She’s Mine: A Captive Romance

by Masters, Ellie

  X held up a hand. “I’m sure Mr. Bennett didn’t mean to insult you.”

  Ben glared at Mr. Bennett. “If they happen to bond with a slave, I offer a sales service. This works well for me, and if this weekend works out, we may find a mutually beneficial ongoing business arrangement.”

  Dollar signs spiked in Z's eyes. “How many slaves do you think you might sell?”

  Ben held up a hand. “Gentlemen, I’m only now looking to open up my club. A few have expressed interest in purchasing private slaves. Part of my services and fees include the boarding of their future property. I don’t yet have an answer to your question.”

  “I’d like to visit your club,” Z said, “before making a commitment.”

  Ben hesitated, but not Mel.

  “Out of the question.” Mel pointed to X. “We haven’t even allowed Xavier to tour the premises yet.” He leaned forward with intent. “Have I mentioned yet the exclusivity of our clientele?”

  Z's mouth firmed into a thin line. “Considering we’re the source of said slaves, I think that can be waived.”

  Mel examined his cuticles and leaned back in his seat. “I’ll consider it.” He paused for a long moment. “But, you’ll have to fill out the forms.”

  Silence filled the room.

  I glanced between all the men, watching their body language. Knowing Z and how he dealt with rejection, or worse, straight out confrontation in not getting what he wanted, this deal was going south fast.

  It was X who broke the tension. He threw his head back and laughed. “Holy fucking shit, Ben. Can you call off your dog?” He turned to Z. “I filled out Mel’s mountain of paperwork two weeks ago. He still hasn’t cleared me for the resort.” He turned to Mel. “What do you say? Send Mr. Carson the forms. Except for selling you his first born—who he’s already given to me—he’ll tell you whatever you need to know.” He laughed again. “Maybe we can combine our visits when Zane delivers the slaves?” X twisted in his seat, craning his neck around. “Now where did Bay go? Who’s ready to fuck?”

  Braxton threw his hand in the air. “Took my Viagra. Little prick is ready for some action.”

  Ben thrust his finger at Mel. “Send the forms to Mr. Carson.”

  Mel grumbled. “There had better be some pretty blondes in this group.”

  Z's coarse laugh grated on my ears. “Oh, blonde, brunette, red head, Asian, Hispanic, black, and white. All the flavors of the rainbow are well represented.”

  “Are they well behaved?” Mel finished off his drink.

  “They know what a whip is.” Z lifted a remote control. “And for tonight, they’ve been fitted with extra motivation.”

  Mel nodded. “I see you know the utilities of a shock collar.”

  “You’re familiar?”

  “My favorite motivator,” Mel agreed.

  My stomach squeezed with the men’s talk. I couldn’t believe Mel’s coarse tones as he discussed such cruelty, but I also knew there was more going on here than I understood.

  Then the side door opened and Bay led a string of women into the room chained together by their collars. All hung their heads in submission. Their hands had been manacled in front of their waists. They were naked too and had cuffs around their ankles. I knew exactly what those would be used for as I scanned the many rings scattered around the room. A tingle ran up my spine as I stared at the darkness flashing in the maniacal eyes of my father.

  My attention went from the women to X. He caught me in his gaze, and with the slightest shake of his head urged me to remain silent and stay in my darkened corner. I had no problem complying with either of those requests.

  Then the other man entered, Derk. He led a smaller procession of three slaves urging them forward with what looked like a cattle prod. I gasped at the shackled men as they stumbled and jerked with each touch of the black rod. Unlike the despondent expressions of the women, angry stares and murderous expressions filled their faces.

  Z lifted a hand, gesturing to the new group of slaves. “Mr. Chambers didn’t you mention you were in the market for male slaves as well? These have yet to be broken, but with a little work…”

  Ben’s brows lifted. “Oh my.” He licked his lip and he turned his attention to X. “Now this is a surprise.”

  X lifted a hand. “I have first pick of the male slaves, Ben.”

