Little Puppet

by Erin Trejo

  “You have gold flecks in your eyes.” The only thing that comes to mind falls from my lips. Jaxson’s mouth twitches before a small smile appears. Maybe he isn’t as bad as I thought. He’s actually gorgeous now that I take him in. His fingers are soft and gentle as they caress my face.

  “If that’s all you see, then you truly are blind, little puppet. You are staring into the eyes of something so evil you couldn’t begin to comprehend it.” His voice has softened but there’s an edge to it. A warning of sorts. I stand there in a stunned silence as we stare at each other.

  “Boss, we need to get moving.” A voice startles me from behind. Jaxson’s eyes never leave mine though. He only responds, “Give me five minutes to help Miss Dell pack a few things.”

  I hear footsteps moving away and assume the person left. I can’t pull my eyes away from his though. There’s something so magnetic about them and it refuses to let me go.

  “Go get dressed now, little puppet. I will get your things ready.” I shake my head slowly. Jaxson lowers his hand, the muscle in his jaw ticking.

  “It wasn’t a question, Jade! It was an order!” He roars. His whole demeanor has changed. He’s hardened. Darkened.

  And as much as I want to test my limits with him, I don’t. The air around him is too thick with danger.

  Instead, I take a step back and walk into my bathroom to put clothes on.

  Chapter 6

  Jaxson isn’t in my room when I walk out of the bathroom. I glance around and see that he indeed packed some of my things. I move toward the dresser and pull open the top drawer. Under an old t-shirt lies the journal I kept as a child. It’s become sort of a safety net to me. I pull it out and slowly close the drawer.

  “I assumed I packed all that you would need.” I startle when I hear his voice. I turn around slowly and see his eyes as they burn into me. Holding up the journal I say, “I’ve had it for a long time. Is it a problem to bring it?”

  His eyes move to the journal with the little kittens in sweaters on the front.

  “Slightly childish, isn’t it? I mean, kittens and all.” Jax nods toward the book in my hands.

  I lift my shoulder in a shrug before I say, “I haven’t written in it in years. It was from when I was younger.” Why am I giving him any information about me? Why am I so willing to tell him things?

  “I see. It isn’t a problem. Is there anything else that you’d like to bring? If there is anything you need later I will make sure you have it.” He says with an even tone.

  I study the man in front of me. The air of danger but the sweet side he is showing me isn’t what I expected out of him. He watches me as I watch him. A silent battle is whirling between us. There’s a presence that surrounds us both. Pushing and pulling in all directions.

  “Why?”

  “What do mean why?” He slides his hands into the pockets of his dress pants as he considers his answer.

  “Why would you get me whatever else I need? You are basically kidnapping me.” I cross my arms over my chest and glare at him. That is what he’s essentially doing isn’t it? I don’t want to leave. This is the only home I’ve ever known.

  His eyes dance with amusement at my wording of the situation.

  “Would you rather I left you to the likes of Don?” He cocks his head to the side. He’s issuing a silent war that I so want to initiate. The way his eyes dance as he looks at me makes me want to crawl inside of myself.

  “He hasn’t hurt me. He has kept his distance.”

  “Is that what his proposition was meant to do? To protect you?” He takes a step toward me, my heart beating so loudly I can hear it in my ears.

  “I could have said no.” Jaxson smiles at me, his teeth glittering in the light.

  “Let’s go find out exactly what he had planned for you had you said no.”

  Chapter 7

  Jaxson drags me from my room roughly by the arm. I stumble trying to keep up with the pace he’s moving. We move down the stairs rapidly when my foot catches. I feel myself falling when his strong arms wrap around me.

  He stands me on my feet with the look of disgust painting his features.

  “Try to keep up.” He grinds through his teeth. Maybe if he wasn’t dragging me around as though I was a rag doll I could. With his hand firmly planted on my lower back, he leads me into the living room where I see Don tied to a chair. My heart leaps into my throat not knowing what any of this means. Why any of this is happening.

