Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she whispered to herself. “You will get through this, you will,” and I will make him pay, she thought.
When she collected herself she went to the bathroom door, still chanting her mantra in her head. Not wanting to face him, she contemplated locking the door and staying in there all day, but knew he’d probably drag her out if need be. So she walked through the bedroom and into the living room on her own, hoping he’d let her have breakfast now, her empty belly grumbled in agreement. She hoped he wasn’t still at the table, she wasn’t sure she could make it through another meal with him, not with him watching her the way he did. Those eyes always seemed to be smoldering, like two brilliant gray flames, trying to burn her through and through. She stopped walking as she entered the living room and saw a soldier waiting for her.
“Good, you’re ready,” Cole said flatly, taking one last bite of toast. “Take her to the garden and make sure to tell Mrs. Wellings she’s not to give Olivia any lunch.”
She wanted to cry out in outrage. The soldier took her by the upper arm and started pulling her to the door. She followed him, glowering at his back, and thinking of all the ways she’d like to hurt Cole.
“Oh and my pet, the next time I leave you without clothes I’d best not find you in mine.”
Her face darkened at being called ‘pet.’ She wanted to lunge at him, but the solider was already pulling her out the door. Her mantra couldn’t soothe rage.
The day passed slowly. Mrs. Wellings shook her head disapprovingly at the news that Olivia was denied lunch, but she followed the orders. Every time the older woman passed by, she gave Olivia an empathetic smile. Mrs. Wellings made sure there was a full water pitcher available so at least she had plenty to drink. Some soldiers were working in the outdoor kitchen and from time to time one or another would look over at her.
Olivia kept thinking about the day before and grew increasingly uncomfortable by their glances. The cruel slap from the soldier hadn’t caused any bruising. Today, no one could tell she’d been struck, but the memory still burned her cheek just the same. Her body pricked with terror at the thought. She knew the feeling was absurd, but just having the few soldiers nearby made her skin crawl and her stomach turn. Olivia avoided looking at them and busied herself trimming the overgrown plants and harvesting basket after basket of fruits and vegetables. Just a few days of work was already showing results as the plants seemed to shrug off beautifully ripened produce.
After accepting the second basket of glorious tomatoes, Mrs. Wellings had to gush over the fine job Olivia was doing. She took the few moments of praise and conversation with the older woman to watch the guards. The last three days she watched the ones up above, on the fort wall and the movements of the sun, trying to gauge the time. They did a shift change a little after noon, she speculated, and the guard watching the wall, facing the compost bin, was always about ten minutes late. For that precious window of time the grounds and woods beyond were unguarded. A minor oversight she was sure Lord Landon would be furious about if told. She watched the guard scurry to his post, late again, and smiled at Mrs. Wellings before going back to picking raspberries.
She rewarded the observation by surreptitiously popping a raspberry in her mouth, hoping a few pieces of fruit would ease her hunger. Ronny spotted the misconduct and walked over to her.
“Please don’t, Olivia. You know you’re not supposed to. I don’t want to have to tell Lord Landon,” she glared at him then huffed off towards the opposite end of the garden, but instantly felt foolish and apologetic.
Cole came for her earlier than normal; it was maybe midafternoon when he showed up in the courtyard. He was smartly dressed. In one hand he held a briefcase and in the other some clothes. She groaned softly, why does he have to be so handsome. He waved for her to join him. She left the rest of her harvest with Mrs. Wellings and approached Cole. She was still so angry with him; she couldn’t help, but scowl at him and stopped just out of his reach. He gave her a look up and down then stepped forward to take her hand, leading her into the fort and to the nearest bathroom.
“Change into this and be quick about it.”
He shoved the clothes into her arms and then her into the bathroom. As her only means of defiance, she took her time getting changed into the simple black dress and strappy sandals. The dress hugged her curves and showed a little more cleavage than she’d have liked, but she was glad it fell to just above her knees. The sandals made her feel more like the slave she was with ties that laced up her calves, she cringed at how sexy they looked. Overall, the outfit suited her and was very flattering, she hated that she liked what he picked out for her. After a while, Cole started pounding on the door.
