She wondered at Maggie’s encouragement of Ace until she realized Maggie was a bit fearful of her emotions if Tyr never returned. Maggie and she had grown close. Carrie tried to explain her feelings to the older woman. She knew Tyr would return. She wasn’t worried—he had promised. On those occasions Maggie seemed saddened for her, but Carrie knew better. She loved Tyr.
“Perhaps I may require the services of your powerful hands upon my body if I am worn out,” Carrie replied saucily, settling herself against Seth.
“I’ll do more than just place my hands upon you.” As if in warning Ace gripped her exposed thigh tightly. His steamy eyes drank her in. Carrie was once more wearing only tiny shorts and a small t-shirt, with runners Seth had produced for her just that day.
“Soon, my friend,” Seth said, chuckling at their
exchange.
Carrie had no fear when Ace’s grip tightened; it wasn’t a painful grasp, just possessive. She could see he was once more counting out the days since Tyr had left. Soon he would be able to count over three
weeks. Carrie knew Seth felt if Tyr made no contact soon he would allow her to be completely taken by Ace.
There were benefits to being ignored in Seth’s large domain when the men spoke freely. She had learned under normal circumstances Seth would supervise her training first. However, since Sergio’s attack Seth found himself offering a great deal of reassurance to Maggie.
She had been terrified since the incident involving Sergio and his men. Deep emotions from her painful past had resurfaced with a vengeance. She woke nightly, crying out for Seth to save her and her children. Carrie was happy for her friend that Seth had the compassion to keep her close on those nights, relieving her fears as no other could. Carrie had also discovered Seth’s other woman had delivered a beautiful young son, which kept Seth preoccupied as well. Thankfully the boy was healthy and mother and child were doing fine.
Ace released Carrie and she could see his eyes trailing them with certain apprehension as Seth rode off with her towards the mountains. Carrie smiled fondly back at him. He knew Seth would guard her, yet she had found him watching over her closely. She never needed to look far; he always seemed to have important work in any of the rooms she graced.
Ace had admitted once grudgingly that she was
getting to him; her face had lit with delight. He had
not even taken her completely and he complained she was under his skin. He had been pacing the bedroom while Carrie sat watching him from the bed; her delight had turned to confusion.
She had become concerned with his annoyed look,
her face falling from worry, until he relented and explained he loved her innocent want to please; her desire to laugh and her need for acceptance had intrigued him. The little way she had of resting her forehead against his own while he expressed a sadness enchanted him.
She had never hinted at a desire for trinkets. In truth she felt no need of them. Who would ever see the silly baubles? No one would be taking her out for dancing and dining. She had only wanted a gentle touch. Ace was more than happy to comply. The gentler his touch, the more Carrie relaxed against him. Carrie had run her slender fingers over his face in a fond gesture. He had laughed and admitted, to his chagrin that he found it was he who strove even harder than she did for acceptance.
Before long Ace was gone as the massive
surrounding walls closed behind them. Carrie gripped the hand Seth held around her. The powerful stallion was moving towards the mountains at a very fast walk, stepping high. Occasionally he did what seemed to Carrie a bunny hop in his want of something.
“Seth?” she asked with worry.
“He is eager, little one. It has been a while since I
have ridden him. He wants to run,” Seth told her.
“Let him run, Seth, please,” Carrie said; her body trembled.
“Are you certain? He is very fast. You have never been on a horse before. I can feel your great fear,” Seth said.
“You will keep me safe,” Carrie said with resolve.
She understood the horse’s desire for his race of freedom. She was on her way to her own; how could she deny another which she herself sought?
“Do not be afraid. I will indeed keep you safe
from any harm,” Seth concurred.
Carrie felt Seth’s arm tighten around her, holding her securely to his broad chest. She could hear his breath quicken with excitement. She closed her eyes, anticipating what was to come. One of her small hands wrapped into the stallion's long, white, flowing mane. Carrie was unprepared as the stallion's muscles bunched beneath her.
At a single word of release from Seth, the
powerful horse sprang forward and they were off, pounding across the desert floor, sand flying in their wake. Carrie’s legs gripped the stallion desperately, knowing if Seth had not held her she would have fallen to her death.
Carrie had never before encountered such power.
She squeezed her thighs to the saddle, feeling the firm, soft leather. She felt his flesh ripple under the fisted hand she held tight within the mane pressed
against his withers. She could hear his hooves as they connected with the ground below. Each light touch to the ground reverberated throughout her system as the stallion seemed to float above the ground.
She could feel Seth’s wild heartbeat pound just as
furiously, pressed against her back. Carrie opened her eyes and watched as the ground was devoured beneath her. It was thrilling. She had never in her life felt so exhilarated. She gripped Seth’s arm to her as though her life depended on it. Seth returned the grip. All too soon the mountains were before them and Seth slowed to a halt. He reined the stallion in and dropped to the ground. Carrie lowered her arms to him and Seth settled her onto her feet.
