Sally-Anne let out a shocked gasp while I groaned, getting up from my chair and approaching the two of them, knowing this wasn’t a good sign.
“Leave her alone,” I told the man. “This is my office, in case you’ve forgotten.”
“Of course it is,” he told me with a syrupy sweet smile. “Your office that Daddy pays for, right, Devlin?”
Even though the words hadn’t been true for years, they still fucking stung. I hated that he’d started me off in the business. I’d made a name for myself, but it was true I wouldn’t have gotten my foot in the door without my elusive last name.
“You can go, Sally-Anne,” I told my secretary, already tired from the exchange.
Relieved, she took her leave, leaving me alone with the imposing man who’d stormed into the office as if he owned the place.
Now, my father fiddled with the drinks area in my office, pouring himself a drink from the bar and drinking it from the glass engraved with my initials. DW for Devlin Windsor – and unfortunately, for Dominic Windsor as well.
He eyed me as he downed the drink in one go, a smirk playing on his lips.
“Are you getting tired of your toys?” I asked him, running a hand through my hair. “Since you’re assaulting my staff, I’m just going to assume nobody wants to play with you anymore. Nobody in their right mind, that is.”
“Not quite true,” he replied, setting the glass down and buttoning his jacket. “But I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it, Devlin?”
“What the fuck do you mean?” I ground out, moving to the front of my desk and leaning against it to make it clear my father was outstaying his welcome in my building.
“I heard you have a toy of your own now,” he told me with that twisted smile. “Someone I know, even. Isn’t that right, sonny boy? You finally came over to the dark side, didn’t you?”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” I hissed in response. “And I don’t have to listen to your accusations. I could call security in here and have you thrown out in a second.”
"Oh yeah?"
My father smiled sweetly, approaching me with measured footsteps.
"I'd like to see one security guard in this building brave enough to throw me out. I own this city, Devlin. You can play boss boy all you want, but the outcome's always going to be the same. This city and its people listen to me, not some young-ass kid who thinks he's got them all by the balls."
I shot daggers at him with my eyes, and he roared with laughter, pissing me off even more.
"Don't tell me I ruined your little fucking fantasy," my father said. "You and I both know I'm the main man here, not you. You're just following in my footsteps, walking down the road I paved for you, sonny boy."
"From an outsider's point of view, it looks like you'd do anything to see me fail," I ground out through gritted teeth. "Quite sad to go up against your own son like that."
"You're the one with the grudge." He waves his hand dismissively. "I don't have anything against you, kid. I even did you a favor a few weeks ago. Didn't you notice?"
My eyebrows knitted together in worry. A favor from Dominic Windsor was never a good thing - partially because he'd always demand payment for it, and partially because I was a stubborn bastard and wanted to deal with shit myself, not involve my dad.
"What are you talking about?" I finally managed to get out. "I haven't asked you to do me any favors."
"No, you're much too proud for that," he chuckled. "But I saw an opportunity present itself, and I took it. You wanted that girl, didn't you? You've wanted her since she was a fucking kid, Devlin. It was obvious for years."
"What?" I asked, running my fingers through my dark hair. "I don't know what you're talking about, Dad."
"Of course you do," he winked at me. "Violet Cabot, the forbidden fucking fruit. Don't tell me you haven't wanted to sink your dick balls deep into that virgin cunt. As far as I know, you even went out of your way to ensure she stayed pure for you. Like a virginal, innocent little slut. I guess that's how you like them, huh?"
I saw red, but he ignored my seething gaze, carrying on with his monologue.
"I have to say I'm partial to them myself. Something so sweet about an untouched pussy, isn't there, sonny boy? Have you taken it yet? Popped that sweet, sweet cherry?"
I moved away from my desk, fisting my hands in the expensive fabric of his shirt, but he merely laughed at me.
"You wouldn't dare," he reminded me. "I can ruin all of this for you, Devlin. Just as easily as I got Hugo Cabot behind bars, I can get him out, too. And you can't do shit without my help."