  Z huffed a laugh. “What is it with you and male slaves, boy?” He made a gesture toward Bay and Chad. “I know for a fact you don’t swing that way, but you always gobble up the male merchandise.”

  “You have your secrets and I have mine.” X turned narrowed eyes on Z.

  Z turned to Bay. “Slave, tell me why do you serve your master? I don’t see any chains keeping you in place.”

  Bay’s fingers tightened around the chain holding the string of female slaves. His lips tightened into a thin line and his eyes flicked to X who gave him permission to speak with a nod. I leaned forward desperate to hear the answer, because I’d been wondering about the relationship between X and all my guards. How did X control these men? What did he offer them that make them follow him with such devotion?

  Bay gave Z a half bow. “Master Xavier’s rules are simple and his discipline unwavering. He gave me a choice to submit or challenge his authority.”

  Z threw his head back. His coarse laughter reverberated through the room. “Somehow I don’t see a man like you submitting to someone like X. What are you, ex-military? Marines? Army?”

  “Navy Seals, Sir.” Bay straightened with pride.

  Z pointed. “And Xavier mastered you?”

  X cleared his throat. “Bay took some convincing.” He gestured to Bay. “Bring the girls to the middle of the room.”

  Bay led the string of female slaves forward. Chad took up the end of the slave chain. When Bay had them in position, he and Chad attached individual girls to chains hanging down from the ceiling. This blocked my view of the couches and the men sitting in them.

  “I’m intrigued,” Z continued. “What about you?” Z pointed to Chad.

  Chad looked to X for permission before speaking.

  X granted it with a nod.

  “Master Xavier gave me the same choice. I listened to his terms and agreed to submit. I’ve never once regretted my decision. I am his, fully.”

  Z whistled. “What loyalty, boy. Truly impressive.”

  The muscles in X’s jaw clenched each time Z called him boy. It was equally obvious to me that Z knew how much it annoyed X. My father had always been a bastard with his normal business partners. It was the way he established dominance. I knew all his tricks though, and he certainly was getting on X’s nerves. It was precisely where he wanted to be, better to unnerve X and force his opponent into a position of weakness.

  From where I stood, I had the perfect vantage point to observe their exchange. Really, it was no different from any of the hundreds of business meetings I’d suffered through as a child. Z searched for weakness and exploited it, only I had a suspicion he was reading X wrong.

  I’m not sure why I thought that, except Chad and Bay’s answers to Z's questions were not what I would have expected. Why would Chad submit to X, whereas Bay had to be convinced? Knowing X as I did, the subtext was not lost to me, or what that implied. What had X done to Bay? And that didn’t begin to explain why Ben and Mel were playing the part of slavers in this twisted business meeting.

  Ben walked over to the three male slaves. He put a hand on the chest of one of them. The well-built man flinched at the touch and he covered his genitals with his bound hands.

  “Damn,” Ben said with respect. “This one is too much for what I’m prepared to handle.” He pointed to the two smaller men standing behind the muscular slave. “But these two might be of interest to some of my clients interested in exploring their alternate sexuality.”

  X unfolded himself from the couch, expressing a bored disaffection as he walked over to the three male slaves. He walked around the three men examining them with a critical eye. “
Chad, string the men up next to my slave.”

  The two smaller men cringed as his attention settled on them, while the taller man held his chin level and gazed X squarely in the face. X stared down the man. Although matched in height, X was physically smaller than the slave. This proved insignificant in the battle of wills waged between them, because the man couldn’t stand up against the full onslaught of X’s indomitable will. I watched, entranced as X dominated the man with nothing other than silence and a look. The man’s gaze shifted left and then dropped down to the ground in defeat. Is that what happened with me? I knew the power behind X’s presence.

  “We’ll deal with them later.” X put a hand on Ben’s shoulder. “Come, it’s time to test the merchandise. Let’s see if any of these slaves are worthy of your time.”

