Owned: Highest Bidder

by Willow Winters

  “Would you like to eat first?” I ask her, popping an olive into my mouth.

  She gently shakes her head and returns to reading the contract before her eyes widen, realizing what she’s done. She looks up at me with slight fear in her eyes as she says, “No thank you, Sir.”

  I nod my head once, keeping my eyes on hers. She waits with her body stiff before I reply, “I know it’s different here, in a new environment.” I quickly lick the salt from my fingertips before wiping them on the cloth napkin in my lap, her eyes drawn to my mouth. “It’ll be like this when you come home with me. But you’ll get used to me being your Master at all times, and in all settings.”

  She sucks in a breath, and her eyes cloud with lust as she answers, “Yes, Sir.” She maintains my gaze, waiting for me to give her permission to continue reading. Such a good girl. I nod down at the papers in her hands, and say, “Go on.”

  I have the contract nearly memorized.

  Contract to be signed on this day, January 13, 2017, by the following participants.

  Master: Joseph Levi.

  Slave: Lilly Wade.

  Definition of Master and Slave needs.

  The Master requests the Slave to be available to him at all times for any needs he deems suitable.

  The Slave requires safety at all times, as well as free periods when her Master deems appropriate. There will be no punishments during these free periods, however, the Slave must continue to respect her position and address her Master appropriately.

  Definition of Master and Slave responsibilities.

  Lilly Wade agrees to obey Master in all respects with her mind as well as her body. She is also responsible for the use of her safe word, lollipop, when necessary and trusts that her Master will respect the use of that safe word.

  She will keep her body available for whatever use her Master deems appropriate at all times.

  Joseph Levi may use her body in any manner within the parameters of her safety.

  Lilly is responsible for answering any questions from her Master honestly and directly, and will volunteer any information he should know about her physical and emotional condition.

  She is not to interpret that as permission to whine and complain. She must always address her Master in a respectful manner.

  It is the Master’s responsibility to make it clear when a punishment is being given, and why it has occurred.

  In public, the Slave will conduct herself in a manner that doesn’t call attention to the relationship.

  No part of this agreement will interfere with Lilly’s career, her physical or emotional wellbeing.

  Of her own free will, Lilly Wade offers herself in slavery to Master Joseph Levi for the period beginning on January 14, 2017 at noon, and ending on February 14, 2017 at noon.

  Both parties must also note and acknowledge that this contract is not legally enforceable. It is a tool to help guide the relationship, and monetary gains will be provided to Lilly as compensation in the form of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Lilly Wade, Slave, may at any time leave without fear of losing Joseph Levi as her Master for the duration of the contract. Although in doing so, may be met with punishment if she is to return.

  With my signature below, I agree to accept and obey what is detailed and outlined for the contract noted above.

  Slave, Lilly Wade _________ Date_________

  Lilly looks up at me hesitantly. “Joseph?” She says my name softly, so sweet coming from her lips. I’ve always hated my name, but hearing it from her, with that look in her eyes, makes me proud of it.

  I clasp my hands on the table and nod once, holding her baby blues firm with my gaze.

  She smiles shyly before returning to the contract.

  “The terms are negotiable,” I say easily, waiting to see if she’s comfortable with the amount I blurted out in the dungeon. It’s the minimum of what she’d get if she were to go up for auction. I should offer more, but I’d rather keep the opportunity open for me to extend the contract into the next month if I’d like to.

  “This contract ends on Valentine’s Day.” Although it’s a statement, Lilly looks at me as though it’s a question.

  “Yes,” I nod again and say, “It’s exactly one month.”

  I stare deep into her pale blue eyes, willing her to tell me that she’s a virgin. It’s been days since my fingers have been pressed inside of her tight cunt, but I can still feel her hymen on the tips of my fingers. I know she’s untouched, and I expect her to tell me before signing.

  She looks like she’s going to tell me something, but she doesn’t. Instead she returns to the paperwork, but she’s not reading it. Her eyes are focused on the line she’s supposed to sign.

  “If you’re not comfortable with this…” I hate myself for even giving her an out. But in this moment, I fall victim to the vulnerability in her eyes.

  “I want to fuck you,” Lilly blurts out, covering her mouth with both hands. Her cheeks brighten with a beautiful blush of embarrassment.

  Although her little outburst is adorable, I need to make sure she’s ready for this. “But are you ready to be my Slave? To give yourself to me in all things for a month?”

  Lilly takes a deep breath and then another, all while staring into my eyes. She nods her head and without speaking a word, she picks up the pen on the table, and signs her name on the line.

  Chapter 13

  Lilly

  I blow a strand of hair out of my eyes as I pack away another tank top, one thought running through my mind.

  It’s only one month.

  It’s something I’ve been telling myself all morning to make myself feel better about accepting the money. That, along with, after thirty days, I’ll be free. The words are helping some, but not totally alleviating my anxiety about the contract. I went over every single line of it several times. It was nothing like the contracts Madam Lynn showed me at the club when I first came. There weren’t any specific boxes for things I was interested in or uninterested in. There weren’t any hard limits or soft limits that were indicated on the last line.

