by Erin Trejo
Chapter 19
I’ve been alone for a week. A whole week that Jaxson hasn’t been here. I haven’t seen Bryce either. Beverly is the only person that I’ve seen that I actually talk to. There are men scattered around the house but Beverly says they are just here for security purposes. I suppose if I owned a place like this I wouldn’t want anyone intruding either.
I wander the hallways much like I have in the last week exploring everything. I never knew a man like Jaxson would have so much magnificent artwork displayed throughout his home.
I stop at the door at the end of the hallway that I’ve never been down before. I pull it open and find a brightly lit winding staircase. With a quick glance, around to see if anyone notices me, I step through the door. It’s almost like a fairytale. The first thing that comes to mind is Alice in wonderland. Maybe this is my fall down the rabbit hole.
I descend the stairs quickly with my heart thudding in my chest. I don’t know what to expect but when I set foot on the cool tiles of the floor, I gasp. The floorplan is open. Off to the left there’s what appears to be a dancefloor with DJ booth. What the hell kind of place is this? He doesn’t have to leave the house if he doesn’t want to. Hell, I wouldn’t!
I walk further into the room and see a small sign that says theater. I risk the chance and walk inside to find six plush chairs all situated in front of a large screen. I run my fingers over the softness of the suede chair and marvel at the whole thing.
“What kind of place is this?” I ramble to myself. I step back out into the hallway and continue my exploration further in.
The distinct smell of chlorine hits my nose. A small smile erupts across my face when I push through the last door.
“Oh, my god.” Inside is a massive swimming pool with underwater lights. The fountain in the middle is what catches my eye. Placed right in the center, it sprays up at least ten feet into the air with swirling colors beneath it. It’s magical.
I walk the surface next to the pool when a thought occurs to me. No one is here. I don’t have a suit though.
Taking another look around, what difference does it make? Beverly said that Jaxson wants me to take advantage of whatever the house has to offer. I can only assume that’s the pool as well.
With a grin on my face, I strip down and climb into the warmth. I sigh as I let it all sink in.
The warm water, the majestic water piece in the middle. It’s amazing.
But in my heart, I know it’s a part of my fall.
Chapter 20
“I see you’re making good use of my assets.” His voice startles me. I slide off the raft that I was floating contently on and into the water. When I spin around, his heated gaze collides with mine.
“I didn’t know anyone was here.” I swim back slightly, trying to keep my distance from him.
“I can see that.” There’s a lust in his eyes, a heat that’s undeniable.
“You’re shaking, little puppet.” I didn’t realize I was until he said so. I move closer to the edge of the pool when Jaxson moves closer. Is he naked? Holy shit! I can see his rock-hard dick through the water. I try not to focus on it but it’s right there for anyone to see.
“Why do you keep calling me that? Little puppet?” Yeah, change the subject. That’s what I need to do.
Jaxson eyes me intently before moving even closer. The water drips from his shoulders so deliciously.
“That’s what you are, isn’t it? My puppet?” He cocks his head as he looks at me. I don’t know what he means by that. I begin to shake my head when he’s in front of me. Only a breath apart.
“Oh, but you are. You’re my puppet. I pull the strings. I make you dance when I want you to. I can make you fly if the mood is right. You are my puppet to play with as I choose.” I swallow hard as I watch his eyes move from my lips back to meet my gaze.
“I don’t belong to you.” The words tumble out. His eyes widen and I wonder what I just got myself into. That fire that dances around the golden specks sparks higher and higher with every blink of his eyes.
“No, you don’t. In time, you will belong to someone though. Although that won’t stop me from enjoying you while I can.” His hands come out of the water and land on my shoulders. I jolt a little from feeling him so close to me.
“Are you afraid of what I may do to you, little puppet?” His voice is nearly a whisper. Should I be afraid? Is that what he wants from me? He wants me scared?
“No.”
“I like the defiance in you. It does something to me.” Inching closer, I can feel his dick against my stomach. Trembles run through me.
