by Sam Crescent
“My mother worked for him as a prostitute. She ran away when she was pregnant with me, and for the longest time she kept me a secret. Dominic had a hold of all of the women he worked for. Any child born by his women would eventually work for him.”
Violet paused to let out a breath.
“You don’t have to tell me this,” Prue said, feeling the lump in her throat.
“You’re troubled. I see it in your eyes. This is not who I am. The girl who was hidden away and everything else, that was stuff that happened to me. The real person is the woman I’ve become. I’m Cadeon’s wife and soon to be the mother of his child.” She rubbed her stomach. “He’s taught me not to be ashamed of who I am. What I went through made me a strong person.”
Prue sipped the chocolate as the first tear started to fall.
“My mother, when she gave birth to me, knew I’d become Dominic’s property, and when I was at the right age, he’d start selling me for money. She did everything she could to protect me until she killed herself.”
“Your mother killed herself?” Prue asked, shocked. This woman had a horrid upbringing in comparison to her own.
“Yes, I ran away. I did everything I could to get away. Then I met Cadeon, and everything has fallen into place. I’m in love. I’m safe, and I’m happy. You saw the way he is.” Violet smiled.
“He’s possessive.” Prue agreed, smiling. She recalled the feel of James being just as possessive with her. There was a dominance with James that she loved. He needed to be in control.
Not the other day. He let you take control and do what you wanted.
“You spent most of your early years being hidden away?”
“Yes, when my mother had visitors she’d make sure I couldn’t hear anything or that no matter what I was hidden from sight. She protected me in her own way. No one hurt me.”
“How have you gotten over that?” she asked.
“Being hidden away?”
Prue nodded.
“For the most part, I let Dominic win because I refused to come out of the dark. I stayed hidden by changing my name and staying away from everything. I realised that all that was happening was he was winning. I didn’t have anything to look forward to in life. He won at everything.”
“What changed?”
Violet smiled, sipping her coffee. “When you wake up one day and wonder where the time has gone. I left England, and when I thought back over my life I realised I’d done nothing except hide. Dominic won because I couldn’t be myself.”
“Everything changed with Cadeon?” Prue asked.
“Yes, everything of importance in my life. He gave me a life by loving me.”
Prue smiled. She wished in her heart it could be that easy for her.
Violet talked with her for several more minutes before she phoned Cadeon to pick her up. Prue saw her out of the house and waved after them.
For the first time Prue was happy for the silence in her room. Closing her eyes, she moved through her house and went to her small garden in the back. The cold air kept the neighbours inside, which she liked. Having to force a conversation was incredibly difficult for her.
Prue inhaled the cold air hoping for the freezing temperatures to fix her mind of all of its problems.
“Come on, Prue. What is wrong with you?”
When no answers came she moved back inside. Locking the door she walked over to the table and threw the card that James had given her into the trash bin. She didn’t need to talk to a professional about her problems.
Picking up the phone she dialled the supermarket and arranged for an interview for the following day. She didn’t want to be controlled by her fears, and working in a public place where she needed to interact with others would be the perfect solution.
****
“I talked with her, James. I don’t know if I helped or hindered,” Violet said. “I did all I could. She seems fine if a little raw around the edges.”
James stared at the woman sat in Cadeon’s lap. He envied the love between them. They were an unstoppable force that couldn’t be broken.
“I’m grateful for everything you’ve done, Violet. I really appreciate it.” He tapped her knee then sipped the hot coffee. They were at Possession, which was open once again. Several men had returned with the opening, but many were still dubious about the press and other activities. Stephen sat with Ursula in his lap. Lucas and Sean were absent while Kevin and Tate sat with them but continued to stare at where Rebecca sat in the corner.
“She’ll come around, James. You’ve got to have faith, or is my friend starting to see the cracks in his appeal?” Stephen asked, smiling.
James chuckled. The sound was foreign to him. For a long time neither of them had a lot to smile about, but now, they could smile without worry. He raised his coffee cup.
“To us.”
They all clinked then sat back to listen to Abigail sing another rich number. James watched her wishing for Prudence in his arms. Every time he saw his friends a yearning filled his chest. Ravage would be open in a couple of days, and that alone should fill his time. Also the Dungeon at the basement of the club would be back in business.
Several subs had requested for him personally to train them. He refused and decided to look for a new head dominant to take the subs in hand. James wouldn’t be dominating anyone but Prudence.
They held a bond, and as far as he knew she still kept his token.
He’d stopped the alcohol as well. Drowning his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle never helped anyone.
Standing up, he bid them good night then made his way out into the bitterly cold air.
“James, wait up,” Stephen called.
He turned. “What’s the matter?”
“Ursula reminded me to ask you about Christmas. What are you doing?”
“I’ve got nothing planned.” He’d wanted to spend Christmas with his woman, but that didn’t appear to be on the plans anytime soon.
