Ignoring Galina’s warning could be a mistake, but she had no idea Chastain had already seen me with him. It was a risk I had to take. “Helete kidnapped me. She doesn’t like Cameron, and I think that’s why I’m here.”
His head tilted thoughtfully. “She needs to get in line.”
Oh, no…“Why would anyone hate him?”
“Cole believes he is morally superior to us.”
“Is this Hillenbrand?”
He smiled.
“Once, a long time ago, Danton Belfort rescued a submissive from here. Can you rescue me?”
His expression shifted to one of recognition. “Danton?”
Lucas strolled back to the bookcase. He dragged a leather-bound book off the shelf and opened it, turning the pages until he found what he was looking for. He stared down at the page, affection softening his features.
“This man?”
Hurrying over, I looked at a photo of three men. One of them was Cameron, looking so young and handsome in a pinstriped suit. He was standing beside a shockingly beautiful tall man with dark hair and piercing eyes. I’d seen Danton in a photo Scarlet kept in her home. I could see why she’d fallen in love with him.
It was heartbreaking to think a brain tumor had taken him too soon. Cameron and Scarlet had been there when he’d died. Their bond was still strong from that experience. Chastain was also in the photo and he, too, was strikingly handsome back then.
Resting my fingertip on the photo I said, “Danton played the cello.”
“He played for me sometimes.”
“Scarlet still has his cello.”
Chastain held my gaze. “I didn’t know that.”
I hoped I’d not just given away her secret. “She loved him very much.”
“I miss him, too.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“I was young and jealous.” He closed his eyes for a beat. “So, now you are here and I have an opportunity to settle a disagreement.”
“What do you mean?”
“Come on. There are house rules that we must abide by.”
“I don’t want to go.”
“It can’t be done in here.”
“What are you going to do?”
My heart pounded and my palms felt wet. I stayed close beside him thinking that if I could just push away my fear and find some common ground he might take pity on me.
When the scent of bleach hit me, I froze. Chastain pulled me into a room that looked like a doctor’s office—with a gynecological chair.
I didn’t have time to run, and I was no match for his strength or speed.
He picked me up like a ragdoll and flung me into the chair, strapping me into it. My legs were spread and my ankles strapped into each foot pedal.
“Don’t scream,” he warned.
I struggled. “I’m begging you. Don’t do this.”
“Relax, Mia. It’ll be easier on you.”
“I don’t deserve this. I haven’t done anything wrong!”
He blinked at me as though considering this. “Just breathe, okay. This can’t be helped.”
In horror, I watched him reach for what looked like a staple gun and then he grabbed a thin bracelet from the countertop. I jerked when he bolted it to my ankle. He’d not broken my skin but it felt like it. That ankle bracelet looked like it needed a saw to hack through it.
“See, no pain,” he soothed.
“Danton wouldn’t want you to hurt me,” I stuttered out.
His expression turned to grief. “If you’re going to use his name make sure you do so with respect.”
“Danton was friends with Cameron, so there must be some saving grace about him?”
“Cole revels in perfection.” He arched a brow. “That right there is a flaw.”
“He’s a good man.”
Lucas gestured to his nose. “He did this.”
It was still regal despite being crooked. “You’re still handsome.”
He laughed. “You’re divine.”
But not brave enough to ask why Cameron had punched him.
“No!” I flinched when I saw him pulling on surgical gloves.
“I suppose you don’t trust me?”
“No!”
“I wouldn’t either.” He sat on a small stool between my thighs and rolled closer to my body, his gloved hand trailing up my leg until it reached my thong. “Scream.”
“Don’t you dare!”
“Mia, scream.”
“Don’t!”
His hand gripped my thigh and he pinched so hard a scream tore from me as pain seared my flesh.
The door burst open and Crew Cut appeared. “Everything okay?”
Chastain removed a glove. “She’s a virgin. We’ll save her for the hunt.”
“They sent you a virgin?”
He forced a smile. Crew Cut left, closing the door behind him.
Chastain turned to me. “I’ve bought you some time.”
Tears filled my eyes and spilled over. Maybe I was getting through to him because he hadn’t examined me—just made it look like he had. “Bought me time?”
“For Cameron to find you.”
My head crashed back with relief. “Will you tell him?”
“I won’t have to. He’ll work it out.”
“I’m not sure he will.”
“He’s on a plane heading for Paris.”
“How do you know?”
He gave me a wry smile. “Trust me.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me, Mia.” He rose to his feet and ripped off the other glove. “As soon as Cole gets here I’ll make his life hell.”
“Why?”
“He stole Danton from me.” He came closer and gripped my throat. “And now I have you.”
MY BACK JOLTED WHEN THE plane touched down on the runway, braking hard on the wet tarmac. There was too much rain hitting the window to see out.
Shay and I dragged our suitcases down the metal staircase as the downpour hit us. We’d packed enough clothing to suggest we had planned a decent stay—tuxedos, casual clothes, and the kind of items that wouldn’t arouse suspicion when searched. The kind of items you could leave behind.
Getting out of Europe without a stamp in our passports was going to be interesting.
