Prisoned Series Box Set

by Marni Mann

“Yeah,” I replied, “that’s me.”

  The door buzzed and unlatched, and I stepped inside. The place was just how I’d assumed it would be—small with expensive-looking furniture and art. Layla had to play the part, and she did it well.

  “Mr. Beard, I’m Sabrina.”

  The receptionist stood and reached forward to shake my hand. She wore a low-cut top, and the movement caused her left tit to almost pop out. Something told me it’d happened on purpose. Fuck, didn’t I like it.

  “Can I get you anything to drink?”

  Sabrina and Layla could have been sisters. Both had pretty faces, decent-sized tits, and bodies that had just the right amount of thickness, giving me the curves I craved on a woman. But Sabrina wasn’t a lesbian. I knew that from the way she was gawking at me. There wasn’t any man-hate in those eyes. Just need. Hunger. A desire for her to come right on top of her fucking desk.

  “Drop the Mr. It’s just Beard, darlin’.”

  Her hand stayed in mine for much longer than it needed to.

  “And I’m not thirsty…for water.”

  “Are you sure? I’m positive we have something here that can quench that tongue of yours.”

  “Nah, I’m—”

  “Beard,” Layla said, interrupting me as she came into the room, “thanks for driving all this way.”

  Her office wasn’t far from where I lived. But I wasn’t going to tell her that. That was the kind of answer she was looking for, so she could find out more information on me.

  “Not a problem,” I said.

  “You’ve met Sabrina?” Layla asked, leaning on Sabrina’s desk and smiling.

  “I have.”

  “Good. Then, come with me.”

  Sabrina waved at me as I followed Layla into her office. It was the only door off the reception area, and this room was even smaller than the last one. Layla took a seat behind her desk, and I picked the chair with the most pillows.

  “I see you like to surround yourself with beautiful women,” I said.

  She crossed her legs, making a point to show me a peek of her thigh before pulling down her skirt. “I love pussy. So, why wouldn’t I want to be surrounded by the most beautiful cunts?”

  I liked it when women weren’t afraid of that word.

  “We have that in common,” I said.

  She nodded toward the door. “Help yourself to that one. She isn’t off-limits.”

  “That isn’t as much fun.”

  “You like the challenge, Beard?”

  If I didn’t know she was a lesbian, I’d think she was flirting with me. But still, I liked the verbal game we were playing. Games like this typically led to fucking. And fucking was what I ultimately wanted anyway.

  “Don’t we all?” I answered. I leaned back in my chair, crossing my boot over my knee. “Layla, I’m not here for pussy. Not yours, not Sabrina’s. That’s one thing I don’t have a problem finding. What I can’t find are cash deals. So, let’s talk business.”

  Her hands went on top of her desk, and she rubbed them together, as though she were massaging them. “I don’t know what you’re looking for specifically. You didn’t even drop a hint. So, for today, I made an appointment with one of my…” She paused. “Greener clients. We can start with him. If you want to invest, great. If you want to see more, you just let me know.”

  “I’ll drive.”

  “Before we leave, I’m going to need you to sign some paperwork.”

  I’d anticipated this. Had she not produced any documents for me to sign, I would have been concerned. She had to protect her clients. I was sure the stack she set in front of me was just the start of it.

  “Give me a pen,” I said.

  Layla took me around the back of the two-story warehouse, and we climbed the metal stairs to the second level. There was only one staircase back here that led to one door, and she was knocking on it.

  This place was less than a mile from PortMiami, one of the largest hubs for drugs, arms, and illegal immigrants. I wondered which one of those was waiting for me on the other side of this door.

  The lock unlatched, and a man walked out. “Layla,” the guy said, “good to see you.”

  He had dreadlocks. A beard as thick as mine. And a fucking tie-dye T-shirt.

  I didn’t have to wonder. I already knew why we were here and what product he was selling.

