by Piper Stone
I was unable to stop the tears, the sickness pooling in my stomach. Now I knew that I was nothing more than a puppet, the master controlling every aspect of my life. How fitting his last name was, his need for domination fulfilled by a single promise. Everything I’d worked to achieve was gone, stripped away from me, including my sanity.
Now I was owned, not just forced into signing an illegal contract but given freely. I would be punished at Gabriel’s will, required to submit at all times. What else? Would I be paraded around town, the glorious porcelain doll with the perfect manners and the good sense to remain quiet? There had to be more to this wretched, toxic game.
Was it possible Gabriel didn’t fully understand the ramifications? Could he be innocent in all of this?
No. No. No. No.
I tumbled onto the bed, clutching the letter and allowing myself to sob like a baby. This I deserved, but there would be no more. I would remain obedient, a good little girl who followed every rule while searching for the real truth. I would find it.
I would be cunning.
I would be brave.
The game would be mine to facilitate.
And I would find a way to escape.
Goddamn it, no one would keep me from learning why my father had sold me off.
Exhaustion pulled its ugly veil over my mind, the ache in my stomach forcing me to double over. I folded the letter ever so carefully, sliding it under the single pillow then jerking the blanket over me.
“Daddy. Why did you forsake me?” As the foreboding sound of my own voice filtered into my ears, I closed my eyes.
And the only image remaining was Gabriel.
* * *
There were no outward sounds, no jarring requests to get up and begin pretending. I simply opened my eyes and rolled over, gazing toward the window. I couldn’t remember if the drapes had been open or closed, but they were now open all the way, allowing the shimmering stream of late afternoon sun to float across my bed. Yawning, I stretched and pulled back the covers, slowly placing my tender foot against the wooden floor.
I felt refreshed from the long nap, although guilt quickly replaced the feeling of warmth and relaxation. I moved toward the window, pressing my hand on the glass and peering out. The pool was just as beautiful as before, the water a perfect shade of aquamarine. The reflection of a light drew my attention, my skin prickling as I turned my head.
A plush chair had been positioned in a space formerly empty. The table placed beside held a lamp, one meant for reading and there was a single book waiting to be devoured. I walked closer, darting a quick glance toward the closed door. Had Gabriel stood over me as I slept, or had he sent in the hulking bouncer without my knowledge?
What captured my breath and refused to let go was the lovely dress that had been placed on the back of the chair. My hands were shaking as I reached out, running my fingers across the soft material. Emerald in color, I could tell even without picking it up that he’d spared no expense. While there were no shoes, there was a bag from one of the finest lingerie stores located on the seat.
There was also a single rose—white in color.
My favorite.
My mouth was dry as I reached for the rose, my heart racing. Was this meant as a peace offering, or just another part of his method of seduction? I pulled the flower to my nose, inhaling deeply. The scent was intoxicating. I’d been given additional privileges. Why? Because I’d sucked his cock? Because I’d been forced to face another humiliating experience when Jefferson had stormed into the room?
A part of me wanted to crush the rose between my fingers, showing that my anger and hatred could never be traded for a few nice things. But I couldn’t. The flower was a symbol of hope, so pure and natural. I took another deep whiff, carefully placing it on top of the book.
Pride and Prejudice.
What a fascinating choice.
Perhaps I’d read it cover to cover, even able to obtain additional knowledge about my captor.
My soon to be husband.
What did he have in mind for our wedding? I shuddered at the thought, reminding myself that it was unholy.
I knew the arrival of the dress and other things meant he wanted something. As I lifted the bag, easing my hand inside, my fingers touched a thin piece of paper. A love note? I laughed as I pulled it into the light, daring myself to read the contents.
Alessandra,
Please join me for dinner at precisely seven.
Do not be late.
There was no signature, no romantic words. Merely a request that I knew couldn’t be denied. However, how would I know what time it was? An odd sense swept over me and I turned my head toward the nightstand by the bed. A clock. I marveled at the simple gift. Now at least I’d know what time of day it was. I was almost giddy, as if I’d been given a marvelous prize.
I was already succumbing to the ugliness of my life.
I had thirty minutes in which to become presentable for the man who had zero patience.
The selection of panties was exquisite, one even a lighter shade of the dress, the size correct. It was as if Gabriel had learned all about me. How? That was an impossibility. There was even a selection of makeup. I was surprised, uncertain of how to feel.
As I gathered my things, heading to the functional bathroom, I took another glance toward the rose.
I’d been surprised there were no thorns.
The bathroom was just as stark as before; the perfectly white walls matched the shower and sink as well as the soft yet oppressively colorless towels. Even the light was utilitarian, the room meant for the pure and innocent.
Or the damned.
I hung the dress on the hook on the back of the bathroom door, gazing at it before slowly easing the gown over my head. I was suddenly so cold, my teeth chattering as I dared to look into the mirror. For the first time, I noticed just how haunted my eyes were, the sallowness of skin reflective of the lack of sun I’d experienced for such a long time.
I laid out the makeup, fighting a giggle that bubbled at my throat. The beautiful colors in the makeup set reminded me of a rainbow.