"I don't want your help," I hissed. "I never fucking asked for it!"
He pried his shirt out of my grasp, shaking his head as he said, "No, you didn't. No matter how hard I tried, you pushed me away, Devlin. That changes now."
"We'll see," I growled, making sure my tie was still in place and tightening the knot. "Dad, you shouldn't have done that. The man is innocent."
"Is he?"
We stared at one another, with me weighing up my father's words. Could it be true that Violet's father had really done what he'd been accused of? And if so, how could I get him out of prison, knowing he was guilty?
"Please don't meddle," I said out loud. "I want to deal with this myself."
"Yourself?" He raised his eyebrows at me, letting out a low chuckle. "Your plans will fail if you don't let me help, Devlin. That's what I'm here for. See, you never saw me as an ally. I was always an opponent in your eyes."
"Aren't you?" I bit out, and he merely stared at me with amusement in his eyes.
"Call that secretary of yours in here," he ordered.
I pressed the line connecting my phone to Sally-Anne’s and ordered her in the office. She appeared moments later, chewing her bottom lip and nervously glancing between my father and me.
"How can I be of service, Mr. Windsor?" she asked politely.
"How about you come a little bit closer," my father said, motioning for her to close the distance between them. "I didn't get a good enough look at you before, little girl."
She glanced between the two of us, as if looking for my permission. I didn't move. I knew better than to argue by now. What Dominic Windsor wanted, Dominic Windsor got.
Sally-Anne approached my father with careful steps, and once she was closer, he whistled in appreciation.
"Got to say, your taste in staff might be even better than mine," my father grinned wickedly. "Why don't you do a little spin for me, Sally-May, I want to see you from all angles."
"Sally-Anne," she whispered.
"Excuse me, little girl?" My father took a step closer, closing the distance between them and making her cower.
"My n-name, S-Sir," she stuttered, her eyes downcast. "It's Sally-Anne, not Sally-May."
"How absolutely precious," he laughed out loud. "Not that I give a shit, little girl. Now spin."
He held his hand out, and she took it cautiously, letting him spin her around the room. He whistled at the sight of her, giving me an amused look while Sally-Anne stared at the floor, clearly mortified.
"I don't know how you manage to avoid temptation with such a tasty little treat around," he said, shaking his head. "I would be distracted as fuck by that sexy ass and... let's check..."
He pulled on Sally-Anne's skirt, eliciting a gasp from her when he revealed her stockings held up by a garter belt.
"Knew they weren't just tights," my father chuckled. "She knows how to dress, too, doesn't she?"
"Please, Mr. Windsor," Sally-Anne whispered, but she wasn't looking at my father.
She was staring at me, eyes wide in a silent plea.
"You can go, Sally-Anne," I finally said, looking away from the scene in front of me.
She managed to gather herself enough to walk out of the room with her eyes downcast and her head hung. Like a defeated animal, she retreated to her desk, and my father's eyes followed her form, savoring every move of her curves.
"Like I sa
id," he went on. "No idea how you stay focused. And what's so special about Violet, anyway? I'm not a monogamous man myself."
"Don't I know it," I said bitterly.
The memory of the years he spent cheating on my socialite mother was all too clear in my mind.
"Now don't get all offended on me," he laughed. "Tell me about Violet. She's staying with you?"
I nodded, refusing to give him more details.
"You know, she is pretty," he went on thoughtfully. "Always has been. I wonder why I've never taken her."
"Don't you dare." This woke me up, and the words were just a warning hiss. "She's mine."
"Not until your name is on her," he grinned. “Not until she’s yours.”
"It might as well be," I told him, feeling cocky. "She signed the papers."
"The contract?" My father's eyebrows shot up. "What a naive little girl. Does she know she's at your mercy now? That she's essentially your toy, your captive?"
"She does," I replied.
"And she has no problem with that?"
"That's none of your concern," I bit out. "Now I'd appreciate it if you let me get back to work, Dad."