“We’re inviting all the guys. Tate and Kevin are coming, along with Sean and Lucas. Cadeon and Violet will be stopping by. Also Isabella and Rebecca are staying. We’re having a feast at our house, and I wanted to let you know the invitation is there. If Prue wants to come, then bring her along. No one should be alone for Christmas.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Stephen shook his hand. “Everything is going to change. I can feel it. The bad is over, and we’re looking ahead to the good.”
James watched him walk inside, hoping he was right.
Chapter Seventeen
“Ouch.” Prue licked her thumb. She’d purchased a machine to peel the selotape easily, but she kept hurting her thumb on the pointed edge. “You’re supposed to make my life easier not harder.”
She grabbed another piece to finish wrapping a present for her sister. Christmas was a few days away, and she had everything in hand for the event. She was spending the day with Veronica. Their parents were on a cruise for three weeks, and Prue didn’t want to be alone. James hadn’t been in touch with her. She couldn’t blame him as she hadn’t reached out to talk with him either.
Cursing, she glared at the tape dispenser and then jumped as her doorbell rang. Sucking her thumb she opened the door without looking. James stood on the threshold. He wore a long leather coat and gloves. She noticed how dominating he looked. His presence alone had the power to freeze her to the spot.
“James,” she said.
Gazing up and down at him, Prue memorized every part of him. She’d missed him.
“Hello, Prudence.”
He made her name sound so good.
“I didn’t expect you. I’ve not heard from you in some time,” she said, moving aside for him to enter. The last time she’d seen him had been a mistake. She hated herself for what she’d made him do.
“Ravage is back open, and I’ve been working at getting the club’s reputation back up to standard.”
“I guess it’s hard work after the shooting and everything else atta
ched to it.” Prue tucked her hair behind her ear then went to kneel at the table. The tension between them made her uncomfortable.
“You cut your hair,” he said.
She’d cut the length out as soon as she could. The length had started to grow back some but was still shorter than it had been. “It’s not long enough to dye.”
“I didn’t know there was a length requirement to dye your hair.” He smiled at her.
She laughed. “No, there’s not. I have my methods, and I don’t like changing them.” Staring at the packages before them Prue’s heart began to pound inside her chest. “What can I do for you?”
With Ravage back open did that mean he was training more subs?
Stop thinking about that, Prue. You wanted this. Stop being difficult.
“It’s Christmas, and I got you a present,” he said.
Prue paused as she stared at him. “You got me a present?” she asked.
“Yes, we may not be seeing one another, but you’re still my woman, Prue.”
He opened his jacket then pulled out a square box. It wasn’t the size of a ring. The box had a bow on the front, and there was ribbon around it.
She took the box turning it over in her hands.
“It’s not going to bite,” he said.
“I’m sorry.” She rummaged through the pile of presents with one hand. When she found the one she was looking for, Prue handed it to him. “I was going to bring this to you at some point. I figured I’d try and get somewhere public because of what happened last time.”
He stared at the parcel.
“You can remove your coat. Would you like a drink? Coffee, tea, or a hot chocolate?” she asked.
James sat in her living room, and she wanted him to stay more than anything else. She’d missed him, and watching him leave now would break her heart.
“I’ll have a hot chocolate if that’s not too much trouble,” he said.
“No trouble.” She stood up and moved into the kitchen. He followed her. She filled the pan with milk then turned to see him leaning against the doorframe.
“I’ve missed watching you in the kitchen.”
She chuckled. “Take a seat. I made a Christmas cake if you want a slice.”
“I’d love some.”
He sat down. She caught her reflection in one of her pans. The bruises had long since faded. She looked like her old self apart from her hair. The hair needed to be changed.
Leaving the pan of milk to heat, she grabbed the cake from out of the cupboard and sliced a piece.
“I’ve not made Christmas cake in a long time. You’ll have to let me know what you think,” she said, handing him the plate with a fork.
Their fingers touched as he took the plate. She gasped at the jolt of electricity running between them. Staring into his eyes Prue saw the warmth in his own as he watched her.
He brought her fingers to his lips. The feel of his lips against her made her gasp. Her eyes closed as her body turned to mush from his touch.
Within moments of his touch her body was aflame begging for more of his magical caresses.
“What do you do to me?” she asked.
“I could ask you the same question.”
Prue stared at his crotch. The evidence of his arousal was plain to see as his cock pressed against the front of his pants.
“Nothing has ever changed for me, Prudence. I want you badly.”
“How can you stand to be around me after what I did?” she asked, thinking about the way she begged him last time.
James stood cupping her cheek with his huge palm. “None of that matters to me, baby. You’re not ready for me. I see that, and I respect you enough to give you all the time you need.” He pressed his lips against hers. “Make no mistake, Prudence. I’ve never stopped wanting you, and I’ve never stopped loving you.” He placed her palm against his heart. “That is one thing I can guarantee you is never going to change.”
She licked her lips, unable to say anything more. Words failed her. Prue wanted to say something that would show him her feelings, but they got lost. They stayed locked away in her mind.
“Your milk will spoil if you don’t use it.”