  “Yerem,” Layla said, “it’s good to see you, my friend.” They kissed each other’s cheeks. “Meet Beard.”

  He nodded at me. “Beard, good to meet you, my man. Come on in and see our operation.”

  We stayed on the same metal platform, but now, the door was closed behind us, and the view allowed us to see the whole interior of the warehouse. The massive space was one giant grow house. Thousands of plants had to be down there along with a heavy-duty lighting system, air ducts that twisted through the open rafters, and an irrigation system that looked more technical than a cockpit.

  It was a stoner’s wet dream.

  “You want a tour?” Yerem asked.

  Even from up here, I could smell how rich the bud was. “Can I get a sample first?”

  The hippie smiled, pulling out a joint from behind his ear. “Yeah, man.” He handed me a lighter. “Fire it up.”

  I stuck the open end in my mouth and sucked hard while I lit the other side. Yerem knew how to roll a sick joint. Not too tight that I couldn’t pull any smoke through, but tight enough that it didn’t fall apart in my hand.

  It only took a few hits before the tingles started. They were in my chest, flickering like the ends of a live wire. The weed in Venezuela was real good. It would give me that cloudy feeling where I could shut off everything but the screams. But this bud wasn’t like that. It was a body high, and the numbness traveled to my hands. Even my fucking toes.

  “What is this shit?” I asked, watching the joint roll between my fingers, taking a good look at it.

  “It’s a substrain I’ve been working on,” Yerem said. “It can help patients with Parkinson’s and MS—muscular-related diseases where they’re in pain and their bodies tremor. Whatcha think, man?”

  Layla shook her head when I offered her a hit, so I took another puff before passing it to Yerem.

  “Never had anything like it.” I blew out a thick cloud and coughed. “You guys just focus on medicinal here?”

  “We do edibles, too. We have a whole kitchen around the side of the building where we make everything from candy to cereal.” He didn’t cough. He didn’t exhale either. He took a hit, followed by another. “It’s gonna be a while before we pass recreational use here in Florida. When we do, we’ll be ready. In the meantime, we’re focused on medicinal.”

  I held on to the banister and looked down at the employees. They stood in the rows of plants—some trimming the leaves, others spraying them. I counted at least fifteen people.

  “Layla,” I said, turning around to face her, “can I talk to you for a second?”

  “Stay up here,” Yerem said. “When you guys are ready, I’ll meet you at the bottom of the stairs.”

  I waited for him to reach the ground before I said, “This grow house is no joke.”

  “No, but I believe it could be an excellent investment for you. Florida’s legislature is on the conservative side. As you know, medicinal even had a hard time getting passed. But Yerem is hopeful about the recreational side of the business, and fortunately, this place can still thrive whether it gets passed or not.”

  I thought I knew the answer, but I asked anyway, “How much of this is sold outside of a dispensary?”

  She moved to the railing, holding it not far from where my hands gripped it. “Right now, about forty percent. That’ll change once it’s approved.”

  If it got approved.

  Selling it street-level was where the money was at. Once the state got involved, whenever that happened to be, there would be so much fucking red tape. So many eyes on the business.

  And that meant too many eyes on me.

&nb
sp; Eyes that could follow me to Venezuela.

  “I can’t do it, Layla. Not this one.”

  “Not a problem. I have lots of other options for you. I want you to see everything that’s out there before you make a decision.” The side of her hand touched mine. “But I have to ask, so I know where to lead you next, what’s the reason for your hesitation?”

  “Shit’s still too new. We’d be under a microscope.” I put my lips not too far from her ear. “The only time I like to be watched is when I fuck.”

  “I’m sure you put on quite the show.” Her voice softened, the professional edge gone. She went down the first step and looked over her shoulder at me. “Wait for me outside. I’m going to let Yerem know.”

