Yeah, she had gone insane. But she still had a brain to help her decide.
If she ran now, exhaustion and hunger would overtake her. She wanted to live. And she still had an ounce of fight left… “I’ll go with you, but only if you promise to release those other women.”
He raised a brow. “What other women?”
“In the two cages across from mine. One is dark-skinned, the other a redhead.”
He scowled. “I do not make deals with slaves.”
“Please help them.” She laid a hand on his arm. When he raised one dark brow and looked down at her hand, she removed it. “You rescued me from that awful place, can’t you find it in your heart to help them?”
“Decimus!” he shouted.
Seconds later, a little old man walked up to him.
The elderly man cast her a furtive glance, his frown deepening the more he and Marcus spoke in their odd language. Then Decimus stalked away, entering the area she and Mark had recently exited.
“It shall be done. The women will be released,” Mark stated.
“How do I know you’ll do what you said?”
“You don’t. All you have my word, but my word is sacred.” He sighed. “Will you please get in the litter now?”
Please? His courtesy threw her off balance. If she heard him correctly, it almost sounded like he begged her to get in. “You swear to me that you’re going to help those women?”
He stepped closer. “I never break a promise.” His deep, low tone vibrated with suppressed anger, and something else. Lyla thought he sounded…disappointed. “Did I keep my word to you while we were in that room?”
He had her there. While what he did had been degrading, he did it quickly and gently. Then again, some kinky edge to her personality, liked it.
“My actions allowed you to live. Never forget that.”
Lyla swayed on her feet, the day’s gruesome events catching up with her, the truth of his statement making her realise, she was now his prisoner.
Before she could utter any protest, Mark lifted her in his arms and placed her in the litter. Her bottom connected with a padded seat.
She scooted into the corner, shoving her aching body as far into the small space as possible.
Mark got in after her. He leaned out the opening and shouted something to his men.
Soon the litter moved.
Lyla wondered how long it would be before someone back home would miss her—maybe someone at BestUCanBe. Then again, they might think that she had decided to stay a few more days in Cape Cod. If that were the case, she’d have no job when she got back.
If she got away from this hellhole.
She hadn’t heard from her parents in ages, and if she were honest, she’d say that she, and them, had fallen into a comfortable incommunicado.
It suddenly occurred to her… No one would give a rat’s ass about Lyla Thomas.
Chapter Five
Lyla stayed huddled in the corner, near the headrest. Her mind filled with escape plans, despite Mark’s threat of punishment.
She had to try. Otherwise, how could she live with herself?
She glanced through the slit in the curtains. If she could just engage Mark in conversation, if she could distract him… An idea bloomed.
Lyla couldn’t imagine what he planned for her once they arrived at their destination—wherever that was. It could be worse than that man Corvus’ dungeon-like place.
If she tried to escape, Mark might punish her with torture until she cried out for death’s release. Maybe his gentleness was all a façade, a way to draw her into his trust then he’d make her wish for her life to end. Then again, once they got to their destination, Mark might just torture her anyway.
Or would he? She couldn’t be sure of anything in this crazy place!
No matter which scenario she chose, she felt well and truly fucked. She made her decision.
Running her tongue over her lips, she hoped to make them wet and shiny, but she was so damned thirsty it seemed almost impossible to get any saliva into her mouth.
She sat up and tossed back her hair, hoping she appeared bold. Sliding a corner of the red cape down her shoulders, she revealed one bare breast, just enough so that it would get his attention.
Mark’s eyes travelled down her body and back up again, settling on her mouth. Then they dropped to her chest, where they stayed.
His bold perusal sent hot, jittery shivers down her spine. They settled in the cleft above her ass then travelled to her pussy where her clit throbbed. I’m supposed to be turning him on, not the other way around, damn it.
He stretched out his long legs, resting his head against the padded interior. “You have nothing to fear. I never force myself on a woman.”
Fucking bastard! You’re a liar. You buy women for your pleasure… You’re probably a white-slaver. Someone who purchases women all the time. You’re probably going to sell me to someone else for a higher price. I’ve heard stories about what they do to white women like me.
She couldn’t allow fear to control her. She needed to concentrate and play her role as seductress in this macabre situation.
“I know you want me.” She kept her voice low and sexy.
His eyes remained on her. “We’ll discuss my desire for you later.”
Her face heated, but at least she knew he wanted her. This would make everything easier.
“Right now, I must acquire some information.”
“What?”
“Where’s the book?”
“Book?” She snapped her brows together in thought. Then her eyes widened. She flushed, remembering how fascinated she’d become with that old tome filled with sex drawings. Her preoccupation with that stupid book, and him, was what got her in all this trouble. Had she been paying attention, she would have been wise to his tricks.
She couldn’t remember him doing anything to her in that bookstore to make her wind up here in this horrible place.
Except his offer to take her to dinner. Had she taken him up on his invite to dine with him?
Maybe he’d drugged her, but…when? She didn’t remember being with him in any other place but that bookstore.