Jaxson’s hands move slowly down my arms and then back up.
“No, wasn’t the correct answer, Jade. Turn around.” The growl is enough for me to know he isn’t playing right now.
I spin around quickly almost glad that I don’t have to face him when he violates me. That is what he’s about to do isn’t it? He’s going to use me for what he wants.
“You’re so small. Delicate even.” His breath tickles my skin. His warmth is overwhelming. His hands slide down gripping my waist before he lifts me out of the water. He places me on the edge of the pool on my stomach. My legs still hang in the water.
The cold tiles below me harden my nipples making my insides quiver.
“Such a beautiful sight to see.”
Chapter 21
His hands quickly glide over my ass before spreading my cheeks apart. My whole-body tenses awaiting what’s surely to come.
“You’re just going to rape me?” It comes out as cry. I know what’s coming but I don’t know why I feel like I need to ask. Do I really need the confirmation?
Jaxson is silent behind me. His fingers run a line down my back, between my cheeks until he finds my clit. The soft stroke sends a jolt of electricity through my body. I suck in a breath before he does it again. He circles my clit so slowly that I press myself back against him, needing to feel him.
“Rape would involve my dick sliding between these sweet pussy lips. That would mean I’d have to take your virginity and though the thought has crossed my mind, you aren’t my type.” His cold words seep into me. I’m not his type? Then what is he doing touching me?
I’m about to ask when his tongue replaces his finger. My body nearly jolts off the floor. His tongue dances in such a sweet harmony with my body. I find myself lifting my hips to give him better access to me.
His hands mold to my ass, kneading and squeezing as his tongue drives me higher. Just when I feel like I am going to explode, he stops.
“Jax!” I cry out breathlessly. He grabs my hips quickly flipping me onto my back.
“Sit up.” He demands. I sit up and look down at him as water drips from his hair to his shoulders. He’s fucking perfection. He’s a monster made of beauty. How is that possible? What kind of sick god would allow that to happen?
“You close your eyes, you turn away from me, I will stop.” I gasp when his hands part my thighs. I watch the look in his eyes. He looks at my pussy like it’s the best meal he’s ever had.
“This is going to be fun.” He dips his head between my legs. His teeth pull at my clit. My body arches, the need to close my eyes is overwhelming. I don’t do it though. I need this. I need the release but even more I need to feel.
I feel like I’m a caged bird. If only I could spread my wings I could fly. If the gate wasn’t locked I could soar away. I’m being kept as his puppet. A way of controlling torture. He looks at me like an object, the bird. He only takes me out of my cage to hear me sing and then I’m tossed back into the darkness that holds so many nightmares.
I watch his eyes as he gazes up at me. His tongue works so hard, bringing me to the edge. When I’m close, I reach down, gripping the edge of the pool. The cool tiles scratching my hands but I can’t let it go. If I do I’ll fall into a place that I was never meant to be.
His eyes glow with danger as he flicks over my clit one last time. My whole body erupts in a heat that was coiled insid
e of me. I explode around his tongue as he moans and takes everything I have to give.
When he’s finished, he runs his fingers through the wetness before bringing them to his lips. He sucks his finger while gripping his dick with the other hand.
He strokes himself as his breathing picks up, becomes faster.
I watch as he cums under the water, strings of him floating out in front of him.
“Fuck!” He growls.
Chapter 22
We all sit awkwardly at the dinner table. Bryce has finally returned but the silence is almost eerie. I pick at my food but don’t really eat. It’s a strange feeling to have two powerful men at the table picking away at their salads. It isn’t what I would have pictured in my head.
Bryce breaks the silence when he says, “Devin wanted her at tonight’s auction.” I try not to look at Jaxson but when I see the fork stop out of the corner of my eye, I do. His face has hardened, he’s tense.
“I don’t believe I asked Devin what he wanted. I will bring her when the main auction is held. Until then she remains where she is.” His jaw tics. I can see if from here. I risk a glance at Bryce but his focus is on Jax.