  Interesting how X didn’t mention price, but rather the investment of time. Did Z note X’s choice of words? My attention wandered to my father, but his attention was not focused on X, or Ben. Rather, Z had the fly of his pants undone, and fisted his cock. His eyes were locked onto the string of women standing before him. I jerked my focus away from the disgusting sight.

  To my right, Chad secured the men to the wall. He looked at me and his lips pressed together as his gaze traveled back to where I had been looking. He gave a sharp jerk of his head, as he locked the muscular man to a ring in the wall.

  “Things are not what you think, kitten,” Chad said.

  “Please don’t call me that.” I closed my eyes and stifled a groan.

  “When I get free, I’m going to rip your balls off and make you eat them.” The man Chad chained to the wall said with a growl.

  Chad clipped the man’s other wrist to the wall and then secured a chain to the collar around his neck. He leaned in close. “If you’re really lucky,” he said in a hoarse whisper, “Master Xavier is going to give you a choice to serve him.”

  “I’m not gay, you mother-fucking queer.” He jerked against his restraints.

  “Right, but girls don’t do it for you.” Chad smirked. “Your cock is half hard right now thinking about getting fucked by me. It’s up to you. Master Xavier is a fair man. You choose to serve him, and that will be the first and last time you’ll ever be forced against your will. Your other choice is much less appealing.” Chad moved to the next man in line.

  The man stilled and glared at Chad. “What the fuck does that mean?”

  “Only that some choices are worse than others.” Chad pointed to Z. “Instead of saving you, Master Xavier can leave you with him.”

  The man coughed. “What about these two.”

  Chad thumped the two smaller men on their chests. “These guys aren’t gay. Master Xavier has no interest in them. Mr. Chambers will buy them.”

  The middle man struggled in his bonds. He gave a strangled gasp. “What are they going to do to us?”

  Chad shook his head. “You’re being sold as a sex slave. Figure it out.” He turned around and went to the middle of the room where Bay pulled a woman off the chain and led her toward one of the men seated on the couch.

  “Who the fuck are these men?” The muscular man turned toward me.

  “How the hell do I know?” I looked at him and shrugged. Really? What did I know? It had been weeks since my kidnapping and I still had little idea about who X was, or the four men who were my constant guards. Except I did know something. X may be involved in the active sale of slaves, but there was more. I needed to understand what was going on.

  Bay and Chad led woman by woman off the chain and placed them in front of each of the men sitting on the couches. I had a fair idea what was in store. I squeezed my eyes shut, not wanting to watch the abuse of others. My heart went out to those poor girls. I’d been sold, abducted, and transported against my will. I was an unwilling prisoner, but the longer I stayed, the more willing I became. I knew what they were going through and felt like the worst hypocrite. I had become a willing participant in my enslavement. They had not, although they didn’t have X. By the way, where was he? I didn’t see him among the men.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Bay came to collect me. I tuned out the sounds coming from the couches. I would never get the image of my father and what he did to that poor girl out of my head. As Bay attached my wrists to my collar, Z called out.

  “Where are you taking her?”

  “She’s to be returned to her room, Mr. Carson.” Bay said. “Master Xavier’s orders.”

  “And where is Xavier?”

  “My apologies, Mr. Carson, but he only gave instructions regarding his slave.”

  “Will he be returning?”

  “I would assume so. Once I lock his slave inside her room, I will find out.”

  “No hurry, as long as the food, drink and slaves keep coming, it’s all good.”

  “Of course, Mr. Carson. I will return presently.”

  Bay cut me a sharp look, perhaps reminding me to keep my silence. I couldn’t get out of that room fast enough with its noxious flesh slapping on flesh and slurping sounds. The door closed behind us and took the offensive noise with it.

  “Come,” Bay said, “we don’t have much time. Master Xavier is waiting in the library.”

  “But you told Z…”

  “I don’t serve that scum. Now, we must hurry.”

