Collared By The Warrior

by Daniella Wright

  I slip into the bed centered in the black room, and he ties my hands. My legs are left free, and my toes curl in excitement at the special treatment I’m receiving. He watches me with nothing short of tenderness in his gaze, stripping of his clothes methodically. I watch as more and more of his body is exposed, more than I’ve seen at any one given time. Though I have seen his manhood before, I had never truly grasped how large it was for his stature. It bobs at upright attention, and I’m eager to get my hands on it, only to realize my hands are tied. However, that does little to dissuade him, and he climbs on top of me, spreading my thighs to consider my inner folds. He strokes a finger along me, and I’m somewhat embarrassed by how wet I am already am. There is little preamble before he presses the head of his girth to my entrance, rubbing my slit up and down. He gathers the moisture on his tip, dipping it just barely inside before pulling out. He wraps his hands around my throat, and the lightheadedness that accompanies this usual act begins to sweep over me. I feel him enter me, and I have never felt so fulfilled in my life. His length reaches all the right places. As I fade into the space inside my mind, I feel him begin to rock against me. His thumb caresses the hollow of my throat as he squeezes, and I’m swept away.

  When we’ve had our fill of each other, some time later, he draws away from me. I can feel the bruises forming on my neck, but I pride myself on not having to use the safe word. He seemed to sense when I needed relief, and had accommodated my needs rather easily. The happy feeling settled in my chest is chilled as I realize what I have just done. All of our encounters prior had been initiated by the man before me. Though I had been willing, I had never suggested that we spend time together intimately. It makes no sense, I feel as if this is a deeper betrayal to my family name, my family itself, than allowing him to have his way with me. The feeling brewing in my chest is perhaps the deepest betrayal of all. He does not seem to sense my unease, and as he shifts to lay beside me, I look him in the eyes. He meets my gaze curiously, and I hesitate, deeply considering my words before speaking.

  “Why did you do it?” I inquire softly, and he looks initially confused.

  “Because you asked me to? I thought you enjoyed it.” He retorts, looking uncertain of himself.

  “No. Not that. Why did you… kill my family. Why did you take me? What did any of us ever do to you? What have we done to deserve this fate?” I implore, and the mood immediately shifts. Where he had slowly become more open with me, I can feel him closing off as he edges away and sits up with his legs thrown off the side of the bed.

  “I… Jodie, you have understand. I’ve never pretended to be a good guy. You know as well as I that I couldn’t pull off an act like that. But… you have to understand. The Gillett family is all I’ve known, since I was little more than a kid. When you’re that devoted to a family… you gotta do what the family asks of you.” He says softly, and my eyes widen at how earnest and honest he’s being. He meets my gaze once more, and his eyes are filled with sorrow. “Don Avery told me what to do, so… I did it.” He mutters. In spite of all he has done, in spite of being the one to actually kill my family, I realize with a start that if my father had asked the same of me, I would have done it. When you’re part of a family like Justin and I are, you do what you’re told. You don’t question the Don, you do what is in the best interest of your family. Family is everything in our world. I hesitate, wishing my hands were unbound so I could reach out to him.

  “Justin… sir, I… I understand.” I confess. He turns wide eyes towards me, and I quickly amend my statement. “I understand. It doesn’t take the hurt away, but I understand why you did it. I understand that you’re truly not the one to blame. It’s Don Avery who ruined my life. You’re the only thing keeping it together now. So… “ I trail off, tears gathering in my eyes. “Just know that I don’t blame you. I won’t blame you when the Don forces you to give me up.” I mutter. He shifts back into the bed, unstrapping my wrists and curling his arms protectively around me. His body is tense, and I almost wonder if he will miss me as much as I’ll miss him, once all is said and done. That would be ridiculous, though.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  He’s been dismissing each message the Don sends him, and I know we’re running out of time. I can tell by his increasing agitation with the outside world, and his increasing tenderness with me, our time is almost up. I’ve come to terms with what I feel for the man, but I’m certain he would not feel the same. Not with the hopelessness of our situation. I’m sitting in his lap, head pressed against his chest when the phone rings. He growls under his breath, grabbing the offending device and drawing it towards his ear.

  “What do you want, Paulie?” He demands bitterly. Bile begins to rise in the back of my throat. I’ve begun to know that name all too well. It’s the guard who will be next in line to have me, if Justin is to comply. Justin remains silent as Paulie speaks on the other line, and I bury my face in the crook of his neck. He wraps an arm around me, gently tousling my hair as he listens to the other man. “I’ve told you, and I’ve told the Don a dozen times. You’ll get her in due time. I think you’re forgetting who did all the work in this set up, P.” Justin growls, and though it is still a punch in the gut to think that this is the man that killed my family, I have long forgiven him. I hear a raised voice on the other end of the phone line, and Justin rolls his eyes, slamming the handset back into his cradle. I remain silent, giving him time to gather his thoughts. He continues to methodically stroke my hair, tapping his foot in irritation.