  I was agreeing to be his Slave. Period.

  My heart skips a beat at the thought, my breath quickening. The whole contract is very much in Joseph’s hands. It scares the shit out of me, yet at the same time, it turns me on. It’s a paradox.

  There’s something about giving this man total control over me that drives me absolutely wild.

  I should be ashamed, but I’m not. I want it.

  I want him.

  It isn’t lost on me that I’ll be giving him my virginity. My V-card. It’s not that it’s something sacred to me, something that I’ve been holding on to as long as I can remember. I’ve just never… been with anyone who’s made me want to give it to them. I wasn’t waiting until marriage. Just waiting until I found someone who turned me on and wanted me just as much. Joseph is definitely that man.

  I hardly know the man, and here I am, knowingly about to give myself away. I shouldn’t be doing this. I should know better. At the same time, I can’t help but think there’s something more between us, something I’ve never had with anyone else. I toss another tank top into the small pile on my bed.

  Or maybe I’m just trying to justify it.

  He’s so much like one of the heroes in one of my romance novels; handsome, dark, brooding, mysterious and most likely hiding a damaged past that’ll pull at your heartstrings. That’s part of what draws me to him, how much of a living, breathing fantasy he seems to be.

  But I need to remind myself this isn’t a fantasy. It’s real life. And I’ve gotten myself into some serious shit. Except it hasn’t really sunken in yet. I’m not sure when it will. I’m infatuated with the romanticized version of Joseph.

  Even now, my heart flutters at how concerned he seemed with making me feel comfortable with the contract.

  I stare at the pile on my bed, remembering how he told me to bring only the things that make me happy. I glance down at my half-stuffed bag, looking to see
what I have so far. My most favorite books and a new Kindle I bought that has loads of titles on my to-be read list already downloaded, but I’m still missing a few things.

  I glance at my list, and go down the line of things I still need to grab, then go about gathering them.

  I grab a small blue pillow that’s on my bed that I use to prop up my knees when I’m sleeping and toss it in the duffel bag. Walking into the bathroom, I grab my aromatherapy oils and some cherry bath bombs and stuff them in my small toiletry bag. While I’m in there, I grab some nail polish and my three favorite lace nightgowns that are hanging on the rack. I rub my fingers over the lace; they’re not nearly as beautiful as what Sir gifted me, but maybe he’ll like them.

  My body heats, imagining what he’ll say. I close my eyes and stop that train of thought. I walk out of the bathroom with my personal items and I go down my list again, getting anything else I might have left out. Comfortable socks and flannel pajama pants that I wear when I’m really happy are next.

  In the kitchen, I grab a box of my favorite homemade tea that I absolutely love and get from the farmers market. I start packing it away, but then pause, wondering if he’ll even let me use this. I have to remember. He owns me. I have to do what he says, whether I like it or not. So if he doesn’t want me to drink my favorite tea, I can’t drink it.

  Anxiety twists my stomach as I begin to doubt my decision to sign the contract. I’m not sure if I can make it through thirty days of being told what to do. I like to think that I can, but it might be harder than I imagine.

  Even though it’s a contract, you can always walk away, that voice in the back of my head whispers.

  I shiver at the thought of breaking the terms of our agreement. But if I find that I can’t handle the situation, I’ll have to.

  Pushing away the troublesome thoughts, I finish packing and go through the house, making sure I have everything that makes me happy or feel good. My laptop is the last item on my list. I’m about to pack it away when I decide that I want to check my email one more time before I leave. I’ve been hoping to hear some good news back from the counseling administration and from a lady that I sent the first two chapters of my novel to.

  As soon as I open my inbox, two email notifications pop up. My heart jumps in my chest at the first email.

  From: Jenna Ramey

  To: Lilly Wade

  Lilly,

  I just got done reading the chapters you sent me. And I have to say… I absolutely love them! I love how sensual you made the heroine seem, and how dark and dangerous you made the hero. I think you’re definitely on the right path with the story, and you should really explore the hero’s dark side. Trust me when I say that you have great potential as a writer. And I look forward to reading your next chapters. If they’re good as the first two, you might have a bestseller on your hands!

  Love,

  Jenna

  A feeling of warmth flows through my chest as I read Jenna’s words. It feels good to get feedback on my work. I’ve always thought of myself as a crappy writer, and have had horrible confidence in my ability. To actually hear someone say that I have potential fills me with joy and almost brings me to tears. Even if she is just a friend who edits for a publishing company. Still, it means so much to me.

  I read Jenna’s words over and over, each time feeling a little bit better, until my eyes fall to the next email and my joy dampens slightly.

  From: Zachery White

  To: Lilly Wade

  Lilly.

  I’m sorry.

  Zach

  I stare at his words, trying not to feel anger after getting such a lifting message about my writing. He’s sorry? That’s all he can say after everything I’ve tried to do for him? I take a moment, sucking in a deep calming breath, trying to look at the entire situation, rather than being consumed by my immediate feelings.