  I opened the door and climbed down the steps. My feet were so fucking heavy, and I could barely feel my legs. And, shit, Miami was hot. I didn’t like the heat or this much sun. Especially not the way it beat on my shaved head. There was always a strong breeze on Margarita Island. I just didn’t get to feel it as much as I wanted. Not when I spent most of my time in the basement and the rest of it in the dark.

  Once I got in my car, I cranked the music and the AC. My head pushed against the cushion behind it, and I closed my eyes. My cotton mouth was out of control. I needed something cold and wet. Something that would coat my throat and soak my lips.

  The passenger door opened, and Layla slid in. If she were into dick, my face would be buried between her legs, lapping the wetness before it soaked into her panties.

  “I have to make a few calls, but I can probably get something else lined up today. And I’ll have a full day for us tomorrow.”

  I started the car and drove west.

  “My office is in the other direction.”

  “We’re not going to your office.” I turned at the light, making sure to stay within ten of the speed limit.

  “We’re going to your place?”

  I glanced at her. Still no sign that she wanted me.

  “Nah, not there either,” I said.

  I took a few more turns and pulled into a lot, shifting into park and shutting off the engine. “You got me high, Layla, and now, you have to feed me.”

  “What is this place?”

  “It’s the best Cuban restaurant in Miami.”

  “I need to make a phone call if you want—”

  I put my finger against her lips, the gloss sticking to my skin. “Food first. Business later.”

  Five

  Tyler

  Six Years Ago

  This mysterious dark-haired woman was waiting for me to give her an answer. Was I interested in the ways she could help me? Or did I want to walk away and never see her again?

  What confused me was why she thought I needed help. Something told me she would give me that answer soon.

  I was intrigued to hear it.

  If I didn’t like what she had to say, I’d just walk away.

  I had nothing to lose.

  “Do you want to hear what I can do for you, Tyler?”

  Her accent was enchanting. Not too thick where her words ran together, but just enough that it made her even more exotic. I hadn’t heard any accents in my small town in Kansas, but I’d heard several here in San Diego. None were quite as alluring as hers.

  “Yes,” I finally said, “I want to hear more.”

  She smiled, showing perfectly straight teeth that were white as snow. “I was hoping you’d say that. I have plans for you, and I want to get started right away.”

  “What kind of plans?” My chest suddenly felt so heavy.

  I couldn’t imagine taking on more in addition to my schoolwork and my job at the campus coffee shop.

  “It’s a job.”

  I shook my head. “Not interested.”

  She put her hand on mine, stopping me from getting up. “What if I said you could pay for your tuition in cash, and you wouldn’t have to maintain a high GPA anymore because you wouldn’t need that scholarship?” Her smile widened. “Do I have your attention now?”

  She released my fingers, so I rested my elbow on the back of the couch, holding my chin with the palm of my other hand. “Maybe.”

  “If you work for me, Tyler, you can have anything you ever wanted. Anything you ever dreamed of. You’ll have more money than you know what to do with.”

  Nothing was that easy. There had to be a catch, and I had a feeling it had something to do with spreading my legs.

  “You’re asking me to sell my body. I knew that was what Wynter was doing. No way in hell would I ever—”

  Her laugh cut me off. “No, baby. This job has nothing to do with your body.” Her stare left me and moved to the other side of the room. “Do you see that man over there? The one in the dark gray suit?”

  I followed her gaze. “Yes.”

  “He has a two-hundred-thousand-dollar limit on his credit card, and tonight, he’s going to spend almost half of it on Wynter.”

  I searched her eyes for an answer, but they told me nothing. “How do you know that?”

  “It’s my job to know.” She nodded again toward the man. “Watch.”

  As if she had been called, Wynter suddenly appeared at the man’s side. She was full of smiles and sensual giggles, and she handed him a drink. I couldn’t hear anything he said, but his body language told me he was charmed by her.

  Her flirting grew thicker.

  She shifted her hair to reveal more of her neck, arching her back to tighten the top of her dress. She’d touch the lapels of his suit every few seconds to make sure his attention never left her.

