by Sam Crescent
He was handsome with a bit of a boy-next-door look, with blond hair that appeared to be swept back but was yet never out of place. Green eyes, striking, and they held me in place. He was muscular as well, with hints of ink displaying beneath his shirts. I’d never seen him naked, and the truth was the thought of it terrified me. He was all man in every way, but he was also scary as fuck.
This man was a beast.
The scar wasn’t just the one indication.
It was the way he commanded. A simple nod. A flick of his fingers. All of it gave way to a man who was completely in control over everything.
I didn’t know if I liked it.
Still holding on to my stomach, I waited for him to speak.
“Just because your choices are limited doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate.”
I raised my brows at him. “Negotiate?”
“I’m happy to hear your terms and conditions.”
This caused me to frown, and I sat up, trying to understand a little more clearly. “I’m not sure I follow.”
“You’re here for me. The end result is I will take your virginity and keep you as mine for as long as it amuses me. That’s non-negotiable. That’s the prize at the end. Getting to that point, during it, and of course, after it, all of which I’m willing to hear your requests and conditions.”
Okay, this was new. “Why?” I asked.
“You think I don’t understand the situation I’ve put you in? I do. I’m well aware of what I’ve done. Doesn’t mean it has to be difficult for the two of us. I don’t want some terrified woman in my company, Ashley. I happen to think we’d get along well if you gave me a chance.”
I chuckled. “You’re a monster.”
“I like to think of myself as more a beast. We’re not in Crude Hill anymore.”
I hated that place. Just the very mention of it was enough to make me tense up.
With a hand on my knee, I looked at him, waiting for him to burst out laughing to show it was nothing more than a trick. He was the one who held everything. I couldn’t leave.
“I need to think about it.”
“Well, how about I tell you some of my conditions?”
I didn’t think it would hurt, so I nodded. What was the point in ignoring what he had to say?
“You’ll be by my side at all times. You cannot leave my company. I’m in control of every part of your life and your safety. You’ll sleep in my bed, beside me. You have to be open to my touch. I want conversation, companionship, and above all, loyalty and trust. This is just to start.”
“Wow,” I said.
“Is there a problem?”
“Trust and loyalty? Companionship? What’s wrong with just taking me to your bed and fucking the hymen right out of me? Let’s not butter it up with sweet words like virginity and all that crap. What you want is my tiny piece of flesh that no other man has ever gotten the chance to pop. You can do it. I can’t go to the cops. I can’t expose myself or Emily. My hands are tied in every single direction. What’s the point in trying to dress it up as anything else?” I wasn’t going to pretend for him or for anyone.
Earl sighed. He fucking sighed. As if this was my problem. It pissed me off.
I stood up and stormed across the room, going toward the door. With a hand on the doorknob, I turned it, but it didn’t budge. I kept trying to open the door.
“Damn it. Open the damn door,” I said, spinning around to see him still sitting there, watching me.
“I figured this would happen. You’re very volatile.”
He was so calm.
I hated it.
“I’m not a robot barking out demands. I’m a human person who has feelings.” After kicking the door, I stepped away from it, but rather than sit opposite him, I moved toward the comfortable-looking sofa.
Sitting down, I sank into the cushions. I wasn’t wearing any socks or shoes, and I lifted my feet, enjoying the luxury.
I’d never allowed myself the opportunity to enjoy anything.
“This could make life a lot easier for you, Ashley. I understand that you’re angry. You’re right, I can drag you into my bedroom, chain you to my bed, spread your pretty thighs, and take what I want without a single thought to your well being. I’m the kind of man who can do it. But I’m choosing not to. I’m giving you a choice. You can either enjoy it, and think of something you want out of the prospect, or you can fight me every single step of the way.”
His words lingered in the air. He’d pulled out his cell phone and was tapping away on it.
Grabbing one of the cushions, I held it in front of me. It wouldn’t offer me any kind of protection, but it allowed me to calm down to a certain extent.
My brain was working so fast. I couldn’t get it to stop.
I was infuriated, but also wondering what could be.
My thoughts wandered to Emily. I missed her. She’d be so angry at Earl right now. “Is Emily okay?” I asked.
Earl stopped tapping on his cell phone and looked up. “Of course. She has no reason not to be. She’s with the men she wants.”
“But you wanted her. Aren’t you angry?” I asked.
He shook his head. “No reason to be angry. Emily’s not mine. You are.”
Was he hiding something? Resting my head back against the cushions, I closed my eyes, and once again, the boat was rocking. “You know, I hate being out on the open water.”
“You do?”
“Aren’t you afraid of sharks getting to you? Squids? Octopuses? Crocodiles? Snakes?” Even as I start to speak them aloud, I knew I sound so completely lame.
“You’re a fan of those kinds of movies?”
“A fan, and it helps to make me very much aware of the dangers around me.”
“We’re not going to get attacked by sharks.”
“That’s what you think.”
He chuckled. “You’re adorable.”
“When your boat is sinking and you’re being eaten by sharks, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t listen to me.” I was smiling.