A world full of vibrant colors; rainbows and unicorns, puppy dogs and a vibrant sun. A fairytale.
Even sliding into the dress had been a cathartic moment, the frock fitting perfectly, hugging every curve. My panty color of choice? Crimson. My act of defiance.
I couldn’t stop my legs from quivering as I applied makeup. When I was finished, I felt more like a clown than a puppet or a doll, the starkness of the dark color I’d selected a direct contrast to my alabaster skin. There was no time to wash it off and start over. I wound my hair around my fingers, shaping the unruly curls as much as possible.
Then I stood back, gazing at the woman who would forever haunt me.
She’d aged in just a few months, no longer innocent or pure. Just tired and anxious, wishing for that perfect knight to come and rescue her.
The rap on the door came at precisely seven, the lock disengaged. While the person entering the room was different than the one before, he was almost identical in body structure. A big man with strong muscles.
All to keep the prized treasure from fleeing.
“Mr. Masters would like to see you now.” His deep baritone held no inflection, his eyes reflecting nothing as he stood by the door like a statue or a soldier who’d long before learned his place.
I smoothed down the dress before taking careful steps outside of the room, a cage meant for princesses. I bit back a nervous laugh as I padded down the stairs. When I reached the bottom, I could hear music. Another surprise. While I expected to be taken to one of the massive rooms Gabriel had shown me earlier, perhaps in some ridiculous attempt to pretend he could enjoy a few minutes of his life, I was led out of the main portion of the house and into a section I’d yet to see.
The doors were open, the rooms smaller and as I passed each one, I could almost see life in the plush surroundings and beautifully decorated walls. The drastic difference was s
tifling. He’d prepared for a different life after all.
The further we walked, the louder the music. When I was finally led into a quaint family-style room, complete with a roaring fire, I turned in a full circle. Gone was the coldness of hardwood floors, the carpet plush under my toes. The music was classical, the crispness of the piano and the strings of guitar creating an aura of the very joy I’d wanted so desperately.
I was surprised at the plushness of the furniture, the small table and chairs positioned in front of one of the floor-to-ceiling windows. It was a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the outdoors without being outside.
There was even a bar, the lovely marble top and stainless steel sink glistening in the ornate Tiffany-style pendant lighting.
Sadly, I noticed a gun on the same gorgeous bar where a wine bottle and two glasses were positioned, the ominous appearance just a reminder of how dangerous the man truly was. I shifted my gaze around the room, noticing that the hulking mass of a security guard remained, his eyes narrowed.
“Do not leave this room,” he stated, darting another look at the weapon. This was just another test to see if I’d lie in wait, pulling the trigger when Gabriel arrived. I wasn’t that kind of woman, no matter what the authorities had believed.
“No, I won’t.”
He hesitated before walking away and I breathed a sigh of relief.
I was left alone, unable to keep from turning in circle after circle. The room was beautiful, so inviting, the weapon aside. The colors of the walls were light, the furniture not nearly as foreboding. This was an entirely different world.
Even the French doors leading outside were devoid of any coverings. There were no blinds. No thick draperies. I found my way toward them, peering outside, the view of the pool even more incredible than the one from my room. The lights still twinkled, the colors meshing together in the last vestige of hues of the sun.
There were also books in several locations, including the one positioned on the coffee table in front of the beautiful stone fireplace. Located beside it? A cell phone. Whether or not this was a test of my loyalty or my ability to behave, I wasn’t certain. What I did know without a single doubt in my mind was that Gabriel spent time here. This was his true respite, the single place he came to in order to be himself.
I wasn’t entirely certain how to feel or what to think. Why would he bring me to his private space? I shifted my gaze to the doors leading out to the pool, the water so inviting.
I dared not touch the door handle, but I desperately wanted to breathe in the fresh air, to pretend if only for a few minutes that I could live a normal life. I stood staring at the water while the fire crackled behind me, the scent of the wood, the slightest hint of oak one of the most pleasant things I’d smelled in a long time.
And for some crazy reason, I smiled.
Until I saw his reflection in the thick panes of the French door, a man so breathtaking that I was immediately aroused. A man so dominating that my heart skipped several beats.
He walked closer; his approach masked by the thickness of the carpet. I was unable to take my eyes off him. He’d changed clothes, the oppressive stark white shirt now the color of sapphires, the trousers light gray instead of black.
And the scent of him was even more masculine.
He stopped when he was only a foot away, his chest rising and falling. “You look beautiful.”
The words seemed to pain him, as if he’d never believed he would find anything in this world beautiful. “Thank you.” Everything seemed awkward even while the humming live wire danced between us as it had before. My mouth was suddenly dry from the way he was staring at me, the lust obvious in his gorgeous eyes. Very slowly, I turned to face him, a new wave of desire sweeping through me and I hated myself because of it.
His eyes swept down the length of me and there was no doubt about his intentions.
“This is your special place,” I whispered.
He tilted his head before glancing from side to side. “Perhaps.”
“This is the real you, not the corporate mogul in expensive suits.”
