I can be safe here with you, then I know I can take whatever he has planned.”
“I know you can, I’m just not sure I can.”
Chapter 19
“I’ll be fine, Lance,” I said, giving his hand a squeeze. When our gazes locked the irony of the situation wasn’t lost on me. He should be the one reassuring me, not the other way around. His comment on the fact that he may not be able to handle what The Boss had planned made me curious, but he hadn’t elaborated and I knew not to ask. His expression had taken on the closed-off, faraway look and I knew our talk was over.
“You’re right. It’s because you’re not doing a damned thing with any of them.”
We’ll see, I mused, but didn’t verbalize my thoughts. I’d already decided I’d do what I had to do.
He released my hand a
nd knocked on The Boss’s door. Upon hearing the approval to enter he opened the door, giving my leash a tug and guiding me behind him and into the room. I took on the perfect submissive role, eyes downcast, not saying a word. I could play the perfect submissive; I had to, for both of our sakes.
I’d already sucked The Boss’s cock, I could do it again. If nothing else, my time here had taught me the art of enduring what was once the unendurable and unthinkable. While I had moments of despair and had reached the point of a breakdown several times, I held on and knew I was stronger, not weaker because of it. The saying was incredibly true, what didn’t kill you did make you stronger.
“Well, there she is.” I lifted my eyes just long enough to see The Boss sitting behind his desk and Tanner reclined in one of the leather chairs across from him, one ankle casually crossed over the opposite knee.
Lowering my gaze I said nothing as Lance led me across the room and took a seat in the vacant chair across from The Boss. I dutifully fell to my knees by the chair, like a good little obedient pet. I heard the sound of The Boss pushing back his chair and then walking around the desk and toward me.
“Stand, slave,” he ordered as he came to stand before me.
I slowly rose to my feet.
He grabbed my chin and lifted my face up. “Yes, her face has cleared up nice. Turn around.” I spun around. “Lift your hair.” I bundled my hair on the top of my head and held it. He traced the lines where my wounds were. “They’re healing up nicely. The scars should look good on her, a nice reminder that she needs to know what her place is.”
“That was the idea,” Lance confirmed, his voice so cold and devoid of emotion I’d have almost thought I’d imagined the affection we’d shared earlier.
So far, so good.
“And her training has gone well?” The Boss gave my shoulder a nudge, urging me back around to face him.
“Better than expected, to be honest, Father.”
The Boss tisked. “Then let’s just see what she’s learned. See how well she welcomes a man’s touch now that she’s been fucked. Go to Tanner.”
My mind was bombarded with flashes of Tanner slicing a blade across Mia’s throat and my stomach churned.
“Now! You don’t want me to ask again.” His tone challenged me to disobey.
I glanced over at Lance and saw anger flare up in his eyes, his body beginning to tense. I gave him a slight nod, silently telling him I was okay and took the few steps to stand in front of Tanner. Grabbing my waist, Tanner spun me around so my back was to him and he pulled me onto his lap, spreading my legs so one leg was over each of his thighs. He spread my thighs as wide as possible, putting me on display for The Boss. His hands slid up my stomach to palm my breasts, pulling me back tight against his chest.
Looking over at Lance I caught his gaze. The anger in Lance’s eyes intensified as his eyes left mine and he glared at Tanner. I had no doubt if he could, he’d put a bullet in Tanner’s brain without a second thought.
The Boss came up to me, his eyes travelling along my body. Leaning forward, The Boss cupped my mound and slipped a couple of fingers deep into me. I had to bite down on my lower lip to keep the gasp from escaping my lips and had to fight to keep from attempting to get away.
Play my role, gotta play my role, I kept reminding myself, the words flowing over and over as if on a sound loop in my head.
“Still nice and tight.” The Boss nodded his approval. “Have you learned how to properly suck cock, slave?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Do you want to suck my cock, slave?” A smirk spread across The Boss’s lips.
“She’s not doing anything of the sort. The only cock she sucks is mine.” Lance’s voice was a low growl as he glared at his father.
“She will if I say she will.” The Boss grabbed my chin, unconcerned over Lance’s displeasure. “Now, slave. Answer the question.”
Hell no! the voice in the back of my mind screamed, but I answered like a proper slave. “Yes Master, I want to please you.”
“See Son, she wants to.” The Boss looked over his shoulder and smiled at Lance, as he undid his pants and exposed himself to me.
I whimpered as Tanner’s hands on my breasts tightened their hold, his fingers pinching my nipples so hard it felt like he was going to rip them off. But I didn’t dare complain.
“Open up. Show your master how good of a little cocksucker you’ve become.” He pressed the head of his dick to my lips and I dutifully parted my lips allowing him in, despite every part of me wanting to protest and run into the protection of Lance’s arms.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Lance, his hands on the armrests of his chair, fingers digging into them so tightly his fingers were pure white. It looked like he was about to leap from the chair and beat the shit out of his father and Tanner.