“You have one hour,” he informed her.
Carrie bolted from him, knowing he would be unconcerned.
Carrie raced over the winding trails, watching the ground fly by her own feet. She felt alive and she admitted she felt happy. She did not want bondage, yet realizing she had no choice she accepted her fate. Her acceptance released her anger and fear. She felt alive and wanted to live. She could hear the horse trailing her and she heard it whinny from its own happiness.
Carrie felt all she needed to feel complete was
Tyr. She missed him desperately. She found Ace filling the void Tyr left on a basic level. He was attentive and demanding and Carrie knew he would be granted
full access to her soon. She was not afraid. Ace was patient and gentle. He seemed loath to frighten her.
Her biggest concern was being released to others;
there were so many, they were all so powerful and dangerous, and not all of the tales the woman regaled her with during the weeks were amusing. Some had hinted a certain few of the men could be quite rough at times, though Maggie assured her they would not become violent. She knew eventually she would be expected to serve these men as well. Tyr would be forced to allow it. Seth would demand it.
Carrie paused for a moment, breathing heavily as her hands rested on her knees.
“Tired, little one?” Seth asked. He stopped his massive horse only a few feet away from her.
“Oh no, Seth, just thirsty,” she said, smiling at him.
Seth handed her a canteen she accepted gratefully. He dismounted and walked beside her as she drank. Under lowered lashes she could see Seth study her critically. He was assessing her well being. She had been told that at the slightest hint of pain he would demand she return and run no more until a later date. This was her first run, after all, in quite some time. Her breath had quickened and her chest heaved, though not painfully, and he nodded his head, determining it was not from the run. She was excited to be out.
“You often jogged before being brought here?”
Seth asked.
“Every chance I got. School was hectic, but I was at the top of my class. High academic achievement is hard to maintain.”
/> “Ah yes, Maggie mentioned something about
underprivileged children to me,” Seth said, pondering.
Carrie stopped walking and her eyes saddened. “That part of my life is finished. I will never walk through another university again.”
“No, you will not. Although Maggie has mentioned
in an offhand way there are children out there I may be persuaded to help,” Seth said casually.
“What do you mean?” Carrie asked. She knew women were not the only ones stolen from their families; there were others far more vulnerable and helpless.
“There are others who dabble in child slavery. Personally I am opposed. However, if you are very pleasing I may be persuaded to acquire a few of these children.”
“Oh no. Please, Seth, do not. I couldn’t stand
knowing I aided in a child’s abduction,” Carrie whimpered with great distress. She could not bear to hear sobbing, pleading cries for a mother or father because of her. In her mind's eye she remembered her own cries for her beloved dead mother, lying alone at night, and the devastation it caused.
“You misunderstand my meaning,” Seth said
kindly. “If you wish to help these children I would not be opposed to grant them the same luxuries the children in my compound are granted. I have contacts who can find parentless children of a young age, vulnerable children who have no one’s protection, children who would be taken by others without mercy. You may nurture them until they are ready for school. Afterwards they will still be provided for. I will oversee their education and make certain they are well taken care of.”
Carrie’s eyes widened in shocked disbelief, her
eyes blinking rapidly from his generosity. He would help her save children! She would be granted a dream she had fostered in her thoughts since her mother died, leaving her alone, afraid, and angry.
“Oh, Seth,” Carrie whispered. Overcome with deep emotion, she was rendered speechless. Spontaneously she threw herself into his arms, unable to express her gratitude. She was owned. Nothing more than a man's property. He could beat her daily if he did so choose. Instead he was granting her a deep desire, a dream. She sobbed into his chest, clutching him to her tightly. She wept her overwhelming gratitude.
Smiling, Seth disengaged her from himself. Trying to look stern, though obviously feeling full of himself, he commanded her to run. Her heart felt ready to burst with happiness. Carrie smiled brightly through her tears and once more took off at a fast pace. She
raced faster and faster, feeling the hot sun beat down upon her.
She felt a wonderful breeze flowing through her
hair. The pounding of the horse's hooves was comforting, she realized, as they followed her, keeping her safe. She knew Seth would protect her. She knew Seth was a man of his word and she felt determined to be pleasing. Seth could offer so many children a world of opportunity. She suddenly felt perhaps her abduction was fate. She was meant to offer aid to the children Seth would save because of her desire and obedience.
Carrie reached the far side of the mountain and
stopped, realizing her time was almost up. She hoped Seth would allow her this luxury again. She breathed deeply, preparing to mount Seth’s horse as it came closer.
Carrie cocked her head at an odd sound not far in the distance. She had never heard such a sound, and she looked to Seth in confusion. She became frightened at Seth’s narrow-eyed, thunderous expression.
“Come to me now!” Seth demanded. “Quickly!”
Carrie was about to comply, but two powerful men raced to her from behind large boulders. A huge, powerfully built blond man grabbed her up off her feet easily into his strong arms. Carrie screamed in fear; she was petrified!