  “I don’t want to leave.” I say, for what must be the thousandth time. He tenses beneath me, and I expect him to shout. Instead, he sags in the chair, wrapping both arms firmly around me.

  “I don’t want to lose you.” He admits. My heart pounds in my chest, and our eyes lock as I take in the gravity of his words. It’s as much as a confession as I’ll ever get from him, and I hesitate for a moment before drawing his lips towards my own. Kissing is an act of intimacy that I’ve never experienced with Justin, it felt as if it would be crossing some unacceptable line. However, that thought melts away as our lips meet and he gently take my lower lip between both of his own. He flicks his tongue to my lip, sucking gently before shifting to explore my mouth more fully. I give no resistance, would allow him to suck my very soul out were that what he wanted. I tilt my head, mewling into the kiss as he tenses a hand in my hair. All at once, it’s over, and he pulls away. I turn melancholy eyes upon him, and he frowns as if anticipating what I’m going to say.

  “Is there any way… is there some way that we can just… run away together? I know it sounds so silly, but…” I trail off, laughing bitterly. Tears pool in my eyes, and his silence stings the already intense ache in my heart. He reaches out, cupping my cheek to force our eyes together once more.

  “Would you think me utterly insane if I agreed to that idea?” He inquires with a hesitant smile. My eyes widen in shock, and I search his eyes for any indication that he’s playing a trick on me. “Let’s do it. Let’s run away. We’ll go so far we won’t ever have to think about Don Avery again. We’ll get a big house on the ocean, and we’ll--” He begins, quickly getting swept up in the plan. I press our lips together again, in a searing kiss. He moans against me, shifting his grip on me to fully support me as he stands.

  “It would take a lot of careful planning. We’d have to be quick.” I murmur against his lips, and he nods his head in agreement.

  “I have a private server. I’ll see about booking a flight far away from here, one where we can’t be tracked.” He replies, and I’m struck by the severity of what we’re doing. If anyone in the Gillett family were to find out what we’re planning, we would be gunned down just as carelessly as my family had been. I know that I can’t imagine my life without this man at my side, however, and the idea of dying with him sounds better than living a tortured life without him.

  “You decide on a flight, and I’ll help cover our tracks. We’re really doing this?” I inquire uncertainly, and he s
miles, brushing his thumb to my lips.

  “We’re really doing this, Jodie.” He murmurs. He gently sets me on the ground, and we’re starting in the direction of his bedroom when the doorbell rings. He pauses, the color draining from his face. I glance in the direction of the door, and the bell rings again, somehow more insistently though it’s the same tone. He curses loudly, and I fall into step beside him as he steps towards the door. He grabs my leash out of habit and clips it onto my collar before pulling the door open. An unfamiliar man waits on the other side, and he shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot. Justin narrows his eyes, and the man looks ready to piss himself on the spot.

  “Justin Tanner?” He inquires, and Justin’s lip curls in a snarl. I take him by the arm, giving it a gentle squeeze.

  “Yeah. Who’s asking?” He demands. The man on the other side of the door looks almost ready to faint, but shakes his head to dissolve any lightheadedness before speaking again.

  “I’ve been explicitly hired to invite you and… miss Walsh? To a party at the Gillett mansion. The master of the house insists that you bring miss Walsh along.” The man stutters. Justin looks entirely ready to whip out his gun and blow the man away, but I recognize him as a civilian who had likely been sent to draw us out of our foxhole.

  “We’ll be there.” I say quickly. I exchange a look with Justin, and he hesitates before nodding his head.

  “Yeah. You tell Don Avery that we’ll be there with bells and whistles.” He says coolly. The man nods fervently, looking relieved to have kept his life. He quickly flees the scene without another word, and Justin breathes a weary sigh. “I guess we aint got no choice in the matter.” He admits. I chuckle awkwardly, and we step back into the house, pulling the door shut behind us.

  “We just have to keep the act up for a little longer. If you can convince him to let me stay, even for one more night…” I offer, and he nods, looking me over.

  “I just gotta seal one more night, and then we’ll be outta here.” He murmurs, as if reassuring himself. I smile uncertainly, resting a hand against his cheek. I wouldn’t blame him for rethinking the entire situation. At this point, I wouldn’t even blame him for surrendering me. I simply want to know that he’ll be okay, in the end. Before I can assure him of that, he’s speaking again. “Here’s to a whole new life together.” He smiles, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Now I suppose we better get dressed for this party.” He says reluctantly. I nod, and together we slip into our now-shared bedroom.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  When the night of the party arrives, I wear my collar with a sense of pride as we step into the Gillett manner. The eyes upon our every move are disconcerting, but I take comfort in Justin’s firm grip on my leash. He had assured me that I need pay no mind to the wandering eyes of the rest of the party goers. We simply had to get another night in the bag, then we were free to escape per our plan. To make ourselves less suspicious looking, we mingle with some of the other members of the family while waiting for dinner to be served. I expect to be fearful, but instead I’m comforted by the presence of the man at my side. The guards consider me salaciously, and I know what’s going through their minds. I only have to internally reassure myself that Justin would never allow them to have me. We’ve come too far to turn back now. We meander throughout the mansion, settling at a table that’s marked reserved for the two of us. Waiters circle the area, providing a never ending supply of champagne. Justin accepts a glass, but does not drink from it. It’s obvious he plans to keep his sense about him for the night, and won’t let the drink muddle his mind. I reach under the table and squeeze his hand. He glances to me from the corner of his eye, before offering me a secret little smile.