“You’re going to start trouble for us. Not following protocol isn’t going to end well for anyone involved.” Bryce’s voice is firm but so is Jaxson’s resolve.
He clasps his hands in front of him, resting his elbows on the table. He leans forward slightly glaring daggers at Bryce.
“Trouble? Isn’t that what I always have? Devin is in no position to tell me how to handle my assets. In fact, he should be thanking me that I’m actually going to let him auction her off and not pick a suiter myself.” Auction?
“I’m the asset.” It suddenly occurs to me that they are talking about me. I’m to be auctioned? What kind of auction? Is that legal? Of course, it’s not! This is Jaxson Murphy we’re talking about here. Nothing he does it legal. He kidnapped me. Killed Don.
“So, you caught on.” His tone is hard and harsh. Solid.
“Why are you doing this to me?” I look to him for answers I’m sure I won’t receive. I have to try though. I have to know what I did to become his asset.
“Why? Because you are an asset. You were part of a deal that was made many years ago.” I shake my head trying to piece this together but I come up blank.
“I don’t understand.” I whisper. Bryce laughs a hearty laugh before shoving out of his chair. He looks to Jax, an evil glint in his beautiful eyes.
“She isn’t yours to make decisions with. She was part of my deal, not yours.” The standoff is becoming heated. I want to curl into myself and never come back out.
“Your deal? You mean the one our father orchestrated? The one that was passed to me when I was put in charge? Why do you think he didn’t give you this empire?” Jaxson’s tone is calm. Almost too calm.
But you know what they say. There’s always a calm before the storm.
And that storm will come.
Chapter 23
Jaxson’s on his feet now. I sit in silence watching the showdown between them.
It’s heated. It’s evil and it’s downright frightening.
The danger that radiates from the two of them would send a normal person running for their lives. I’m not normal. I’m imprisoned by the two of them and anything they say could be a clue to why I’m here.
“You know as well as I do that it should have come to me!” Bryce’s voice roars.
Jaxson slides his hands into his pockets and glares at him. “Do you know why it didn’t come to you? Do you know why father left it all to me? You’re weak. You are the weak link, Bryce. You are too presumptuous. You act before you think much like you’re trying to do now.” Bryce’s nostrils flare. His muscle cord even tighter than they were before.
“That deal was mine! For the last ten years, she has been mine!” What is he talking about? He can’t be referring to me. I was only ten, ten years ago. I wasn’t an adult and I surely wasn’t in the position to be part of any kind of deal.
“Was she?” Jaxson taunts him. “Were you licking her sweet pussy until she cried out your name?” Bryce’s breathing becomes labored. His chest rises and falls rapidly. His hands clench at his sides.
“You just fucked up.” He points at Jax. Before I can even blink, Bryce takes a step toward Jax. His hand pulls back, his fist slamming into Jaxson’s face. He doesn’t move. He didn’t even sway.
Jaxson laughs before Bryce takes another swing. The two of them throw blows. I shove out of my chair and take a step back. My heart hammers inside of me. Jax picks Bryce up, slamming him onto the table in front of me.
My eyes widen when I see other men rushing in. They pull the guys apart but I can see the blood from here. They are both panting and out of breath.
“You have crossed a line, Jaxson! You were never supposed to touch her! Now what of the auction? Huh? She’s not a virgin anymore!” Bryce screams as my cheeks heat.
“Isn’t she? Did I say I fucked her? Did I say that I took the one thing that can never be restored? I told you, you react before you think, Bryce!” Jaxson’s eyes dance over to meet mine. He can sense the fear. He has to be able to. My body shakes. I wrap my arms around myself.
“Go to your room, little puppet.” His snarl is punitive.
I take a step back slamming into something hard. Or I should say someone.
Hands land on my shoulders, steadying me.
“Looks like the little virgin has caused a rift between you two.” I glance over my shoulder to see a tall well-built man with blonde hair. His eyes are some of the greenest I’ve ever seen.
