Marcio leaned forward, talking to Brace and Terrance through the headsets. No telling what they were conversing about. I didn’t care, as long as they did their jobs, and that was to hurry up and get me the hell home, stand guard, and watch over Mary. The home part they’d gotten done.
We landed and I unbuckled, waiting for Mary to do the same. The moment Brace opened the door, I swept her out and through the roof’s door. Her heels clicked against the stairs, but I continued to race us into my penthouse. The resistance to my hand only made me angrier. She was pulling back on purpose.
“How much longer is your silent treatment going to continue?”
I pushed the key in the lock and threw the door open. The smell of apple cinnamon wrapped around me and I’d almost forgot how my housekeeper, Cilia, kept my home in that fragrance. The tension eased from me almost instantly. Fuck, I missed this place. For the last three months I’d maybe stayed the night here a total of a two weeks. All I wanted to do was lay down and forget about everything but me and my slave.
Still, Mary remained quiet. The view drew her closer to the glass and I watched while she walked forward to stare at the bridge. The sun was beginning to set, casting deep shades of pink and orange into the sky. Thick puffs of clouds took on a darker tint, almost looking surreal. The backdrop couldn’t have made a better picture. I wanted to capture her just as she was, framed by my multi-million dollar view. I’d hang the artwork in every home I had, reminding me of the pain and pleasure we’d gone through together. Everything that she’d given me at a cost that I’d probably never know. Regret splashed against my insides like tidal waves, cleansing my anger toward her and Jordan with every increase in tide. If I was going to make things better between us, punishment wouldn’t work. But I knew what would and, although a bit uncomfortable for me, I was willing to try my best, for her.
Ringing filled the large living area and I could have cursed for it breaking such a monumental moment within me. I reached into my pocked and hit ignore at Christopher’s name on the Caller ID. We used to be really good friends. He was my partying buddy, my VP. I had no doubt he was looking to get together. Why he hadn’t gotten the picture yet was beyond me. I’d blown him off now for the last month and a half.
Instantly, my phone rang again. Christopher. Fuck. I clicked it open, watching Mary turn around. It took me a moment to remember what I was doing. No, I’d have the picture of her be like this. With her facing me. Or, maybe I’d have both made, to sit next to each other. The most perfect piece of art I would ever own. Priceless.
“Speak.” The annoyance behind my tone echoed thick in the quiet room. Laughing and an array of bangs sounded before I heard Chris take a deep breath.
“About damn time you answer. You’ve been ignoring my calls now for weeks.”
“What does that tell you?” Again. Regret. I was being a dick, and it was all because of Victor. He was the last person I wanted to see. “Don’t listen to what I just said, I’m a bastard. It’s been a rough time.”
Silence only told me he couldn’t agree more. “Any news on Lily?”
Should I tell him? Not? “She’ll be back home in the next week or two. Persistence paid off.”
“That’s great news. We should celebrate. Get your mind off of whatever is weighing you down. Bastard doesn’t even begin to describe how you’ve been lately. You owe me, big time. Slade Industries would have fallen apart without me.”
Way to rub it in. “Well, I’m home now. Mark a vacation into your books for next month. I’m sure you need a break.”
A laugh left my friend. “Nah, it wasn’t that bad. I’m good. Just want you back to normal, man. That’s all.”
Normal. Now there’s a word that didn’t belong in my world. I was anything but.
Christopher continued to talk, but my eyes stayed focused on Mary. She looked so solemn. So sad.
“Chris, let me call you back. I have a meeting in a little over an hour and I need to get ready.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, then. Lunch at Vizzatori’s. Noon.”
Was there any point in arguing? I knew it had to be done. Christopher was my key at getting caught up with how my company was doing. “I’ll bring my date.”
“Date?”
I hung up before he could quiz me more. Mary’s attention was on mine and it didn’t look good. Maybe it was because I couldn’t pinpoint the exact emotion she was immersed in. All I knew was she was upset and I needed to try to help her.