“Are we talking about that book filled with porn?”
He pursed his lips together. It appeared as though he did it to keep from laughing. “We are.” He angled his head. “Does Corvus have it?”
She truly had absolutely no idea what in hell had happened to that volume filled with ancient pornography.
Mark leant forward. “Does Corvus have the book?”
She shrugged.
“Lyla.” Mark’s tone deepened. “Do not toy with me.”
She thought quickly. “It’s worth a fortune, that’s what Corvus told me.” She hoped she could play this out. She sensed desperation in Mark about that book. He obviously wanted it badly…maybe he would go back and get it. And when they turn this litter around, I can jump out and escape!
Mark beetled his dark brows. For one crazy, stupid second, she wanted to reach out and soothe his frown.
Concentrate! Focus…don’t let that handsome face sway you. She looked down at his calves bulging with muscle. His long, narrow feet did strange things to her insides.
A corner of his mouth lifted. “It won’t work.”
“What won’t?”
“You’re lying about that book.” A slight movement, like a muscle jumping, belied the anger in his face.
“I’m not lying.”
“Then tell me who Corvus is.”
Think! Think! “He’s, uh, the uh, man who sold me to you.”
He snorted. “Nice try.”
“Well, he is, isn’t he?”
“What does he look like?”
Her brain leapt into action. “He looks small and like, well, a snake. And he carries a whip.”
Mark narrowed his eyes. “I still think you’re not telling me the truth.”
“Well, I am, about Corvus, and how do you know that I’m not sincere about that bo
ok? Go back and question Corvus if you doubt my story.”
He pursed his lips, his sensual mouth drawn into a thin line.
Lyla placed her right hand behind her back, crossing her middle and index fingers. She needed all the luck she could get.
“Everything you had with you now belongs to me. If Corvus took your possessions, and didn’t surrender them, he will pay for it with his life,” Mark said through clenched teeth. He shouted something out the window to his men in that foreign language. “Subsisto!”
She hoisted her body from the seat. Pain shot through her wrists and hands, making it hard to grasp anything. Ignoring it, she tried again, her head peeking through the curtains.
Now, if she could just muster the strength to push herself from the litter…
She caught a glimpse of the ground below. It whizzed by at breakneck speed, the drop to the pavement farther than she thought. I can do this! I can…
The litter came to a sudden stop, jerking her body backwards, loosening her grasp.
A steely arm wrapped around her waist.
“Ow!” she cried, when the back of her head hit something sharp and pointy.
“Damn you!” Mark’s shout echoed through the confined space.
She glanced back to see him rub his jaw, in that exact spot where she must have connected with it.
“Have you lost your mind?” he shouted.
She was trapped between his legs. She pushed and shoved at the hard arm locked around her waist. “Let me go!” She hoped someone passing by would hear. Maybe they’d summon help.
Mark leaned his head out the opening and called to his men, but he didn’t release her. Her body jolted forward then back when the litter swayed and picked up speed.
Mark kept a firm grip on her and growled low in her ear. “How could you be that stupid to try and jump from a moving litter?”
She grumbled, annoyed that her plan failed. “I wanted to do it when it stopped.” She lifted her chin, tears stinging her eyes as disappointment and humiliation filled her. “I’d rather die than stay with you, because you’re going to sell me.”
He released her. She dove for the corner. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes but she’d be damned if she’d cry in full view of Mark.
“I’m not going to sell you to anyone.”
“You’re a white slaver, aren’t you?”
“Far from it.” He ran a hand through his dark, wavy hair, his face filled with the same frustrated look.
She wouldn’t cry, damn it! She wouldn’t…
“Come here, Lyla.” His voice held soft, tender notes.
“No.” She sniffed back a sob. It caught in her throat, almost choking her.
“You must learn to do as I command. It will be much easier if you do.”
She swiped at her runny nose. “I’ll never obey you.”
“You’re very brave,” he replied. “But very, very foolish.” He reached for her.
She slapped his hands away, but he was stronger. He didn’t release her, lifting her as though she weighed no more than a bag of feathers. Her bottom met his hard, muscular thighs. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
She sucked in a breath, his warm, caring touch making her want to break down and weep. She fought the urge to cuddle against him.
One minute, he was dominant and commanding, and the next, he showed her the most exquisite gentleness. She didn’t know what to think anymore.
“I will not hurt you,” he told her.
Lyla struggled in his embrace, but the more she did, the tighter his hold became. She became cocooned in his arms, yet he did as he promised and didn’t harm her, just held her in place, until she ceased her movements.
Tears spilled from her eyes. They dripped down her face, wetting her cheeks and chin. He leant down and sipped at them, capturing her face between his large, warm hands.
Lyla clung to him, his delightful scent filling her nose.
He cupped the back of her head, bringing her face down to his shoulder. She wept loudly, her hands grasping his clothing. Pushing her fists into his chest, she cried until she hadn’t a tear left in her eyes. Then her sobs quieted.