  “She’s not going to sleep with him?” I asked.

  “No. She’s not even going to kiss him.”

  I couldn’t believe what this woman was saying because anyone looking at Wynter and this man would think they were seconds away from making out. Wynter appeared so happy; he was just as smitten.

  A kiss was going to happen.

  And, just when I thought I was seconds away from being right, Wynter’s hand grabbed his, and she led him toward a door in the back of the room. The two of them then disappeared behind it.

  “Where are they going?” I turned toward the woman. “I know I’m right. I know—”

  “Tyler”—her expression became so serious—“besides holding his hand, Wynter will not touch him. She’s not allowed to. None of my girls are. We don’t leave marks. We don’t leave DNA. We especially don’t get attached.”

  “So, what is she going to do?”

  She continued to gaze at me, her eyes never leaving my face. “If you want to be a part of this, I need to know right now. I’m not going to give you time to think about it. I’m not going to give you all the details. All I’m going to tell you is, you will never give anyone your body. You’ll have everything you want and more money than you’ll ever need. We will take care of you. All of us. We’re a family, Tyler, and everyone is equal. We don’t play favorites. We love unconditionally. And we will love you.”

  I didn’t know what that felt like.

  I had a family. Four brothers, a mom, and a dad, and none of them gave a shit about me. I was nothing but a shadow in that house, and no one ever looked over their shoulder to see me. Even when I had rebelled, doing things I hoped would get me in trouble, I hadn’t been grounded. No one cared enough to punish me. To yell at me. To even notice where the hell I was.

  “What’s the downside?” I asked. “There has to be one.”

  I found myself holding my breath as I waited for her answer.

  “When you need something, you come to me and my team. You don’t go to your family or your friends. Not ever. You will never trust anyone but us. What happens within our family stays within our family. You can never mention what we do or what you do.” She tilted my chin up, so our stare deepened. “Your life is going to change, Tyler. But, I promise, it’s going to change for the better.”

  I sensed that she knew how strained my relationship was with my family. That when I’d left Kansas, I’d left all of my fri
ends behind and that Wynter was the only person in my life now.

  I didn’t have much to give up.

  I wasn’t worth more than a bunch of textbooks, a few outfits, and a bottle of cheap shampoo.

  This woman was promising change.

  Having more than two pairs of jeans would change my life. But I wanted more than that. More than the materialistic things. I wanted love. Acceptance. I wanted to feel like I belonged to something.

  “I want in.”

  She clasped her hand around my fingers, and I felt her nails on my skin. Their pointed tips. The roughness of the rhinestones. Then, the warmth of her smile traveled all the way down to my belly.

  “Welcome to The Achurdy, baby.”

  “The Achurdy?”

  Her eyes gleamed. “Soon, we’ll explain everything to you. But, first, we’re going to celebrate.” She grabbed one of the bottles off the table, poured some vodka into two glasses, and added a few ice cubes. When she handed one to me, she clinked hers against it. “To a long, rich relationship, Tyler.”

  I took a sip. It was so strong, it made my throat burn and my eyes water. “I still don’t know what I should call you.”

  “Mina,” she said. “Call me Mina.”

  Six

  Beard

  Layla had taken me to look at four more companies. They would all be good investments, and I was sure I would see a return on them. They just didn’t interest me. I was looking for a rush. I didn’t get that from a strip club or guns or weed. I sure as hell didn’t get that from a manufacturing plant. Once we left the plant, Layla said she had one more business to show me before I headed back to Venezuela in the morning. To see it, I had to go to her condo. She gave me her address and told me to come over at eight.

  Her building was on South Beach. It was too far of a walk from where I was staying in downtown Miami, so I used one of those transportation apps and got dropped off right in front of her lobby. The doorman took my name and escorted me to the elevator, hitting the number six for me, like I wasn’t able to fucking read.