  “Miss Dell seems to think that you had her best interests at heart with your proposition. I believe now would the best time to set her straight.” Jaxson motions for the man behind Don to remove the gag that’s in his mouth. Don takes a breath before looking up at Jaxson. He pays me no attention.

  “Go to hell, Jax.” A quick nod of Jaxson’s head and the tall man unleashes a punch that makes my teeth rattle.

  “Tell her!” Jaxson growls low in his throat.

  “I was going to take it either way. I was only giving you the option for one night.” Don still doesn’t look at me. Jaxson moves forward, stepping behind Don. He puts his hand on Don’s shoulder as he looks up at me.

  “Now look her in the eyes and give her the truth.” Wrapping his hand around Don’s throat he forces his gaze to mine.

  “I was going to take what I wanted regardless of your choice. It’s no different than what Jaxson here will do.” Jax laughs as he takes a step around Don. Their eyes meet for a brief moment before Jax turns to me.

  “You see. He wasn’t the man you thought he was. You should be careful, Miss Dell, about the company you keep.” My insides quiver. He’s right. I should be more careful. He’s one of them. Jaxson moves toward me, my hands shaking slightly. He motions to the other man that was standing in the room. The man rushes past me, grabbing my bag that sits near the door.

  “Shall we?” Jaxson extends his hand to me. I reach out unsteadily and take his warm hand with mine.

  He gives me a short nod. Leading me toward the door, I glance over my shoulder at the only place I’ve ever called home.

  Fear is something I’ve always known. The way the darkness creeps in on you and sucks you into its grasp. Leaving this house is leaving a whole new fear inside of me.

  “Take care of him.” Jaxson says with a nod toward the house.

  “Climb in.” He motions for me to climb into the waiting limo. My stomach lurches but I do as I’m told.

  Would it do any good to argue with a man that is clearly very powerful?

  Chapter 8

  My heart dances in my chest. It’s a strange feeling that overwhelms me.

  Jaxson sits closely at my side not saying a word or even glancing over at me. I wonder what he plans to do with me? I wonder what he’s thinking? I want to ask but I’m afraid of the consequences of opening my mouth. He clearly isn’t a good man. I saw what he was doing to Don. Not that Don didn’t deserve it but how can I be sure that what he was saying was true? How do I know that what he said wasn’t something that Jaxson forced him to say?

  “You can’t.” I mumble to myself. Jaxson cocks his head to the side as if to listen to me.

  “Thinking again, little puppet?” I make the mistake of pulling my gaze to meet his. The heat in his stare is disturbing.

  “What do you care?” I cross my arms over my chest and look out the window. I jump when I feel his hand on my thigh. I look at his hand before moving to his eyes.

  “Trust when I say I care deeply what you think. Things won’t always be like this. Everything changes for a reason.” The soothing tone in his voice could melt someone. The way his fingers lightly stroke me through my jeans has my body on fire. I could give into him so easily. I could let him take what he wants from me and then this whole thing would be over. But then what? Where does that leave me?

  “Are you always so lost in thought?” He asks.

  “What do you want from me? Is it sex? I can just give it to you. If that’s all it will take for this to be over, I’ll do it.” His
fingers tighten on my thigh almost painfully. I suck in a breath before I turn to face him.

  “You won’t offer that up again. To anyone. Do you understand?” The slight growl that erupts from him vibrates through my body. His fingers don’t loosen on my thigh even as I nod my head.

  “Say it. Say you will not offer that pussy of yours to anyone.” He grits his teeth, the danger I’ve felt so strongly radiating off him.

  “I won’t.” the words barely come out of my mouth. His fingers loosen but he doesn’t move his hand.

  I close my eyes and will the tears to stay at bay. I don’t want him to see me this weak. I don’t want him to smell the fear that drifts off me.

  I’m like a caged animal and if fear is sensed, I will be ripped to shreds.

  That is something I can’t let happen until I know exactly what I’m up against.

  I’m being torn from the only world I’ve known and I can’t break down until I find a way out of it.