“Come.” One word. That’s all I had to say for her to walk forward. No arguing. No fighting. Just pure obedience.
Blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders while she lowered her head and came to kneel at my feet. It was the first time she’d submitted to me on her own. The significance had my eyes closing and my hand weaving through her hair to bring her closer against my thigh. Could I keep this moment forever? Live the love I was beginning to have for her, repeatedly? That way it’d never go away, like her?
Mary’s hands reached up, gripping the back of my leg, holding on tight as if I were capable of the secret deliverance she so desperately needed. If only I knew what that was. If she would just tell me what to do.
The door opened and Marcio set our bags just inside. It didn’t take him long to catch my get the fuck out, look. The moment was ruined. I eased Mary to her feet, cupping the sides of her face. So many things wanted to pour from my mouth and yet nothing came except the obvious. “We should get ready.” Stupid. My hands dropped and I walked over, grabbing Mary’s main suitcase and one of her bags. The weight didn’t even register. I was pissed at myself. Confused on what I should say or do. The last thing I wanted was to sound like a fucking broken record, or worse, weak. No. I’d said enough. She knew where I stood. The final step was up to her.
“Are you sure I have to go?” Mary followed, her voice so soft I could barely hear her. Was she really that afraid to face her father with me at her side? I’d protect her. Fuck, I’d kill the bastard for her. With pleasure.
“You’re going.”
I tossed the luggage on the white silk comforter and opened the long bag that held the dress I’d bought her to wear. It was an interesting design. The black material was meant to fit snugly over the skin. The high neckline was perfect for covering the bruises while giving off an elegant flare. It would stop just below her elbows. But, my favorite part would be the slit in the floor length material. It’d stop mid-thigh. Easy access for what I had planned after we were finished with the meeting.
The bag that rested over it tore in my haste to get it off. Oh yeah. I smiled. I’d almost forgotten about the intricate lace, see-through design on the back. Fuck, it’d go so low, stopping just above her ass. My cock was getting hard just thinking about seeing her all dressed up.
“Put this on.” I opened her bag, pulling out the garters, stockings, make-up bag, and hair pins, placing them down for her to take too. No panties or bra. Shit, I couldn’t wait to see how she was going to look.
“Yes, Master.”
My hand didn’t move even after she took the dress. While she walked to the restroom to get ready, all I could think about was pulling her back to the bed and fucking the ever living life out of her. Master. Coming from her lips, I believed her. I felt every bit the title she’d granted me. I could call myself one all day long, but that didn’t make it true. Having Mary’s acknowledgement as my consenting slave, did.
The door closed, and with it, my hand lowered. Butterflies swam in my stomach as I walked to the closet and grabbed out one of my many suits. It was time to get ready to meet Victor and I couldn’t deny how nervous I was. I, Slade Roberts, always got what I wanted. Unfortunately, to get my sister back, I wasn’t so sure I’d succeed this time.
Chapter 13
Mary
Classification. Who was I? Where did I belong? What would be the outcome of my choices, whatever they were? Where did it all fit? I was torn. Torn between two people. My father, and the man I could only dream would see me
as more than a walking disaster. Even if he did, it didn’t fare well for us. We came from two different lives. As much as I wanted to escape the one that held my family, it didn’t appear possible no matter what conclusion I came to.
Light blurred through the window of the limousine while I stayed busy in my own little world. This place was what I knew. I’d stayed hidden here for more years than I cared to remember. Weight pulled at my ears and I brought my hand up to one of the princess cut diamond earrings. I wasn’t used to all this fancy stuff. From the shockingly sophisticated, yet sexy dress, to the heels, to the jewelry…I was out of my element. That wasn’t even including the sexy garter and stockings Slade had wanted me to wear underneath. It’d taken me ten minutes to figure out how to connect the damn things. And, all to meet my father? Would this be the normal thing while I was under his care?
“We’re here.” Slade grabbed my hand as we came to a stop at the main entrance. The large building had to have been twenty stories high. It looked to be a motel and restaurant combined.