Spinning away from him, she took the milk off the heat. She chopped the chocolate then finished making the drinks before turning back to him. Her hands no longer shook as she gave him his cup.
“Thank you.”
They walked into the sitting room. She placed her cup on the coaster amongst the piles of presents.
“Did you get all your shopping done?” he asked.
She laughed. “Can you tell? I’ve never been great at shopping for people. I like to make food gifts. This year I thought shopping for presents would make them enjoy the food I give them more. That’s the idea, but I doubt it will work.”
Prue spent the next few hours talking him through what she’d bought. She was surprised when he knelt at the table beside her and started wrapping. In no time at all the tension between them faded. She laughed at the jokes he told and the strange way he wrapped gifts.
“You’re supposed to be wrapping a teddy bear, and that does not look anything like a cuddly teddy,” she said, laughing as James shook his head. He’d wrapped tape around his hand, attaching himself to the gift.
“At least the girl or woman getting this gift will not have any clue to what you’ve bought,” he said. “Help me out of this.”
She removed the tape. “This is fun.”
“The best kind of wrapping in the world,” he said.
Prue didn’t want the moment to end. She knew any moment he’d get up and walk out of her house.
She cleared her throat reaching for a book she’d bought Veronica. “So … erm … Ravage is back open?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Yes. The investigation ended after they got the security footage. Tate and Kevin had installed security cameras that showed the whole thing. We were all cleared, and the club was cleaned up.”
“I’m glad,” she said. Ravage was part of James. She knew it must have hurt him to see them close it for any length of time.
“Ravage keeps me busy.”
The lump returned to her throat.
“I know this isn’t my place to ask, but do you have a sub? Have you moved on with that lifestyle?” she asked, hating herself as she spoke the words.
****
His shoulders slumped. They’d been having a lot of fun until that question was asked. James was thankful Ravage was back open. The past few weeks had been a blessing as he’d concentrated on getting his club back up to standard. The moments where his thoughts were plagued by Prue were lessening even though he yearned for her with a passion that startled him.
Before he’d knocked on her door he’d circled the street for the past hour debating whether he should go to her or not.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that.” Prue grabbed their cups then walked away into the kitchen.
James frowned. He was getting tired of her constantly walking away from him.
Following her into the kitchen he saw her making more chocolate milk.
“Is this where you say you’re leaving?” Prue asked without turning around to face him.
He cursed. The word sounded harsh and unfair, but he couldn’t stop it. “Fuck!”
She flinched.
James didn’t care. Closing the distance between them, he grabbed her arms and spun her around. He caught her chin in his hand forcing her to look at him.
“What part of ‘you’re mine and I’ve never stopped wanting or loving you’, don’t you understand?” he asked.
“You don’t need to stop any of those things to take a sub, James. I know that.”
He stared into her eyes seeing the fear of being replaced in her depths. James shook his head. What had happened to them?
Stroking her hair, James surrounded her with his arms. He wanted to protect her and push all of her negative thoughts away.
“There is no one in my life, Pru
dence. No sub or other woman. I wasn’t lying when I said I only wanted you.” He kissed the top of her head.
“You won’t take a sub?”
“No. You’re my sub, Prudence. Always and I hope you never forget it.”
He held her as she calmed down. Her fears were unjustified. Taking another sub was out of the question from the moment she walked into Ravage.
“What are you doing for Christmas?” he asked.
“I’m going to Veronica’s for the day. What are you doing?”
James closed his eyes. He’d come tonight not to just give her a gift but to also invite her to Stephen’s for dinner. He wouldn’t make her choose between him and her sister.
“I’ve got an arrangement with Stephen and the gang. Come on, let’s make this chocolate and finish wrapping.”
Prudence nodded. He helped her make their drinks, then followed her into the living room. James couldn’t help but admire the curve of her ass. He loved her ass as much as he loved the woman.
Patience was not one of his qualities, but he’d do everything he needed to do to win her trust. The rest of the night passed without any problems. He got her to laugh before he left her alone for the night.
She stood at the door looking out. The snow lay thick on the ground. He looked forward to summer. This winter felt like it had lasted a lifetime.
“I hope you have a wonderful Christmas,” he said, brushing her lips with his.
“I wish the same to you.” She held him close then let him go.
“Take care.”
Arthur waited for him. Instead of climbing in the back James got into the passenger seat beside him.
“Are you all right, sir?” Arthur asked.
“I’ll be fine.”
He gave his driver the signal to start driving. Glancing back at Prudence’s door, he hoped to catch a glimpse of her. She’d already gone inside, but the curtain to the sitting room twitched. There she stood looking out at him. She lifted her hand, waving at him.
James waved back not sure if she saw him or not.
His chest hurt from leaving her behind. Each day they were apart he felt like he was dying inside.
He watched the passing streets go by. The houses were alight with decorations. He wished his heart could be filled with the Christmas cheer. The plans he had made for the festive season would be changed. Spending the few days with his friend could be enjoyable. James gave Arthur instructions to pick him up on Christmas Eve. He’d give him a huge bonus for being a reliable person.