“Better?” he murmured, stroking her head. His hand slipped lower, to her back. He traced circles there with his palm.
She released a sigh. It came from deep within her. Then she lifted her face from his shoulder and gazed into his eyes. They weren’t hard or cruel; they looked like dark, smouldering embers.
Desire, swift and sure hit her full force. Her pussy throbbed. The tip of his hard cock rubbed against her clit. Her breasts grew heavy.
He slipped the red cape lower, until her upper body was fully exposed.
“Rub your little bud against my cock.”
“And if I don’t?” She raised a brow. Her heart raced despite her boldness.
She also knew it beat in double time because she wanted to do just what he commanded.
“I would hate to have to chastise you after the ordeal you’ve been through.” He ran a finger down her breast. “Your choice. Punishment, or making love with me here, now.”
Lyla bristled. “Go ahead, beat me. That’s the only way I’ll allow you to touch me.”
“You’d rather have a beating? My men outside would hear your screams. Is that what you want?”
“You’re insane.” She trembled at the thought. “Why would I want that?”
She remembered the mean-looking whip Corvus used on his men…and her. While Mark possessed no lash, he had large hands. She’d never survive a blow from him.
Beatings in this godforsaken, horrible place seemed to be an everyday happening.
“It must make you feel like a real man to pummel someone half your size.” She aimed her chin at him at a defiant angle.
He blinked once, confusion lining his face.
“I’d fight you with every ounce of strength I had in me.” Her voice broke on a sob. She covered her mouth with her hand.
“You think I intend to—” He scrubbed a hand over his face. In the next instant, he pushed her from his lap. “I will not bother you again.”
Bother me? Now she swore she heard things.
When his eyes met hers, it seemed as though it took a great force of will to look at her. “I will not touch you.”
“You’re trying to trick me, is that it?”
“Absolutely not.” A muscle in his jaw moved.
“So now, you don’t want to make love with me?”
His eyes flew to hers. “I didn’t say that. But I also don’t force myself on women who aren’t willing.” He scowled. “And I do not pummel them.”
Memories of his hands caressing her body in that viewing room made her clit throb. She shifted on the seat to quell the sweet ache blooming inside her. Her emotions didn’t make sense to her anymore.
“You certainly didn’t mind bothering me before.”
“You must understand that if I didn’t examine you, Corvus would have never sold you to me.”
He had trouble meeting her gaze. If she didn’t know better, she might believe he actually seemed disturbed about what he did to her in that viewing room.
“Corvus would have killed you if I didn’t.”
She wanted to cry all over again. This had to be the craziest thing she’d ever contemplated, but damn, she wanted to be back on his lap. Despite anything else she might think, she had to admit that he hadn’t invaded her body or hurt her, and almost brought her to orgasm.
Truth be told, it had filled her with lust to not cower in front of those men. Power fuelled her desire.
She’d be damned if she’d accept Mark’s rejection now. Looking down at his lap, she noticed something rise to the occasion. She got up from her seat and settled on his thighs, easing her bottom down on the hard leg muscles.
“What are you doing?” He snapped his brows together.
“What does it look like?”
He grabbed her shoulders between his hands. “Stop. Now.”
“No.”
“You’ve just been through a very stressful situation. You don’t know what you’re doing.”
“Yeah, well, let’s just call this stress relief.”
Her hands grasped his tunic. She pushed it up until his penis jutted out. God, he was big! She licked her lips.
His eyes lit with need. They resembled deep, dark, coffee.
She had to be mad to even consider doing this…
She shimmied closer, her hands on his shoulders. Then she placed her naked clit against his penis. She rubbed herself against him, his cock’s rigid contours skimming her little pleasure button.
He didn’t move; he let her do the work.
A trembling feeling, more forceful than any vibrator, pulsed against her.
“My men are carrying the litter across a particularly rough patch of pavement,” Marcus whispered near her ear. “Their quick footsteps over the uneven stones make the litter shake.”
“Oh…my.” Her eyes widened while her orgasm grew. Her pussy throbbed, its beat matching the litter’s rhythm while it moved.
“It will give you much satisfaction,” he murmured. Then he dipped his tongue inside her ear.
She trembled with delight when he blew against her lobe.
“My pleasure will always be to give you pleasure, Lyla, no matter what you desire.”
He kissed her, holding her face between his hands, his tongue sliding across her lips. He pressed the tip of his tongue against her mouth, coaxing it open. Her mouth parted, and so did something inside her. A wellspring filled with fear, need, and pleasure burst forth.
She clutched his shoulders while she came, her wet pussy drenching his cock with her cum.
Her body folded against him, while a shudder tore through his. He trembled against her. She heard the racing beat of his heart.
She waited, expecting him to do more, to force her into submission. She had to be a complete lunatic to initiate this. Instead, he sat still, holding her against his chest.
Then he covered her with that red cape, shifting so that he could tug his clothing down.
She stayed on his lap her mind and body drained. Her eyes became heavy. She couldn’t keep them open.
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