“Seth, please help me!”
Carrie flailed her arms wildly, striking out at the man, who captured her wrists and held her immobile, pinning her arms to her sides tightly, easily. He moved off with her at a fast rate.
“Release the girl!” Seth’s booming voice
demanded, pulling his gun. Carrie screamed as a shot was fired by another, younger blond-haired man, and Seth’s gun flew from his hands.
“Seth, please! Don’t let them take me, I’m
frightened!” Carrie screamed.
A helicopter suddenly appeared, hovering close to the mountain's edge. The man who held Carrie moved toward it, his intent clear. Seth jumped from his horse, attempting to race to her. The blond man who had fired his weapon fired a warning shot at him, but Seth was enraged.
“No one steals what is mine!” Seth tackled the
man and both flew backwards on impact.
“Seth! I beg you, help me! Seth, please! Save me! I want you, I’m frightened!” Carrie screamed raggedly as she was tossed into the helicopter into another man’s embrace. “Oh, no don’t,” she whimpered as she felt a needle inserted into her arm.
Carrie watched as both blond men joined to now
engage in hand to hand combat with Seth. Seth punched wildly and viciously, still attempting to reach her. His horse reared and screamed his own frustration.
Carrie’s eyes closed and she sobbed as a hard-
thrown vicious blow by the older blond man landed against Seth’s temple with a vengeance. Seth went down hard. The blond man kicked a solid foot into Seth’s belly, and somehow Carrie knew it was personal. It was all too apparent the man hated Seth. Only at the persuasive urging of the younger blond man did the older relent to leave Seth he where he lay, writhing from another hard fist to his face.
Both of the other men raced for the chopper. Seth
rose, shaking his head to clear it, while his angry stallion pawed the ground near him. He raced for Carrie once more as she cried out for him to save her, begging, her arms outstretched, reaching for him in desperation and terror. Seth was too late. The helicopter moved away.
The older of the two blond men grabbed Carrie into his arms as oblivion claimed her. She was certain she lay in death's embrace. Only someone insane would risk Seth’s wrath. She would never see Tyr again. Carrie closed her eyes.
Chapter Fourteen
Carrie once more lay looking up at a ceiling, reclining on a bed covered over with a blanket. She remembered being moved from the helicopter to a black sleek plane, then a large car, then to some type of hovercraft, which quickly moved over swampy water.
She had never been on a hovercraft. Her drooping
eyes had fluttered unfocused as green foliage whizzed by under the hot sun. The warmth had bathed her face, though she felt the softness of a thick blanket wrapped snugly around her. Powerful arms had tightened about her; a soothing voice had whispered calming words into her ear until she quieted and could no longer keep her eyes open.
Carrie knew the elder of the two blond men who
had grabbed her and tossed her in the helicopter—the one who had beaten Seth—was seated beside her, yet she refused to look at him. She remembered waking those few brief times aboard the vehicles and it had been him by her side, or holding her in his arms, smiling down at her, telling her she would be fine.
“Are you thirsty, or hungry?” the man asked. His
voice was deep, yet gentle. Carrie noted he held one
of her hands in his own, his thumb stroking back and forth over her fingers.
Carrie ignored him, wanting to sleep again. She
was terrified of him; he must have some evil intent. Obviously he hated Seth, the way he had beaten him and had to be dragged from him by the other man. It would be she who would now face his wrath. She closed her eyes, willing the darkness to claim her once more. She cried out as the man’s large hand released her hand to grip her chin and turned her to face him.
“Carrie, please don’t be afraid of me,” the man said. His voice was deep and rich, his thumb stroked her cheek.
She opened her eyes and gave in to her terror.
Her frightened expression fixed on him. “Don’t hurt me. Please don’t kill me,” she wept.
T
he man’s face softened and he smiled down at her. “I won’t ever hurt you, Carrie. Not ever,” he promised. His blue eyes implored her to believe him.
“Why did you take me from Seth? Are you going to sell me? I belong to you now. Please, I will behave, please don’t let others harm me,” Carrie begged. She wondered if this was the man Roll had wanted her taken to in the first place. Draco, his name had been Draco. How else would he know her name? What if he had found out she wasn’t really dead and sought revenge? It would explain his deep anger towards Seth for harboring her.
“No, Carrie, no one will harm you and never would I allow anyone to touch you. I came to free you,” the man said.
“Free me?” she asked, wide-eyed. She was certain he was playing a trick on her. He would tease her with freedom and then beat her for her disobedience, she was certain. The man before her was powerfully built; she would be hurt terribly if he were to strike her.
“Yes, Carrie, you are free. No one will ever own
you again, I promise,” the man said.
“You are testing me. I will obey you, I swear. I will do as you say. I will submit willingly. Please be gentle,” she whimpered. She reached out and ran a placating hand over the man’s broad chest, stroking him while her fingers shook.
Microsoft Word - Assassin Master final for conversion Page 17