  Zach is going somewhere where he’ll be able to turn his life around. What he did before is in the past now. Getting mad over it won’t help either of us. My eyes flicker across the one line on the screen again. I should just be relieved he’s being given the opportunity at a second chance.

  Rising from my seat, I shake off the uneasy feelings and close the laptop, putting it into my travel bag.

  I leave the bag on the desk chair, as I go through the house and make sure that I haven’t missed anything else.

  A whole month away. Of giving myself to someone else. All of me.

  Is it really worth doing this?

  I heard about the auction. It would’ve paid me more than the amount Joseph offered. I’m fully aware of that. Maybe even three times the amount. Possibly more. I overheard a few of the girls talking about how much the virgins go for. But when I think about how anyone other than Joseph could have put in a higher bid, essentially taking me for their Slave, I don’t regret it.

  It has to be him. I want it to be Joseph who I give myself to.

  Shame burns my cheeks as I think about what I’ve done. I’ve sold myself to another human being. For money. I would have been with him in time, without this though. My heart clenches, and the nasty voice in the back of my head whispers, does that make it any better though?

  I pick up the strap of the bag after zipping it closed, and hoist the heavy thing over my shoulder. The strap immediately digs in. I may have packed too much.

  I’ll never tell a soul what I’ve done. I’m ashamed, but this is about more than just me. This money is going to be used for a good cause.

  I’m sorry.

  I think of Zach’s words in his email. I’m sorry, too.

  I’ll never tell anyone, but as I turn out the lights to my living room, I know I want Joseph. And nothing’s going to stop me now.

  Chapter 14

  Joseph

  I know that I fucked up the moment that Lilly walks through my front door. Her shoulders are hunched inward as I carry her duffel bags into the foyer, leaving them in the corner of the room.

  Her vulnerability is intoxicating. I know it’s taking a lot for her to do this, so I’ll make today easy. The first few days I’ll be gentle with her, and ease her into this lifestyle. I only have her for a month though, and I intend to take full advantage of our time together.

  Although it’s freezing outside, she wore a beautiful dress that ends above her knees. The hem brushes against her thighs as she walks in, taking off her tweed winter coat and hanging it over the crook of her arm. She shivers slightly as she walks in, holding onto the coat as if it’s her anchor.

  The chill from outside has made her cheeks a bright red, as well as the tip of her nose. The house is warm and inviting though, the sound of her heels echoing as she walks closer to the hall.

  I close the door, my back to her as I imagine all the things I’m going to do to her. She’s mine now.

  I could bend her over the foyer table right now, I could take her with a bruising force from behind and fuck her like I’ve been dreaming of doing. I can practically hear her hips banging against the wooden edge of the table. I can see how the trinkets I’ve gathered from all the places I’ve traveled would rattle as I pounded her tight cunt, taking her virginity in a swift thrust.

  I own her; I can do whatever the fuck I want with her.

  I know it would turn her on. I know in the moment she would enjoy it. I would make sure of that. Strumming her clit while I positioned my hips against her ass, shoving my dick deep inside of her over and over again until she screamed out her orgasm.

  I clear my throat and the thoughts from my head as I lock the door. The gentle click fills the room and makes her turn on her heels to face me. I ignore all the ways I could claim her as I walk to her, embracing her and planting a small kiss on her cheek.

  “It’s all right, my flower.” I lower my lips to hers, pressing them against her mouth gently.

  She pulls away for a moment, pushing her small hand against my chest and breaking away. I don’t like it. I don’t like her pushing me away at all. That’s not what she’s here for
. My heart races in my chest, and my body stiffens slightly. I’ll allow it for the moment. But only until she’s comfortable. Only until she fully realizes what this is between us.

  “It’s different here,” she says, her voice small.

  I stare at her for a moment, registering what she’s said. Different? Looking to my left, I take in the open layout of my home. It’s modern and dark. From where we’re standing in the foyer, she’s easily able to see the kitchen and den.

  She focuses on the white marble fireplace on the back wall to the right. It’s lined with large rectangles of black slate. Although the stone holds a cold feel to it, the warm coloring of the worn leather loveseat and chair, combined with the lush carpet balance out the room.

  I watch her face as her eyes skim across the room, taking in the details. Her curiosity makes the corners of my lips kick up into a smile. She obviously approves.

  My home is littered with two things: fireplaces, because I love the atmosphere created by the crackling of wood in the warm glow of a natural fire, and artifacts from the places I’ve traveled in the last two years. As soon as I could leave my family, I did. And I went as far as away as I could get.

  Cigars are my favorite keepsake. There are several boxes, some antiques, holding cigars throughout my home. There are a plethora of maps as well. Mostly hand-drawn ones I've collected from the places I’ve traveled, mountains I’ve climbed, taverns I’ve explored. The other trinket I’ve collected a mass number of are weapons. A set of bow and arrows are showcased in the den. It’s from ancient Greece, and one of my favorites. I never used it for fear of breaking it. Lilly’s eyes widen when she catches sight of it. She blinks several times, as if doing so will make it disappear. My fingers itch to take the bow off the wall and let her hold it.