  Chapter 9

  We come to a stop after what feels like hours of driving when in reality it could have been minutes. I was so lost in my own mind that I lost all track of time. The back door of the limo opens before Jaxson climbs out. He leans over, his hand outstretched to me. I don’t dare not take it.

  Scooting to the edge of the seat, I grip his hand as he helps me out of the car. My chest tightens as a mass of emotions rush me. I glance up that mansion before me and gasp.

  “Not what you’re used to.” It’s a statement. He clearly knows what I’m used to.

  Harvey’s house wasn’t as big as this place but it was by no means small. It was a small mansion itself but I’m not sure anything could compare to this. Flowers line the front of the porch in the most beautiful shade of yellow that I’ve ever seen. As we walk closer, I lean down and smell one of the delicate flowers.

  “Julia Roses.” I glance up at Jaxson as he watches me.

  “They smell like licorice.” He smiles slightly before nodding his head and adding, “They are very hearty flowers. Highly disease resistant. They can tolerate a lot of things many can’t.” I don’t miss the hidden meaning behind his words. In fact, they ring all to true in my mind.

  I straighten up and stand next to him awaiting what’s to come next. Jaxson watches me intently before walking toward the door. Before we ever make it up the immaculate stairs, the front door opens. A small portly woman smiles happily before greeting Jaxson.

  “Good evening, Mr. Murphy.” She nods her head slightly.

  “Good evening, Beverly. I assume everything is in order as I requested.” Again, I notice he isn’t asking her, he’s telling her. He’s very confident in himself which makes me wonder. I wonder what makes him tick? What makes him the way he is?

  “Yes, sir. The room is set up as you requested and dinner will be served shortly.” She smiles politely.

  “Good. This is Miss Dell. She will be staying with us for the time being.” Jaxson nudges me forward. I extend my hand to the woman to be polite but she looks right past me.

  “Pleasure. You do let me know if you need anything.” She speaks to me but doesn’t look at me as I lower my arm back to my side.

  “Very well. Let me show you to your room.” Jaxson grabs my arm leading me further into the house.

  Chapter 10

  I follow behind Jaxson as he leads me through a maze of hallways. All of them look the same. Crème colored walls with abstract art hanging on them. There are doors that are all closed. When he finally stops at the end of the hallway my breath catches in my throat.

  This is it. This is where my life is going to change. Something deep inside of me resonates this new reality. My reality. Jaxson reaches for the knob and I can’t help the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Is this the place my life will end? Did it ever really begin?

  “This will be your room. There’s a bathroom through there. A closet. I think you will find it to be comfortable.” A knock on the door jolts me out of my oohing and awing of the room.

  “I have her things.” The man says. Jaxson motions for him to bring them inside. The man walks past us not even batting an eye at me. Maybe he’s seen far more girls in this room than just me.

  “Anything else, boss?” the man turns to face Jax. I watch the subtle exchange and wonder what exactly Jax does to have people waiting on him like this.

  “That’s all for now. Thank you, Dustin.” The man nods his head before turning on his designer heel and walking out of the room.

  “Why am I here?” I wring my hands in front of me while I wait for him to answer. Judging by the look on his face I won’t be getting the answers I seek.

  “Dinner will be ready shortly. Change and don’t be late. You won’t like the outcome.” The iciness in his tone causes me to shrink into myself. Jaxson turns and leaves the room leaving me to my own doubts. What have I done to deserve this? What is my world coming to? I reach for my bag unsure of what I’m supposed to be wearing. I glance down at the jeans and t-shirt that I threw on earlier.

  Sitting on the edge of the bed, I sigh. Why should I make it easier on him? If he’s going to ruin my life why can’t I make his a living hell? I glance around the room and take it all in. There are lavenders of different shades. The curtains are darker clearly for blocking out any kind of light from the room. The small lamp on the bedside table is the only thing illuminating the room.

  It hardly looks like anything a man like Jaxson would have in his house. I shove off the bed with a new end goal in mind.