“Get out here, now!”
She opened the door and slowly slinked into the hallway. His annoyance quickly dissolved into approval. She felt his eyes move up her body, touching every part of her. But he didn’t say a word. He gave a nod, grabbed her hand, and started pulling her after him.
“Please… slow down, my lord,” she finally begged after his breakneck speed almost caused her to trip, twice.
“I’m sorry. I’m not use to walking someone else’s pace.” He slowed down for her and cleared his throat. “Have I told you anything about my role as lord of this District?” he asked and she shook her head.
He started telling her about his political responsibilities, military involvement, and lastly public duties. As they walked farther along, the path started to get familiar and Olivia slowed down. When she saw the doors to the great hall she tensed and Cole noticed. He stopped her a little ways away from the doors.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, but she didn’t respond. He narrowed his eyes. “Tell me, Olivia.”
“Are we going in there?” She felt like a scared little child.
He looked at the doors in confusion. “Yes, I have to hold sessions and hear complaints brought in from representatives of the District. Why should that bother you?”
She looked at her feet, not wanting to confess anything more to him, but he started stroking his fingertips up and down her arms and she softened a little.
“You can talk to me, Livie.”
For a moment, she wanted him to take her in his arms and hold her, but the thought was quickly replaced by disgust. She wanted to hate him, she wanted to spit in his face, to beat her fists against him, and tell him to go fuck himself. Her stomach turned as she realized above all of that she wanted him to comfort her.
“I’m afraid…” She couldn’t say the rest, she was completely mortified and she bit her lip.
He loved that nervous habit of hers. He cocked his head to the side, resisting the urge to kiss her.
“Afraid of what?” he whispered.
A group of soldiers came out of the hall, laughing and shoving each other. She shifted her feet, wanting to step into Cole, but refusing to. He saw her staring at them and it dawned on him. He moved his hands up to her shoulders and started rubbing them.
“I know that soldier hurt you and I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to protect you.” She could feel tears threatening to burst through, “but I’m here now and every soldier in the fort knows that I would kill the next man that tried to touch you. Okay?”
All she could do was nod. He kissed her on the forehead and moved a hand up into her hair, rubbing her scalp. She almost started to purr and pressed against his hand. It felt so safe in his arms.
“We’re going in there,” he said softly, almost regretting he had to let her go, he couldn’t believe how she was reacting to his touch. “You will sit at my side and not speak a word. You will do exactly as I instruct and not a single thing more. Okay?” She balked at the idea of spending hours in the hall. “You’ll be fine, Olivia. God, you’re so beautiful, especially when you’re nervous.” He pulled her to him, giving into the need to kiss her.
Her fear seemed to dissolve into desire and security. She found herself clinging to him and when he deepened the kiss she opened h
er mouth to him. They both stilled at her response, but he quickly recovered and took advantage of the opportunity. He stroked her with his tongue, sweet and slow. When he finally broke away from her he wistfully thought of canceling the session and taking her back to his room. He pressed his forehead against hers once more.
“Keep your eyes down cast and remember, Livie, no one will harm you. You’re mine.” She stiffened and he knew the moment was over; she was closed to him again.
He took her hand and led her into the great hall. She didn’t resist, but he could feel her tension building. They walked to the center of the hall and through double doors into an office. Cole sat at a desk and motioned for her to sit on a cushion on the floor beside him. Her eyes went dark and the tension mounting in her turned to anger, she wanted to throw a fit.
“Sit, now.” His voice was icy.
Olivia slowly knelt, sick to her stomach that she was about to sit at his feet. He nudged her legs apart and moved her hands to rest on her thighs.
“Perfect, now stay like that.” He tussled her hair and she looked up at him, fuming.