“This doesn’t have to be an awful arrangement, Ashley.”
“You’ve got to give me time to think. I didn’t exactly plan to be taken and given the option of making this better than myself.”
“Let’s work on it then. What is the first thing that enters your head that you’d like me to consider as your terms and conditions?”
“Emily.”
“What about her?”
“I don’t want you to hurt her, and whatever agreement you’ve got with the Monsters to keep her safe, please do it.”
He sighed. “You are a surprise.”
****
Earl
That night, I allowed her to go to sleep in her own bed. She wasn’t alone. I spent a great deal of time watching her toss and turn. Her gaze constantly looking at the door, waiting for me to enter. She didn’t realize I could keep my word while also watching over her.
I’d spent a great deal of time researching this woman. Keeping an eye on her, observing her. I was the reason she got the job at the restaurant. No one would willingly hire her. I had no idea why people found her so annoying. I thought she was charming. Sweet. Adorable. She had an obsession with food that I could understand.
Sleep often eluded me. I’d never been a good sleeper. For me, the night was always a chance to work. When normal people fell asleep, the true monsters and beasts of the world came out to play. I was used to getting one or two hours, never anything more.
I was enjoying breakfast on the deck when Ashley arrived. I’d gotten one of my servants to pick out a dress for her, as well as escort her to me.
Ignoring the woman, I focused on the true beauty in front of me. She was stunning.
Her long brown hair fell around her, curving her body. The dress I’d picked out molded to her curves to perfection. I liked the look and wanted to keep her to myself, so fucking badly.
She sat down, sliding out the chair and lowering herself into the seat opposite me. She�
�d lost the frown.
One of the women poured her a glass of water, and she thanked her.
I didn’t thank anyone who worked for me. They were here to do a job. Ashley wasn’t like me. She wasn’t like anyone at Crude Hill either. She was an angel among demons.
Her eggs were of course overcooked. She took one scoopful, and I watched closely to see if she was testing me, but she moaned in delight. “Thank you.”
“You really do like overcooked eggs.”
“Sorry. I know I should be runny all the way, but these are so much better. I think it stems from my childhood. Mom never liked to cook, but she always made me eggs.” She shrugged.
“Do you miss your mother?”
“Can we talk about something else?”
“Is your mother a sore subject?”
“More like a complicated one.”
I was curious about this woman. It was why she was with me on my yacht, eating my food. I could have any woman I wanted. A snap of my fingers, a brief description, and she’d be right here for me to take.
Ashley was pure. Not just her virginity, but in the way she acted. Even seven years after everything that had gone down, she was so open. So loyal. I couldn’t help but enjoy her.
“I can listen.”
“You want to listen to me complain about my mom?”
“Why not?”
She looked down at her food. “It’s not important. My mom was … compared to many, a saint. I loved her. I still do love her.”
“But.”
“I love the thought of her being the best she can be, but she never gave me that, ever. She was always interested in what she wanted. Not what I wanted, or anyone else.” She lifted a shoulder, then heavily dropped it. “I never wanted to go to Crude Hill. I came home from school one day to her packing everything up. Within forty-eight hours, we were in a nice house and I was enrolled into one of the meanest schools that ever existed.” She swallowed. “I was so scared. I knew bad people existed. I just didn’t realize they created a separate school and place for them all to live.” She let out a breath.
“That doesn’t tell me if you miss your mom.”
“Yes and no. I miss the chance for her to be great. I don’t miss the actual person she was.”
She was sad.
“You’re upset.”
“I don’t like spilling my past. I don’t even like thinking about it. She died due to the choices she made. She was always so selfish. There are times I get angry because I never told her just how selfish I felt she was being, but does it really matter? It’s not like she cared. She was always after a good thing. A sure thing.” She put down her knife and fork. “I’m not hungry.”
“I didn’t mean for you to lose your appetite.”
“The past is a sore subject for me. I imagine the same can be said for you. Were you born into this life?”
“Yes,” I said.
“Oh.”
“My father was a trafficker. You could say I was one of his many sons that showed great promise. He died due to a raid that went badly. I thought my father was the worst person in the world. Then I met my grandfather, and well, the rest is history.”
“You have a grandfather?”
“Had.” I put a bullet in his brain so long ago now. The moment I made a name for myself, I took over all of his businesses, made them bigger, better, and then I took everything from him, including his life. He’d broken me down, piece by piece, but I was the one who built myself back up. Not him.
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Do not waste your sympathies on him. You would’ve been sold to the highest bidder. A virgin was a rare treasure indeed, but he didn’t see you as such. You would’ve been nothing more than a business deal.”
“You don’t trade in virgins?”
I avoided virgins at all costs. The irony wasn’t lost on me.
“Have you thought any more about our conversation last night?” I asked. As much as I enjoyed watching her through a camera, I’d rather have her at my side. I was a controlling man in all areas.
“I have thought about it.”
“But?”
“I, er, I … I’m not very good at this.” She took a sip of her water.
I snapped my fingers for the contents of the table to be taken away. One by one, the women came, removed everything, and left us alone.