We rolled our cases behind us through the rain toward the blue Alpha Romeo—the only car here.
Scarlet had come through and found us Hillenbrand’s address. They’d even sent a car. We weren’t told the name of her contact.
As we climbed in the back I ran through the plan. Get in. Rescue Mia. Get the hell out.
I’d memorized the passphrase, “Belle journée pour un mariage blanc.”
The driver threw back a customary greeting as we left the airport.
“Welcome to Paris.” Those would be the only words he spoke for the entire journey.
Shay and I remained silent sharing nothing but the occasional glance.
For all our driver knew, the most sinful activity that went on at Hillenbrand was the drinking of exorbitant wines and the lighting of illegal cigars, along with the occasional prostitute to entertain and make it a pleasant stay.
Hillenbrand had been described as a chateau on a hill, not a small manor surrounded by farmland.
So wherever the driver was taking us wasn’t right…
The car cruised up the lengthy driveway and pulled up to a country estate. Our driver opened the trunk and removed our luggage. He dragged them toward the front door. I took a few seconds to steel myself before entering, bringing my suitcase with me.
Inside, the place looked like a hunting lodge—with that private club feel. Trophies in the way of beheaded animals hung from the walls and one of them, a deer, stared down at us with an accusatory glare.
“Don’t look at me,” I said to amuse myself. “Not guilty.”
A door opened and a voluptuous thirty-something strolled toward us dressed in a severe high-necked silk blouse and short black skirt; her spi
ked heels would double as a weapon. Her brown hair was pulled up in a chignon. She was carrying a bottle of Krug Clos du Mesnil in one hand and two glasses in another. She placed it all on a nearby table and proceeded to uncork the bottle, pouring two glasses of champagne.
Two forms also lay on the table. They looked a lot like contracts. There was a fountain pen beside them.
“Welcome, gentleman,” said the woman. “I’m Mistress Delma.” Her accent was pure German.
“It’s an honor,” said Shay, accepting the glass.
“The phrase you gave the driver?” She raised her chin. “It is outdated.”
My jaw tensed with that inconvenient revelation. Scarlet had done her best, but no doubt they changed it frequently.
“We’ve come a long way,” I said, sitting my suitcase down.
She handed the other glass to me. “We’ve arranged an appetizer.”
There is still a way out of this without violence.
We were being tested with the kind of verification that wouldn’t be passable if we were the law.
Shay strolled toward the table to read the forms and then signed his name at the bottom. His signature was wide and sweeping, nothing like his usual autograph. He handed the pen to me.
I took it from him and signed with an uncharacteristic swirl. “You’re wasting my time.”
“Excuse my friend,” Shay interjected. “He’s impatient. You want to test us. Let’s get this over with.”
“Americans.” She thinned her lips.
“We didn’t come all this way to talk,” I snapped.
She spun on her heel and strolled back toward the door. When she opened it, she held out her hand, making a gesture of an offering.
The tall vision of a masked beauty appeared, taking elegant strides toward us. All she had on was a delicate black thong. Her breasts were pert and her waist small. Blonde curls cascaded down her back. She reminded me of a Vegas showgirl; the kind with a perfect body and the ability to walk effortlessly. When she reached Shay, she knelt at his feet and raised her masked face to hold his gaze.
He peered down at her with interest.
Delma snapped her fingers. “On the table.”
She rose with grace and moved over to the table, then spun around to sit on the edge, her eyes flitting between Shay and me. I tried to read her, tried to rule out collusion. She looked like she’d done this before. She acted like she wanted it.
Delma waved a hand in her direction. “This is our show of faith.”
And she wanted to see ours.
Shay set his glass down on a side table and then walked over to the masked woman. “You like this?”
“Lay back, Annalisa,” Delma ordered. “Show our guests how welcome they are.”
Shay glanced over at me without doubt showing in his eyes.
He went with the moment, reaching out and parting Annalisa’s thighs, then stepping between them. He rested his palm on her chest and nudged her back. She raised her hands above her head in a submissive pose, barely missing that bottle of champagne.
“Take off your mask,” I told her.
Delma glared. “She must keep it on.”
A flicker of doubt shown in Delma’s eyes, and our gatekeeper looked like she was close to escorting us out. Still, we had to be sure this was legal.
I strolled over to Annalisa and reached for her mask, sliding it up to reveal a striking beauty, a woman of at least twenty. From her heavy-lidded gaze, I could tell this was as much to fulfill her fantasy as it was for the clients who enjoyed her.
A moment passed between Shay and me, and then he returned his focus to her, snapping off her thong. He bent low and pressed his mouth to her sex, kissing, lapping, and flicking her with his tongue as she arched her back.
Her languid gaze met mine as I gripped her wrists and held her down.
I looked away, wanting no part of any emotional connection in an erotic scene that didn’t include Mia. “Obey.”
She let out a long groan of pure want.
My alpha equal was on fire for her. Shay suckled furiously between her thighs. His greediness could be seen in the way he devoured her, ravaging every crevice until her moans became louder and she writhed furiously, thighs trembling. Her nipples hardened to beads as she came violently, drawing in precious gulps of air as another orgasm owned her.