“How nice of you to drop by, Devin.”
Chapter 24
A stark reality shakes my core. This is the man they have been talking about all night. The one that wants to auction me off to the highest bidder.
“Such a tiny thing, isn’t she? I thought she’d be taller.” Devin talks as though I’m not even standing here. His fingers gently massaging my shoulders. My stomach churns and clenches.
“You can remove your hands from her now.” Jaxson reaches over and grabs a bottle of Bourbon and a glass. His eyes shoot back to us.
“Does it bother you that I’m touching her? You know I could win the bid.” Tremors run up my spine. He wouldn’t, would he? I look to Jaxson for help but the cocky smirk on his face tells me I’m alone in this.
“It would be a conflict of interest.” Jax flips his hand in the air as if to dismiss the idea. “Besides, she holds no interest to you.”
Bile sneaks into my throat. I want to run but where? Where could I go? I can’t get out of this house.
“A Dell virgin? That holds interest to many people. Myself included.” I’m so confused. I don’t understand any of this. How does he know that I’m a Dell? Did he know my family? He couldn’t have. He can’t be that much older than I am.
“Oh, come on, Devin. You can pick up a virgin off the street whenever you want. Dell’s have nothing to do with you.” Jaxson swallows a big gulp of Bourbon before pouring another glass.
“Don’t they? I seem to recall when my deal was made so was Devin’s.” Bryce decides to chime in. Devin’s hands don’t move from my shoulders. In fact, they tighten even more. I cut my gaze to Jax’s eyes. A silent plea for help. He doesn’t look like he cares though. He doesn’t. Why would he? He’s the one that kidnapped me. The one that’s going to sell me.
“Bryce, that was a bullshit deal and you know it. Devin’s father took his percentage long ago. That had nothing to do with Miss Dell.” Jaxson’s tone is matter of fact. Whatever this is they are discussing, he clearly has all his facts straight.
“Doesn’t change the facts.” Devin speaks behind me. I can see Jaxson’s jaw tighten, grinding his teeth. “What are the facts, Devin? Do enlighten us all.” He snarls.
“The fact that Harvey made side deals. The fact that I was a willing participant in those dealings. I have all paperwork.” Harvey? What does Harvey have to do with this?
>
“I would assume you brought that paperwork with you. After all, I am a business man.” Devin’s hands clench my shoulders harder. Painfully.
“I came to collect.” He growls. A tear slips from my eye at the pain that he’s inflicting on me. Jax notices.
“Take your goddamn hands off her now or you won’t be around to collect anything.”
Chapter 25
If there was ever a time that I wanted to hug, Jax, it would be right now. His eyes tell a story that Devin can read. His hands quickly release me. Jax motions for me to come to him, which I do. He places his hand on my shoulder, a gentle touch in contrast to Devin’s.
“We all paid a price for our father’s. Their sins have in turn become ours. Miss Dell has her own sins to account for. Her father left her to a mess that she wasn’t in a place to handle when that deal was made. The truth is, she hasn’t a clue as to what is happening at this very moment. You come here staking a claim to her but Harvey’s deal is voided by my father’s.” Jaxson’s hand never moves. It stays in its place on my shoulder as a small shudder races through my body.
I don’t remember much of my father and mother. They died when I was ten. The things I do remember are minor. I remember people coming to the house all the time. All hours of the night. I never knew who they were but I know my father was a business man. A well-known one at that. His dealings weren’t illegal as far as I know. He did right by his family, or so I thought.
“We’ll see about that. Have her at the Palace at nine.” Devin’s hands remain clenched before he turns on his heel and walks out. I let out a breath of relief.
“Thank you.” I look over my shoulder at Jax. His eyes soften for only a moment. That hardened man that kidnapped me comes back into focus.
“Don’t thank me. I’m protecting myself here, not you.” His hands gone as quickly as it was there. Jax pours another glass of Bourbon. Bryce stands there seething with rage and anger.