"Of course," he grinned darkly. "But just remember, Devlin. You want her Dad out of jail, you come and talk to me. You're not going to be able to do it any other way."
"We'll see about that," I ground out. "I have my resources, too. You used to own this city, Dad, sure. But a lot has changed. There are new players ready to push you off the battlefield. You're getting too old for this shit, don't you think?"
I watched the rage set in his eyes. He hated being reminded of his age, probably because he was still living the young playboy lifestyle even his son had outgrown before him.
"I think you're as naive as your pretty captive," he told me. "If you think I'll let you take over, you're sorely mistaken. There are two things that keep me alive, Devlin. Pussy, and business. And until the day I stop breathing, I'm going to get my fill of both."
"Bye, Dad," I said, clearly showing him he'd outstayed your welcome.
"You know where to find me." He winked at me, saluted, and closed the glass door behind me.
On his way out, I watched him slip his business card to Sally-Anne, who blushed fiercely at the sight, and chat to at least four of my employees. None of them showed him animosity - not because he was friendly or particularly likable, but because he incited fear in every one of them.
But not in me.
Not anymore.
My father had found his match.
Seventeen
Violet
I had been alone for at least twenty-four hours—possibly more. The cage was my nightmare. It was my prison. It was my breaking point. I hated the darkness. I had spent time alone at Cabot Estate, but nothing compared to the loneliness of the dark cell. Belle brought my meals and placed them outside of the cage, and I begged her for some form of contact—a word—a timeline for Devlin’s return. All I got was silence—silence until the cage finally unlocked and I was free for a couple of minutes. I used the bathroom and devoured my food, but I was careful not to drink too much water, even though I was thirsty. I watched the timer tick down, trying to find the courage to go in the cage again—begging myself to ignore the timer and run.
But I can’t. I have to get back in that cage if I want to save my family.
I walked back to the cage and dropped to my knees so I could crawl into it. I pulled the door closed and then the lock sounded that sealed my fate. That lock—the click—was the only thing that told me time passed. I knew I had spent twenty-four hours in the cage because of it. The pain in my joints made it feel like more. There was simply no position in the cage that could be considered comfortable. It was definitely punishment. No matter which direction I shifted, there was always a bar pressed against something. When I shifted, I put pressure somewhere else, but the bars were cold until my body temperature warmed them. I couldn’t even fall asleep—all I could do was collapse into exhaustion and close my eyes. It wasn’t true sleep. It was just my body shutting down until I had the energy to open my eyes again.
* * *
The next day
“Belle, please.” I crawled to the front of the cage and grabbed the bars when the lights came on. “Say something—I just want to hear another voice.”
Belle didn’t respond—she didn’t even look at me. She simply put down my food, turned out the light, and walked back upstairs. I saw breakfast on the table near the cage before the lights were turned out. That meant it was morning. The door would open soon. I could survive a little longer. The madness hadn’t completely won—not yet. I convinced myself that Devlin would return the next day. I truly didn’t know how long he would be gone, but it was better to convince myself that I had hope. If I didn’t, then everything inside me would collapse like my body did when exhaustion took me. I felt like I was hanging on by a mental thread, and that thread was so delicate—it could snap at any moment.
The lock. Thank god.
I rushed from the cage and found that my muscles hurt worse than they had any of the other times I had been freed—they threatened to cramp when I walked. I went to the bathroom and realized that I was dehydrated. I had tried to avoid drinking much water, but I wasn’t even drinking enough to replenish the fluids I lost. The crying didn’t help. I walked out of the bathroom and tried to stretch my muscles as I ate. I was so thirsty that I just drank the entire glass of water. I doubted much of it would make it’s way to my bladder at that point—not enough to make me uncomfortable.
If Devlin returns tomorrow, I can do this—I can suffer just a little bit longer.