A well-dressed man walked in carrying a folder. Cole shook his hand and they started talking. The man eyed her and she stared right back, wanting to scream at him to fuck off. Her anger so thick she was trembling. Cole turned her head away, directing her eyes to the floor.
“Sorry about that, Ben, she’s still learning.” The man nodded and promptly ignored her, starting to talk to Cole again.
It took a few minutes for her to get a handle on her anger and humiliation. She took a few deep breaths and flexed her fingers against her legs, eventually she calmed. The conversation before her was boring. She had little concern for District issues so she half listened to them talk, but mainly watched the happenings in the hall. There were so many soldiers milling about it made her feel like a skittish, wild, animal. A fair amount of the soldiers stole a glance or two at her and she grew uncomfortably aware that she was on her knees under a desk at the feet of some man.
Across from Cole’s office was a large library. She stared at the rows and rows of books, wondering if any of these men even touched them. A group of soldiers were lounging on the two sofas in the library, talking and laughing with one another. A few of them started to stare at her and she did her best to look away and try to focus on something else, but she couldn’t help looking back at the group. One of the men got up and left while the others smirked and continued to watch her as they spoke. She darted her eyes away and shifted nervously.
At one point, a servant came in carrying a tray of snacks and beer. Olivia spotted a bowl of raspberries and wondered if they were the same she picked that morning. Cole popped a few in his mouth and she felt her stomach rumble. He picked one up and put it in front of her. She reached for it, but he pulled away. She glared up at him, but he was glaring right back. He put it back in front of her and she wanted to bite him, but instead she sighed and gingerly opened her mouth to take it, hunger winning out over defiance.
Cole almost forgot Ben was there, talking to him. He felt her lips brush his fingers and he instantly hardened. He picked up another berry and fed it to her. There was something so alluring about her kneeling at his feet, eating out of his hand.
There was something so delicious about the fruit; maybe it was because she hadn’t eaten all day. She hated him feeding her. It made her felt exactly like his nickname, Pet, but each berry became easier to take as the few pieces fueled her hunger. Soon the bowl was empty and she was almost disappointed. Ben got up and Cole shook his hand again then a new man came in and the routine began again. She itched to get up and stretch her legs. Cole seemed to sense her discomfort and started running his hand through her hair.
About halfway through the men’s conversation the group of soldiers in the library started to shout and cheer. She looked over to them and saw the one soldier returning with a woman. It was one of the other captives. Olivia recognized the woman from her first day there, in the cell. Now, she was naked and covered in bruises. The men on the couch all laughed and shouted rude remarks as they unzipped their pants. Olivia watched in horror as a solider pushed the woman to the ground. She got on her knees in front of a seated solider and took his cock in her mouth. She bobbed up and down over the man’s lap for a few minutes before his face twitched in orgasm.
Then, she got up and moved to the next man, knelt, and took him in her mouth. He grabbed a hand full of her hair and started jerking her head up and down mercilessly. Olivia wanted to look away, but couldn’t.
Is that my fate? The idea caused a few tears to fall down her cheek. What scared Olivia the most was the look in the woman’s eyes when she got up to move to the next man. The woman spotted Olivia. She didn’t react, didn’t seem to recognize Olivia, she just turned back to the next man. The woman looked completely broken, her eyes dead.
Olivia instinctually leaned into Cole’s leg. He was about to push her back into the correct position, but looked to where she was staring and didn’t. Instead, he gently pressed his hand against her head, allowing her to further lean against him while turning her face away from the library. He started stroking her hair again, rubbing her scalp and hoped he was putting her at ease.
She stayed there for a long time, accepting the comfort he offered and wondering if she’d gone crazy, wanting him to touch her. She wrapped an arm around his leg and curled into him more. His strokes caused little quivers of pleasure to run through her body and her thoughts drifted to a new question. Why did no one else’s touch cause such a reaction? She couldn’t understand how someone could create such fear and yet such soothing and longing all in a single touch. She considered him her protector and felt the need for closeness. The pleasure and comfort slowly lulled her to sleep like a cat in its master’s lap.