  Dinner is served soon after, and we’re both greeted with massive plates of filet mignon and lobster tail. It seems the Don has truly gone all out for this event, though I have no idea what he’s celebrating. I consider my food bleakly, wondering how likely it is that it could be poisoned. It looks delicious, but I’m not going to risk our entire plan for a greedy little meal. Justin and I will have plenty of time for fine dining once we’re out of the country. We had agreed on finding a small place in Europe, just off the ocean shores. Though I’m beginning to feel increasingly nervous about the stares that fall upon us-- just because of the sheer number of them, I simply allow my mind to drift away. Perhaps Italy would be a nice fit for the two of us.

  I look up, spotting Don Avery just a table away from us. He seems absorbed in spirited chatter with one of the waiters, having his fair share of the bubbly. I snort, averting my eyes from the disgusting troll of a man. I’m forced to return my gaze to him however, when he stands and clinks a fork against his glass.

  “If I could have everyone’s attention! I have a little speech prepared for this special occasion.” He calls out, and Justin tenses. He has just as much knowledge about our reason for being here as I do, and though I know it can’t be good, I also know that Justin will not allow any harm to befall me. I shift to watch Don Avery more closely as he sways from side to side, obviously inebriated. “I would like to begin by thanking all of you for being here. I’m sure you’re all wondering why I’ve gathered you here, and the reason is actually very simple. We’re here to honor our boy, Justin Tanner, for his part in destroying the Walsh family.” The Don announces, and Justin meets my gaze. Though I’m unsure how they plan to honor him, it sounds rather innocuous. I allow myself to hope that the Don will simply allow Justin to keep me as his own prize. My hopes are quickly dashed, however. “I also want to thank Justin for bringing Jodie Walsh to be with us here tonight. He’s been having a good time with her, hey, check out those hickies!” The inebriated man cheers. I redden, lowering my head as I feel what must be hundreds of eyes upon me. “But more than anything, I’m sure we’re all ready for the main event. Since Justin has finally returned Miss Walsh to the heart of the family, everyone here tonight will have a turn to enjoy her company. Just like our boy Justin has been doing. Three cheers for Justin, alright!” He announces with finality. The cheers that echo throughout the estate are deafening, and Justin immediately leaps to his feet to protest.

  “You can’t touch her. I won’t allow it!” Justin barks out, and I resist the desire to reach out to him. Our plan is going downhill fast, and Don Avery considers us with a smug little smile.

  “Ah, ah, ah. Justin, don’t be a greedy fella, that’s not very nice. You remember what was promised. You had first go at her, and then the rest of the family gets a go. She belongs to all of us. Now, come on. Hand her over. Unless you have further protests…?” The Don sneers, and some of the men begin to gather nearer to us. Justin hesitates, and it’s obvious he has little choice but to give me up, or die trying to keep me. He offers me an apologetic look, and I try to smile reassuringly, parting my lips to speak. Before I can, however, Justin turns the table up and whips out his gun. He fires several shots into the crowd gathered around us. Disbelieving screams echo through the crowd, and he takes my hand as we dart through through the estate, avoiding gunfire. A bullet tears through Justin’s firing arm, and he cries out in pain, dropping his weapon. He lurches to the ground to grab it, but all at once we’re surrounded once again. I latch onto his side, staying as near to him as possible. I know that this is the end, that there’s no escape for either of us now. Justin clutches his gun with his off hand, but he’s visibly shaken by the shot he’s taken. Don Avery approaches us through the crowd, tutting as he stands before us. He levels a disappointed look at Justin, who remains tense and silent,

  “You’re not taking her.” Justin says defiantly, even as what must be a dozen guns are pointed at him.

  “Oh, really? Accept it, Justin, this is the end of the line. You can’t stop me from taking her. You owe everything to me. You owe your life to me. You may have crossed a line, but I’m willing to offer you forgiveness. Just hand her over. You know you can’t kill me.” Don Avery announces grandly. Justin hesitates, and the Don smiles victoriously, his eyes roving over my body
. Everyone lowers their guns, and Justin begins to lower his as well.

  For all of one second.

  “Try me!” Justin shouts, raising the gun and fearlessly firing a single bullet between the Don’s eyes. The Don’s brain splatters on the wall behind him, and he slumps lifelessly to the ground. The crowd watches wordlessly, mouths hanging agape in sheer disbelief. Justin grabs me by the arm before anyone has a chance to come to their senses, and we bolt out of there as quickly as our feet will take us. We leap into the car, and he reaches across the center console to grip my hand as we speed away. I look into the rearview mirror, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily upon me.