Anxiety left me shaking as the door was opened and Slade stood, helping me out. His palm settled on the middle of my back while he led me through the automatic double doors. A flurry of activity surrounded the front desk from bell boys to guests of the hotel getting their bags together. Slade led me to the elevator just as one of the doors opened. The moment it shut, he pulled me into his arms.
“Calm, slave. You’re going to be okay. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” Warmth from his hand penetrated into the back of my neck and I closed my eyes to the courage it gave me. Slade put me at ease. I believed him. “Now tell me, who owns you?”
My eyes opened and I looked up at him through mascara covered lashes. “You do, Master.”
“That’s right. Never forget that.”
As if I could. Or ever would.
“We’re meeting a detective before your father arrives. Do you remember the story we went over?”
Of course I did. We’d gone over it for twenty minutes before we’d left. “Yes, Master.” My voice sounded weak. Low. I knew it was because of the nervousness, but I didn’t like it. I’d been so strong now for years. One more crisis with my father was turning me into the internal zombie that’d taken me to the clubs in the first place. I had to get a grip on myself.
The ding had Slade stepping back. His hand resumed to the place on my back and he led me into the restaurant. Couples and groups of people rested at tables in the distance. Some were closely huddled together, romance clearly in the air, while others laughed while they conversed. Although the atmospheres differentiated, they all had one thing in common. Their clothing. The men were dressed in suits, most of them in dark shades, while the women could have walked down the Red Carpet for the luxurious gowns they wore. I suddenly didn’t feel so out of place.
“Mr. Roberts, it’s a pleasure to have you back with us. Your table is ready.”
A woman no older than myself, dressed in a black pencil skirt and white button up shirt, led us to the back. Her blonde hair swayed from her ponytail with every swing of her hips. My internal claws came out with the way she kept looking back at Slade. He was my master, no one else’s.
We rounded a corner and stepped up into a private area containing only one table. It was big enough to easily sit ten people. The room was of decent size, decorated in rich colors of deep green and gold. A man rested at the far end of the table. He stood, placing his hand out to Slade.
“Would you like the usual, Mr. Roberts?” The hostess smiled as she stared up in what looked to be awe. I could have probably kicked her and she’d have never known. And what was she doing taking the drink orders, anyway? Was that even her job? I breathed in deep, trying to calm. It was all nerves. Slade finished shaking the detective’s hand, nodded to her, and turned to me.
“What about you, Mary? What is it that you’d like?” A slight smile came to his face. The question was full of hidden meanings that had my body bursting to life. Ever since I’d sampled his cock in my pussy, I was dying to have more.
“Martini. Dry.” Hell, I wasn’t a drinker. I didn’t have a clue what I wanted and I was sure ordering a soda at one of these places wasn’t going to look very good.
The hostess nodded and left. Slade pulled out my chair and waited for me to sit before taking his own, right next to me. The detective eased down across and leaned forward. “Miss Hagen, it’s a pleasure meeting you. Your disappearance caused front page news. I’m glad to see you’re all right.”
“I am. Thank you. I’m afraid Mr. Roberts and I got swept away with running into each other. I should have contacted my sister to let her know I was leaving, but she’d been so busy that I didn’t even think she’d notice I was gone.”
“So where have you been? I’m surprised you didn’t see something about your disappearance on the news.”
My eyes went to Slade. I’d yet to see the true impact the kidnapping had caused. “We were in Washington. Slade and I were pretty much off the grid for a few days. The TV was the last thing we were thinking about, I assure you.”
The detective smiled. “I see. Well, I’ll get the word out and let everyone know you’re alive and well. I might need to ask you a few questions later, but I’ll contact you if that’s the case.” I nodded and took a deep breath as he stood. “You both have a great night.”
“Oh, we will.” Slade shook his hand again and we watched while he left.
My palm pressed into my chest at the pounding. “Shit. That went well, I think.”
“You did great,” Slade assured.