The cage had confirmed one thing—Devlin was cruel. He was going to make me call him Master, obey his rules, and punish me if I didn’t comply. I doubted the cage was the worst thing he could do to me—a man like him probably sat around all day thinking of ways to hurt people. An image of him flashed in my head—brooding—enjoying my torment. I knew he was watching, or could watch at any time since he had a camera on me. I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of watching me cry again. I was going to get back in the cage and endure what remained of my punishment—one I still didn’t believe I deserved.
Enjoy the show, Master.
Fuck. Am I calling him that in my head now?
* * *
The next day
Breakfast was served in silence. I didn’t even try to get Belle to talk to me. I knew she wouldn’t respond. I waited until the door opened, did what I could in the allotted time, and returned to my prison. I thought of my father—sitting in a cage without the things he loved. He had been inside one much longer than me, even if it was likely more comfortable than the small steel box Devlin put me in. I waited for hours and when lunch arrived, I started to lose the glimmer of hope. What if Devlin didn’t return? What if I was forced to spend another day in the cold confines of punishment. All of that suffering for touching myself? What would he do if I really defied him or deprived him of something he wanted?
I can’t think about that. I just have to focus on my own survival—I have to keep my sanity.
I sank into a dark, exhaustive, dreamless state of unconsciousness after I ate lunch. I was so weary that it felt like my soul had given up hope of existing outside of the cage. I was vaguely aware of footsteps on the stairs. It had to be Belle. She wouldn’t even talk to me, so why bother looking. The light hurt my eyes when it came on, even though my eyelids were shut. I didn’t try to open them—until I realized that the footsteps were heavier—and they didn’t stop at the table near the cage.
“Devlin!” I opened my eyes suddenly and was greeted by his icy stare.
“Hello, princess.” He pushed a key into the cage and turned off the locking mechanism.
I was happy to see him—happy to hear his voice—any voice really. But I shouldn’t have been happy. There should have been hate in my heart. He pulled the cage door open and stepped back as I was forced to crawl out of it. My joints ached and crawling ac
ross the floor didn’t feel very comfortable on my knees after being on them so much while he was away. I started to stand, but he put a hand on my shoulder and kept my knees on the floor.
My first moment of human contact in days—and even that slight touch makes my body quiver.
“I haven’t given you permission to stand.” He removed his hand and tilted his head as I looked up at him. “You don’t do anything without my permission.”
“Yes Master.” I said the only words that I knew how to say—the ones that had become as normal as hello and goodbye used to be.
“Turn around.” He motioned to me with his hand. “I want you to spread your legs and show me what you’ve been waiting to give me.”
I obeyed. I turned on my knees, lowered my chest until my chin was against the floor, and lifted my ass. I slowly shifted my knees apart until I felt the coolness between my legs. I didn’t want to get wet for him—I didn’t want him to know that I still desired him, even after the cruelty he had forced me to endure. I swallowed hard when I felt my lust beginning to betray me and spread onto my labia—if he made me stay in the position much longer, I was literally going to start dripping on the floor. I should have been humiliated, but I felt excitement—knowing he was staring at me—watching me get wet for him.
Is he going to fuck me now? Am I going to lose my innocence in the room where I was tormented?
“Okay, stand up.” His tone was quick and commanding.
“Are you sure?” I blinked in surprise and looked over my shoulder at me.
“You’ll know when it’s time for me to take what is mine.” He rubbed the front of his pants. “I have something special in mind later—go upstairs and get ready to spend an evening with me that you’ll never forget.”
“Yes Master.” I nodded and started to stand.
I felt the wetness between my legs when they came together, and then I started walking towards the stairs. It felt good to feel my muscles push against the steps, but they were definitely weak from being stuck in the cage. I reached the top of the stairs that led to the basement and tried to remember which way I needed to go in order to reach the staircase which would take me upstairs to my bedroom. I retracted the path he made me walk to the basement and was mildly disappointed when I didn’t find my clothes on the floor where I left them.
Devil’s Captive: Fallen Dynasty Book One Page 8