Ashley’s gaze followed them. “You surround yourself with beautiful women.”
“They have a good life.”
“Do all of the women who work for you have a good life?”
“They do now,” I said.
She rubbed at her temple.
Taking over from my father and grandfather had exposed a great many cruelties that I’d changed. She didn’t need to know the true extent of the depravity I once inherited. Everything I owned and possessed, I was proud of. It could be a lot worse.
I sat back and watched her. “Relax, Ashley.”
“I don’t know how to do this. You’ve picked the wrong woman.”
“For that reason alone, I’ve picked the right one. Let me guide you.”
“You’ll manipulate everything.”
“True, but I can also offer you help. I know what I’m willing to give and as we talk, you’ll be able to decide what you want.”
She nibbled on her lip. With a nod of her head, I picked the easiest topic.
“Money.”
This caused her to shake her head. “I’m not a whore. I don’t … no.” She went a little pale.
“Neither your mother, nor her lover, set you up to be taken care of. I’m not offering you money for your virginity, Ashely. As your friend and a guide, like a lawyer, I will make sure you are compensated for your time. For the days you’re with me, I will pay you.”
“You’re going to pay me for sex. That makes me a whore.”
“No, it doesn’t. I’m paying you for your time. If I was paying you for sex, I’d negotiate a price for each. Your virginity being the highest, at say a hundred thousand, anal fifty thousand.”
“Stop.” She shook her head.
“So instead, I’m offering you a price for something far more valuable.”
She laughed but it wasn’t a good sound. “Far more valuable than my virginity? What could that be?”
“Simple, time. Time you can’t get back.”
“I can’t get my virginity back. Once it’s gone, that’s it.”
“I do believe there are surgeons who are happy to make it happen, but you’re right, it doesn’t grow back. However, you can have great sex, and you are rewarded with pleasure for that experience. Time, you can’t make it stop. It cannot always be pleasurable. There is a great deal of pain, of loss. But even as we die, we all pray for more time.”
Tears filled her eyes. “You’ve thought about this a lot?”
“No. I’ve seen a lot of people before death, Ashley. I know what a lot of people pray for. Time is a value people throw away.” I reached into my jacket pocket. “So, I think you’ve been with me over twenty-four hours, but we’ll take it day by day.” I wrote out the check, peeled it off, and handed it to her.
“You can’t be serious.”
I just wrote her a check for a million dollars. To many, it was a fortune, to me, it was pure change.
“This can’t be right.”
“Why not?”
“I just, this is insane.” She put the check down on the table. “People don’t pay that kind of money for me. For anyone. You’re surrounded by beautiful women, Mr. Valentine.”
“Call me Earl. Then we’re in agreement. Every single day you’re with me, that is what you will earn.”
She shook her head. “I can’t accept that.”
“I’m not going to pay you any less.”
“If I’m with you a month, that is an alarming … no.”
I shrugged. “You’ve got to start valuing your worth.”
“There’s worth and then there’s this.”
“You thin
k you’re not worth that?”
She nibbled on her lip. “No, I don’t.”
“My grandfather, sick bastard that he was, he told me the first point of business was to understand your worth. If you don’t believe what you’re worth, no one will pay you for it. You’ll be a laughingstock. Remember what you’re worth, Ashley. Never forget it. Not for me, or for anyone.”
She didn’t pick up the million. The truth was, I’d already put plenty of money in a bank account for her. I would continue to pay into it for the rest of my life.
“So we’ve agreed on money. Next, sex.”
“Wait.” Ashley held her hand up. “I don’t want to be harmed at all. I don’t want you to do anything that will hurt or humiliate me. I can’t be shared out. I don’t want to be filmed. I … it’s me and you.”
“Those are your conditions?”
“Some of them. I want to be able to walk away. If I can trust you, when this is over, I want to be able to walk away without looking back. No memories, no nothing.” She looked at me, her dark-brown eyes boring into mine. “I don’t ever want to fall in love with you. This cannot be confused with feelings. It’s mechanical. Friendship at best. Sex. Nothing personal. I don’t want anything else.”
Now, this did surprise me and was an element I wasn’t prepared for. “Fine. I don’t do love. I’m not the kind of man who falls in love. I don’t believe in it.”
She rested her hands on the table.
“Now, sex, I want everything on the table. Your mouth, your ass, your pussy. It will all belong to me. I will not hurt you, or set out to cause you any kind of pain. I’m not into that. I’ve no desire to see you crying or hating me. I expect to be in charge. You’ll do as I say, and you will submit to me.”
“But it won’t be anything awful?”
I smiled. “You’ve got a lot to learn.”
“I’m not completely stupid about what can happen. I know sex can be … vigorous. Maybe we can explore it more greatly, but if I don’t like anything, we stop.”
“Then we stop.”
“Do I need to have a … safeword?”
“I’m not a Dom and this is not a BDSM agreement.” I thought it over. “Even though it could be seen that way. I’m in complete control. When we’re around people, you will do as you’re told. You will trust me in all things, and above all, you will not argue with me. Do you understand?”