“This is merely one side of me, Alessandra. Don’t mistake the fact that I enjoy quiet down times as an indication of weakness.” His upper lip curled into a snarl.
“You’ll never let your guard down.”
“Evidently I did,” he countered.
I shot a look at the weapon then to his phone. “A test.”
He finally smiled then eased a strand of hair from my face. “Perhaps.”
“What did you actually think I was going to do, Gabriel, shoot you in cold blood? Call for help when I have no understanding of where I am?” The twinkling in his eyes was my answer. He’d upped the ante on his dangerous game, uncertain of my reactions.
Maybe I should call the experiment a total failure. I was disgusted with myself all over again, uncertain who the woman was any longer.
“Does it really matter now, Alessandra? You made a choice. We all have choices in our lives. You aren’t a killer.”
“I already told you that but even you didn’t believe me.” My God, he’d freed me with his blasphemous contract, but he wasn’t certain I hadn’t shoved a knife into a living human being. I was sickened at the thought.
“Trust me, Alessandra. I will take care of the situation for you. You will never have to worry about Bobby Rivers again.”
The look in his eye was chilling, but the excitement I felt at knowing he would come to my rescue in some sick and twisted way almost gutted me. I could barely breathe, my heart hammering to the point I was fearful of a heart attack. Oh, God. What was wrong with me?
“You’re going to kill him. Aren’t you?”
“Don’t ask things that you don’t want to learn the answer to. I will do what’s necessary to right the injustice and nothing more. I’m not a killer.”
Somehow, I didn’t believe his stilted words, but I dared not delve into the darkness that surrounded him. I feared being sucked further into the nightmare.
“Ask me,” he whispered, the tone huskier than before.
I tipped my head, trying to figure out what test he had in store this time. Then I realized. He was giving me another gift, a privilege because I had passed with flying colors. I hadn’t called the police or shot him in the head. Hurray for me. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I was reminded just how controlling he truly was. I would never be free of him. “May I go outside, sir?”
“You may.”
I wasted no time, gripping both handles and sweeping open the doors. The light breeze skimmed the heat of my skin, tingles floating down my arms. I was able to gather an actual scent of night-blooming jasmine, the realization just as shocking as everything else. My steps were tentative as I walked outside, the coolness of the patio stone one of the best things I’d felt in months. I almost felt free.
Free to breathe.
To enjoy the moment.
To learn to live again.
Almost...
He didn’t follow me, allowing me a few moments to myself. I remained far too giddy, excited as if given the greatest privilege of all. Maybe I had. Maybe this was as magnanimous as the master could get. As I walked closer to the water, I folded my arms, sweeping my gaze up and down the length of the pool. I hadn’t noticed the group of rocks in the far corner, water tumbling over them and splashing into the pool, creating a series of bubbles.
From where I stood, I could tell it was a saltwater pool, even more enticing. I took a deep breath, holding it as I imagined being on a tropical island.
With the man I loved.
When I exhaled, the reality eased back into my mind. This was just a game.
Once his game but now one we both owned. Who was the better player? Only time would tell. Another wave of nausea formed in my stomach, even as my panties continued to dampen, the dichotomy not something I could understand. I folded my arms and gazed at the moon and stars, wanting nothing more than to place a wish. I laughed softly, placing my hand over my mout
h to keep from disturbing him.
God. What had happened to me in only a few days?
There was no indication that he stood behind me, but I knew, even though his scent was masked by the fragrance of the water. When he eased a glass of wine over my shoulder, allowing our fingers to touch, I was nearly shattered by the jolts of electricity flowing between us.
I heard the slight growl, could feel his body tensing from his own arousal. There was far too much dark passion between us, an almost desperate need, the electricity now crackling in the middle of a raging thunderstorm. He took a step away as if on purpose.
I had no idea what to say, loathing the way my body responded, hating the lurid thoughts in my mind. I pulled the glass in front of me, staring at the dark red contents, trying to control my breathing.
The darkness between us was overpowering, a kind of sick need that continued to pull me into the quicksand.
Gabriel remained quiet, sighing when I didn’t immediately take a sip. “I assure you, Alessandra, there is no poison in the glass, merely a selection from my wine cabinet. Merlot to be exact. If you would prefer a white, I will be happy to pour a different glass.”
“No. This is fine. Thank you,” I whispered, bringing the crystal to my lips. I darted my tongue inside, gathering a few beads and marveling instantly at the delicious flavor. Only when I finally took a sip did he do the same. I couldn’t stand the quietness between us or the tension.
We weren’t lovers and we certainly weren’t friends. There was no common ground, other than my father, a subject that would remain closed until I was ready to force a discussion.
My terms.
My way.
He stood staring at the water, unmoving.
“This is gorgeous.” Even my words sounded stilted, echoing in my ears.
“I have paid little attention.”
“But you pay people well to maintain it for you.” Every word he said was so practiced, even painful.
He laughed halfheartedly. “Yes. Very well.”
“Why?” I asked, finally finding the courage to turn toward him. “This is your home. Why don’t you come outside and enjoy the fruits of all your hard work, even if it’s only in the darkness?”