Shay stood straight and wiped his face with his sleeve. “Did you like that?”
She nodded.
He reached for her hand and lifted her up to face him. “What a beautiful whore.”
“Are you a whore, Annalisa?” I purred the question.
She nodded again, her gaze reflecting an insatiable need.
“Present yourself to us at the house.” I grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked her head back. “When we actually get there.” I flashed a warning look at Delma. “Are we done?”
“The car will take your friend to the house. However, if you want to join him—” Her cold stare slid over to Annalisa.
I closed the gap between myself and Delma and grabbed her by the back of the neck, guiding her firmly to Annalisa. A smile formed on Delma’s lips at my flash of anger, or pride, maybe? A dark amusement? In any other place I’d be hailed a monster and thrown out, banned even, and yet here this behavior was celebrated.
“I like to watch,” I bit out. “So let me.”
Excitement flashed over Delma’s face. I shoved her all the way into Annalisa’s pussy and held her there until she was lapping at the beauty’s cunt, expertly flicking her clit with her tongue. She was so absorbed in her submissive’s sex, it proved to me this activity was familiar, something desired between them. Annalisa’s moans and the way she grabbed her mistress’s hair to hold her there confirmed she wanted this.
Shay walked up behind Delma, who was still bent over and feasting, and he hoisted her skirt over her hips revealing her stocking tops. He slid aside Delma’s panties and began finger-fucking her. She ground against his hand, moans filling the air.
I watched the lustful scene unfolding, cursing our delay.
Delma broke away and tugged down her skirt, her lips shiny and wet.
“Was that nice?” I asked darkly.
Her tongue ran along her lower lip. “Satisfactory for our needs today.”
Shay gave a nod. “We approve.”
“Gentlemen, your car awaits.” That soft blush on Delma’s neck was yet to dissipate.
She gave Annalisa a nod of permission. The submissive slid off the table and strolled out with the same grace she’d exhibited upon entering.
We left Delma and exited the farmhouse, remembering to bring along our luggage. I didn’t make eye contact with Shay until we were once again ensconced in the back of the Alpha Romeo.
When Mia was in my arms again, I’d refuse to let her go. My possessiveness before would pale to how I’d protect her now.
Shay uncorked a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and then poured the champagne into two crystal flutes. We were two rich American rogues with money to burn, on the hunt for the kind of adventures only a place like Hillenbrand could provide. We clinked glasses and faked a toast that we’d made it.
We were heading in.
None of this fazed Shay. In fact, he was in his element. I wondered if he had any real idea of what he was stepping into.
“How much do you think that Krug Clos du Mesnil cost?” he muttered.
“I’m sure it won’t go to waste.”
“After experiencing you,” he countered. “They’ll need a drink.”
I turned my attention to the passing scenery. I had a very strong feeling that Chastain knew we were here.
CHORAL MUSIC POURED OUT OF hidden speakers from somewhere in the kitchen.
Sitting on the floor next to Lucas’s chair, I glanced up at him wearily. He’d taken his position at the head of the long wooden table and was lording over the men who were enjoying a meal together. Occasionally, Chastain reached out and petted me.
I resisted the urge to
bite his hand. He was lying. Danton and Cameron had never been like that. He was a cruel man running a cruel place.
I was ravenous. Yet at the same time this nausea wouldn’t ease. Chastain’s threat against Cameron had sent me reeling. I wanted to curl up in a ball and hide my face, shamed by this humiliation. The rising rage inside me felt like dynamite ready to ignite.
I knew many submissives enjoyed this kind of thing…craved it even. They yearned for an erotic degradation—and from what I’d seen Hillenbrand was for the highly trained. I wasn’t ready for this.
“Here.” A piece of meat skewered on a fork was pressed to my lips.
I shook my head, refusing it from Chastain.
“If I offer you food…” he scolded.
The room had fallen silent and all eyes were upon us. Opening my mouth, I accepted the morsel and my mouth watered at the salty deliciousness. He offered me another chunk of meat from his plate. This was Chastain’s revenge for what Cameron had done all those years ago. I was the pawn in a game that was as deranged as this awful place.
Holding Chastain’s gaze, I begged him not to do this and he reached out and played with a strand of my hair.
I was so close to biting him.
A tall glass of wine was offered to me and I accepted it—needing something to drown my shame and sorrow. The crisp white wine I gulped tasted like chardonnay.
From the way the men deferred to Chastain, he had to carry all the authority, so I remained quiet and didn’t complain. I tried to remain invisible as much as possible. Chastain was the man keeping me safe at least for a while.
After dinner, he carried me upstairs in his arms, and the scent of food and voices faded behind us. He kicked open a door and lay me on a sumptuous four-poster bed.
He settled in beside me and rested his head in his palm. “You didn’t eat enough,” he said softly.
“Why are you being nice to me?”
“You remind me of someone.”
“Who?”
He shook his head as though reluctant to discuss it.
“Your submissive?”
His smile revealed a fond memory. “She was everything to me.”
“Why aren’t you still together?”
He hesitated, but then said, “She left.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You’re similar. She was very sweet. Very caring.”
Enthrall Climax Page 21