  The maze of endless white walls had my head spinning, but Bay new exactly where he was going. I wished I had the freedom to explore this place and gain my bearings. A part of me even wanted to stop and admire the many priceless works of art, or sit in any one of the many interior courtyards and whittle away the hours of the day absorbed in a good book. When had my desire for freedom left me? Was the blanket of complacency settling over me? Because I couldn’t want to stay here. Could I?

  We turned a corner and I found myself in the main entry foyer. To my right, X waited for me in his study. Bay gestured for me to go ahead, but I paused in front of the massive doors.

  “What does he want?”

  “You,” Bay said. “Go, little one. Don’t keep Master Xavier waiting.”

  “Why do you serve him?” Unlike me, Bay, and the others, didn’t wear collars around their necks or slave bracelets around their wrists. There was no sign of a GPS tracker attached to their ankles either.

  “I owe him a great debt and I give my service freely. Master Xavier is a noble man.”

  “Who owns slaves.”

  “Who owns slaves,” Bay said with a nod, “but not as you think.”

  “Bay!” X’s cutting voice snapped Bay’s head up.

  “Master Xavier,” Bay said, bowing his head and bending at the waist. “Forgive me.”

  “You were not instructed to engage in conversation with my slave.”

  “Yes, Master Xavier.”

  “You will record the infraction and we will deal with it later.”

  “Yes, Master Xavier.”

  “Now go. Return to the lounge. Ben and Mel need your support.”

  Without another word, Bay turned on his heels and rushed out of the foyer.

  X held the door to the library and ushered me inside. “Come Raven. It’s time we had a talk.”

  I found myself speechless but I hurried inside, jumping at his command. X held an unquestionable power over me. His dominating presence crawled inside me and took root deep inside. I couldn’t ignore the power he held over me, or how I was growing to crave it. Power was an essential part of him, one which left many questions swirling in my head. Once inside the library, I came to a stop, uncertain where to stand or whether to sit in one of the wing backed chairs.

  X closed the door behind me and turned the lock. “I don’t want us interrupted and we don’t have much time. My absence will be tolerated for only so long.” He gestured to a chair. “Sit.”

  Without thinking too much about the command, I took a seat and curled my legs beneath me.

  “Ben gave me an update. He said you did not use the thumb drive.”

  “Z would have known someone tried to tampe
r with his computer.”

  “You didn’t have to help me.”

  “Did I have a choice?”

  “You always have a choice, but for what it’s worth, thank you.”

  Where did that come from? A thank you? X wasn’t a man to show gratitude, but it felt sincere. I felt as if we were actually working toward the same goal. When did we start working as a team. I couldn’t wrap my head around this.

  Instead, I bowed my head and mumbled. “You’re welcome.”

  “You must have questions.”

  “I have tons.”

  He held up a hand, forestalling the rest of what I had to say.

  “First, know that nothing changes between us.”

  “But…”

  “Nothing. Despite what I’m about to tell you, our arrangement continues.”

  “Our arrangement? You talk about kidnapping me and keeping me against my will as if it’s some social arrangement. It’s anything but that.”

  He cocked his head. “I speak of a truth between us; mutual needs met in our truest selves. You know this. You feel it, as I do.”

  “Truth?” I spat. “In what fucked up world is this thing between us the truth?”

  He rushed me, moving too fast for me to follow. In the blink of an eye, I found myself draped over his knee and the thin fabric shredded with a single yank. His hand slammed down on my ass, the deafening Smack! echoed in the spacious library. I screamed and kicked while he held me down.

  “Count, slave,” he commanded between strikes. “Or don’t.” Smack! “It’s up to you, but the count doesn’t begin until you do.” Smack!

  Pain seared my flesh, then burned a second later. I cried out, begged him to stop, and tried to get free. He held me in an iron grip and struck me three more times before my brain caught up.

  I never threaten. His words came back to me.

  This was going to end only one way. I had to do as he said.

  Smack!

  “One,” I cried out.

  Smack!

  “Two!” I howled against the pain. He hit both cheeks in rapid succession. “Three. Four.” I could barely breathe.