Suits came around the corner and, slowly, I brought my gaze up to my father, Mr. Brighton, and Jordan. My hand clasped to my thigh as they ceased their whispering and made an abrupt stop just a foot from the table separating us. Two men stepped around the corner, no doubt my father’s detail. I glanced over, immediately frozen by the biggest nightmare of my life. Time all but died the moment my gaze connected with Thomas’.
Short gasps came from my mouth as I fought to catch my breath. This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t be him. Grey now laced his dark hair, but I knew that face. Sharp angles. Pointy, straight nose. The chair toppled over before I even realized I had stood. I could feel myself cowering, lowering, as I walked backward, blindly reaching as I tried to get as far away as possible.
“What the fuck is she doing here?” My father’s voice echoed somewhere in the distance, but I wasn’t there with them anymore. I was suddenly back in my old room, shivering, shaking from the cold air against my wet bathing suit.
The door click closed behind me, stopping the advance to my dresser. And there he was. My bodyguard. My protector. Walking toward me with a look I’d never seen on his face before. A look I hadn’t seen on anyone’s face. It was evil. I knew that even at thirteen. Warnings and terror swirled around inside me as I backed away, just as I was doing now. Reaching, praying there was somewhere for me to go when I knew there wasn’t. Trapped. I was trapped, again.
“Breathe, Mary.” Hands were on my face, but I couldn’t take my eyes from Thomas. “Mary.” The voice was growing further away. Agony crushed my chest in inwardly, like someone had taken a sledgehammer to my frail, little body. Little. Yes, I was so small compared to him.
Darkness spotted my vision and I tried blinking it away, but it only got worse. “Slave,” the voice growled loud into my ear, but I was going down. My body was suddenly so heavy… and tired. Yes. This was just a dream. I’d wake up and everything would be fine. I’d be... fine.
****
Slade
“Mary.” My hand patted her face, but she was out. Unconscious. I reached into my pocket while my eyes scanned the room. What in the hell had set her off? Her father? Jordan? No, it couldn’t have been. I took in Mr. Brighton and stopped at the man who rested at the very back. He looked to be trying to ease out of the room. Why?
“Marcio, get the fuck in here.” I hung up just as Jordan rushed over.
“Let go of her. Let
me see her.”
My arm was grabbed at the wrist and I glared. No way was I handing over my Mary to that son of a bitch. Not now. Not ever.
“I’ve taken some classes. If you want me to help her, you have to let her go.” Jordan tried putting his fingers on her neck, but I brought her closer to me. She was breathing now. I could feel it. She must have had a panic attack of some sort. Nothing that I couldn’t take care of myself. Once Marcio got here, I’d let him check her out.
I jerked, pushing him back with my other hand. “Get the hell away from her. She was fine until you all came in here. Who the fuck is that?” I pointed to the man I was suspicious of. I’d been so focused on Mary that I hadn’t paid attention to where she was looking, but it had to have been in his direction.
The Governor swiped his hand as if it were no big deal. “Just one of my detail. Thomas, why don’t you take Marcus and go wait downstairs for us to finish?”
Thomas. I’d remember that.
Victor walked forward. “Mary, get up.” The harshness in his tone had me starting to rise. Mary’s weight stopped me. No, I wouldn’t let her go. Not with Jordan so close. “Mary.”
At his increase in volume, her eyes fluttered open. She immediately tried to scramble from my arms. I locked them tighter. “Mary.” My hand cupped her face, making her look at me. The fear behind her eyes I’d only seen once. In my kitchen.
“Thomas?” I whispered the name, testing her reaction. Fingers gripped to the lapels on my jacket as she tried to pull me closer while she scanned the room. Nausea formed in my stomach, and I knew. Knew the man who was in here not seconds ago was her rapist.
Marcio burst through the room, pushing Jordan out of the way as he moved to Mary’s other side. “What happened?” His hand went to the pulse point at her wrist while he stared at his watch.
“I’m fine,” she said, leaning in closer to my chest. “I think I just need to sleep or something.”
SLADE: Captive to the Dark Page 13