Suddenly The Boss’s hand was in my hair, tightly fisting the locks and yanking hard so I cried out, with his dick still between my lips.
“What are you waiting for, whore,” The Boss growled, springing me into action. Closing my eyes I attempted to force out the feel of Tanner’s hands exploring me, and the feel of his cock thickening against my bottom, under a layer of denim. I tried to envision it being Lance’s dick and hands, because I knew without being told if I didn’t pull this off like a good little trained slave there was a good chance I’d be back in the dungeon and I couldn’t let that happen.
“Ahhh, yeah, that’s good. Nice improvement,” The Boss groaned.
Please God, let this be over soon.
“Fucking whore learns fast.” His cock slammed the back of my throat and I choked, nearly losing my breakfast, but I stayed strong, even putting in some above and beyond effort of stroking his balls. When The Boss finally came we both released sighs of relief, him for coming and me for finally having it over with.
He pulled out, leaving me with the vile taste of him in my mouth and on my lips.
“Let her go before my son has an aneurysm.” The Boss laughed as if his son’s displeasure were the funniest thing he’d ever heard, but taking a peek over at Lance, the rage in his eyes told me he’d happily kill everyone in the compound before letting what just happened happen again.
Tanner hesitated, but pulled his fingers from my breasts and released me. My legs had gone numb and I stumbled as I removed myself from his lap and scampered to Lance’s side, curling up at his feet. My body trembled and it wasn’t until Lance’s hand began stroking my hair that the trembling began to subside. A part of me was angry with him for not stopping it from happening. In the back of my mind I’d hoped he’d interject – but he hadn’t. It hurt and disappointed me, even though I told him it was okay.
The Boss walked around his desk and sat back down, his eyes glued to me. I wouldn’t lift my face to verify him looking, feeling stupidly secure behind the veil of blonde hair covering my eyes and face, but I could feel his eyes burning into me. “You’ve done well. I’m not pleased that she’s cowering at your side, she should be appreciative that I allowed her to suck me off, but she’s coming along nicely.”
Allowed me! Fucking bastard! I’d never heard anything so ridiculous in my life.
“Well, I hope you enjoyed it because that’s the last time anyone else touches her. If I was expected to share her then what was the point in my making the purchase and agreeing to your deal?”
Chuckling, The Boss reclined in his chair. “You never were one to share your toys.”
“No and I have no plan on starting now.”
“All right. I think I’d like to see what you can do with the twins.”
“Boss, the twins were promised to me,” Tanner interjected.
“And now they’re being reassigned. I don’t want to take the risk of them becoming bumbling messes that need to be disposed of, they’ll bring in a hefty amount and I don’t want to fuck it up.”
“Just because he was able to turn her into his pet doesn’t mean he can do it with the others. From what I’ve seen he treats h
er more like his girlfriend than his pet.”
“At least she comes for me, can you say that about any of the girls you train?” Lance growled, his hand sliding to my shoulder and pressing me tight to his thigh.
I couldn’t get the taste of The Boss out of my mouth. I wished I could spit out the taste of him and forget about what had just happened.
“Why should I give a shit if they come or not? We have no obligation to them. Their job is to please us, not the other way around.” Tanner redirected his attention to The Boss. “See, I bet that cunt at his feet expects an orgasm, when she should be appreciative if her master decides to be kind enough to give her one.”
“I see your point, but I want to see what he can do with the twins. If he can’t train them to our satisfaction then I’ll give them back to you and Connor. Besides, the black slave’s buyer is getting anxious, so you’re going to need to up your sessions. She needs to be ready to be shipped off so your full attention needs to be on her.”
“I’m not –”
“Are you about to tell me you can’t do it? I hope that’s not what you’re about to say, Tanner,” The Boss interjected.
“No Sir. She’ll be ready.”
Becca… I need to save her. I didn’t know how, but I had to do something. Because of my acting and playing my role I was able to get the twins assigned to Lance; would it be possible for Lance to get Becca too? I didn’t think so. But, there had to be a way.
“Well, I’ll leave you two to your discussion. And if you don’t mind, I’ll be taking my slave back to my room.” Lance stood and gathered my leash in his hand. Silence overtook the room, the tension becoming so thick it could be cut with a knife. “That was the deal. She stays with me from now on. I don’t want her in the dungeon to be raped. She fucks who I say and when, not when your men decide to take liberties with her.”
“Very well,” The Boss said. “But keep in mind, if she leaves your room without my permission, the guards will shoot to kill.”
Bad & Bold - A 7 Book Bad Boy Romance Collection! Page 90