CHAPTER 8
Cole couldn’t believe she was softly slumbering against him. One of her arms was wrapped around his leg while the other rested on his knee. Her head pressed against his thigh and he could feel her hot pulses of breath. He wished they were alone, that he could pull her onto his lap and wake her slowly with some illicit strokes. The last representative shook his hand and wished him a good night, smirking at Olivia before he left.
Cole cracked his knuckles and stretched his arms; these meetings always wore him out. All the talk of struggle, of rebel gorilla soldiers ransacking his towns, of death and hunger and pain, it drove him mad. He was powerless to stop the war and that made him feel worthless. All he could do was send more Republic soldiers to guard the villages and help rebuild the damage. He put in an order for some of the fort’s own food supplies to be sent to the people in need. He’d done all he could to help his people for the day and now, he was ready to relax, to take a break from his duties – if there really was such a thing as a break.
He smiled down at Olivia, pleased with how well she behaved, even if she was asleep for a portion of the time. The session successfully sent the right message and he’d been correct to bring her. His representatives would go back to their zones and speak assuredly of the Republic’s strength. They’d tell people the daughter of one of the rebellion’s most powerful leaders sat subserviently at Cole’s feet or even better, slept peacefully curled up against her captor. He gently shook her.
“Livie, wake up, my pet.” Before he used the term to annoy her, but now the endearment was growing on him.
She slowly woke up, blinking back sleep, and looked up at him. His smile deepened and he leaned down, brushing his lips across hers.
“You did well, sweet Livie,” he murmured against her mouth. “Let’s go get you some dinner.”
He helped her stand up and took her hand, making sure to walk at her pace as they headed back to his room. Dinner was waiting for them and he told her to start eating as he shuffled through some papers at his desk before walking over to her. He knelt down at her feel and untied her sandals, taking the opportunity to softly stroke her bare skin in the process. She froze as he removed her shoes. It was
such an oddly tender action and she didn’t know what to make of it.
Cole settled into his seat and uncorked the bottle of red wine that accompanied their dinner. Pouring her a hefty glass, he smirked. Wine was rationed in most Districts, mainly available to military personnel and the very wealthy. The common people had access to cheaply made corn and potato based liquors or attempted to make their own spirits and wines. She accepted the glass with little need of encouragement and took a healthy sip, enjoying the quality vintage. They ate a hearty beef stew in silence for a few minutes before he decided to change his tactics with her. He talked to her about his life, what it was like being a child of a lord, running around a fort causing mischief. He told her of lighting fire crackers off in the kitchen and the cook marching him through the fort, straight to his father’s office, holding him painfully by the ear the entire way.
He kept a hand on her knee, gently caressing her. He watched her eat her dinner with such relief and satisfaction; he thought she might lick her fingers and the plate when she was done. He hoped she would hunger for him in such a way, one day. He kept talking, moving on to his teenage years and training as a soldier for the Republic. He told her about getting drunk for the first time with a fellow soldier and missing their shift as guards because the horrid, cheap, liquor made them violently sick. The ensuing punishment was far worse than the initial embarrassment of getting caught. He told her about scrubbing the mess hall with a toothbrush while wildly hung-over. Both events were probably some of the most embarrassing moments of his life and he gladly told her the stories, repeatedly topping off her wine in the process.
He felt silly talking incessantly, but could tell it kept her at ease. She listened to him while savoring eating for the first time that day. She dipped a crusty piece of bread in her stew and nibbled on it, finding herself enjoying hearing about his youth. It made him seem more human and less of an overpowering force. Her skin burned softy where his hand rested on her leg. If she didn’t know any better this could’ve been a perfectly normal first date.
A Rebel Captive Page 6