  If I’m going to be forced to stay in someone else’s home, I will make sure he hates every second of me being here.

  He can push me, I will push back.

  Chapter 11

  I walk the halls trying to find where I’m supposed to be. God, forbid I be late. I can’t believe that he threatened me. What exactly does he think he can do to me?

  “You look a little lost.” A deep voice comes from behind me. I jolt slightly, placing my hand over my chest.

  “You scared me.” The man walks toward me with his hands in the pockets of his dress pants much like Jaxson does. “Who are you?” I ask.

  “Forgive me. I’m Bryce.” He pulls his hand from his pocket, extending it to me. I take the step closer to him before taking his hand in mine. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” His voice is rough and has a sexy edge to it. Much like Jaxson, his eyes twinkle in the light.

  I glare into those eyes only to realize that they are the exact same color as Jaxson’s minus the golden specks.

  “Where is it you were headed?” He asks pulling my gaze away from him. He’s just as magnetic as Jaxson but that air of danger dances around him as well.

  “To dinner.” The words barely come out of mouth. Bryce smiles revealing his perfect smile. The only similarities in him and Jaxson is the color of their eyes and the dark shaggy hair, not to mention the roughness the both exude.

  “Then allow me to escort you.” He bends his arm waiting for me to slide mine through. When I don’t he leans down and whispers in my ear, “I don’t bite on the first date.” His tone sends a chill down my spine. He’s a man that you don’t say no to, that much is evident.

  I give in and slide my arm through his. He straightens his back as he walks us through the maze of halls. I watch everything as we make our way around trying to make a mental note of where everything is. We come out into an extremely large living room that takes my breath away. The dark colors that are splattered around the room all accentuate the oversized fireplace.

  “It’s immaculate, isn’t it?” I hadn’t even noticed that we stopped walking when Bryce’s voice tugs at me. I turn my head and look up into those gorgeous eyes.

  “It’s beyond beautiful.” I say.

  “I thought I told you to change.” The dark voice seeps its way into my being. Bryce just grins. He turns us to face Jaxson and the air is sucked from my lungs.

  Jaxson stands there with a glass of some amber liquid with his dress shirt unbuttoned revealing his
hard, tanned chest.

  Between the two of these men in this room, the air thickens and my heart kicks up a notch.

  Chapter 12

  He moves his wrist causing the liquid to slosh around. His dress pants hang deliciously off his slim hips. Jaxson clears his throat. I pull my gaze back to his. The smoldering looks he’s giving me has me squeezing my thighs together.

  “Are you wet right now, Miss Dell?” His vile tone should turn my stomach but it doesn’t.

  “Why do you assume every woman gets wet for you, Jax?” Bryce still hasn’t released my arm and I’m not sure I want him to. My legs feel weak and my heart thuds loudly.

  “Look at her, brother. I can practically smell her from here. That soft sweet scent that tells me she’s ripe for the taking.” Bryce’s arm tightens around mine. Jaxson takes a step toward us, his eyes dancing over my body. Why does my body betray me? Why is it responding to a man that kidnapped me?

  “You’re late, little puppet.” Jaxson’s fingers lift my chin forcing me to look him in the eyes. The air is thick around the three of us.

  “I warned you of what would happen if you were late.” His hand slides from my chin gently down my throat, over my stomach and stopping right at the waistband on my jeans.

  Bryce’s breathing matches my own. It’s harsh and sporadic. Is it really turning him on that his brother is doing this to me?

  Jaxson slides his hand into my jeans touching me just over panties. He grins at me before he says, “Just like I knew they would be. Soaking wet.”

  His fingers move slowly, stroking me in ways that I’ve never felt in my life. A searing heat coils in my stomach even though I should be repulsed. He is vile. I try to close down the way my body is betraying me in this moment. Jaxson has me panting with need when he quickly pulls his hand away. The slight cry that escapes me doesn’t go unnoticed by either of them. This isn’t a man to want. This is a man to fear and run as far as you can away from.