With Ties that Bind: A Broken Bonds Novel, Book Two

by Trisha Wolfe

  Gannet inclines his head to us in greeting as he stretches out along the couch, then he waves his hand in a quick flick to the women. “Give us a show,” he orders. Then to Carson, he leans his head near and says, “I can rarely bring myself to share my sub—” his dark eyes devour the blonde “—but when in Rome, right?” He turns a jeering smile on Carson, but his hungry gaze flits to me.

  A shiver crawls along my skin. I focus on keeping my gaze sealed on the women as they begin to fondle and caress. The blonde, Gannet’s sub, adorns the same diamond encrusted bird pendant around her neck I’ve seen on Alexis.

  “She belongs to me,” Carson says, a dark note in his voice. “I don’t share. Ever.”

  He’s been instructed well on how to handle this particular situation. But, I don’t think we took the partners into consideration when formulating this tactic. I tug at my collar, and remembering the camera, force my hand to my lap.

  “I see,” Gannet says, returning his attention to the two women who are aggressively touching and kissing… “However, for this special event, we’ve all had to make a few sacrifices, you see. I strongly encourage you to play by the rules and allow your beauty to explore the festivities.”

  A hint of familiarity barbs my mind. Alexis said a similar thing to me in the elevator and now, Gannet’s warning rings clear. Carson and I don’t belong. We sure as hell don’t understand the rules. Was Alexis forewarning me? If so, why be so cryptic?

  Panic threads my spine as I gather my nerve. I lower my gaze and face Carson. “If it will please you, Master.”

  Gannet laughs. “Oh, unleash the girl. Let her play. I assure you, you’ll be greatly rewarded for your trust.” His eyes narrow on Carson.

  A hiss of static sounds in my ear. “Carson, Avery’s right. You’re being tested,” Sadie says. “Order Avery to join in—but not to undress. It’s the only way to compromise and show your gratitude for being selected to the partners.”

  Carson bends forward and picks up his flute. He takes a long swig before he sets it back down. “I find myself feeling rather grateful this evening,” he says to Gannet. “And of course, I’m inclined to show that gratitude.”

  “All right. Good,” Sadie encourages, then the link cuts off, silent once again.

  “Salina,” Carson addresses me by my crafted identity. “Stand and join Tanja and Gannet’s lovely morsel in some entertaining play for us all.” He reaches over and grasps my chin, forcing my gaze to meet his. “But, you will not remove your dress.”

  As much as I’ve been coached, it’s still difficult to enact this role. I swallow, knowing my nerves are at least helping me appear the demur and devout submissive I’ve been prepped to be. “Yes, Master.”

  I can do this. I control my body. No one is taking, no one is forcing. Mindset is everything. Gannet is not Wells. These men—though as vile as they are—are not Wells. I continue to mentally prepare myself as I stand.

  The full scenic view impacts me, and my breath stutters. Debauchery at its finest fills the penthouse. It’s a shock to my system, but it’s not appalling. There’s a delicate texture threading the air, vibrating, tantalizing. And once I accept this fiction, I slip into the character of Salina willingly.

  Two sections over, a couple has sex openly on top of a table. The man thrusts into the bronzed woman unguarded, uninhibited. All around me hands paw and eyes watch. The sharp whip of leather meets flesh, stinging the air. It ignites my senses, and when Tanja presses her body against mine, my skin blazes.

  I don’t look at Carson as her hands roam along my hips, down to my thighs, though I can feel his eyes on me. And I know this is part of the mission. But I desperately wish he’d look away as the naked woman behind me suddenly kisses my neck.

  “Not on the mouth, Lila,” Gannet chastises his sub. “I have my rules, too.” He directs this comment to Carson, and then I’m acutely aware of both men watching the scene unfold before them.

  Tanja tugs at my satin dress, yanking it up my thigh. I let my hands caress her, feeling the silken, glittery oil coating her skin. I close my eyes, but that doesn’t prevent the others from seeing me on the monitors.

  Quinn.

  He’s watching me through Carson’s camera.

  The thought comes as a swift kick to my chest, awakening my trance. I could almost lose myself in this moment, allowing a dull glaze to coat my mind and feel removed. Or I could do as Alexis suggested: explore. Only the reality of my feelings for Quinn won’t let either happen.

  I belong to Quinn.

  “Your skin is so soft,” Tanja whispers in my ear, her tongue tasting my lobe. She positions my thigh against her hip, and I grip her shoulders, seeking balance. My foot finds purchase on the low marble table. “It’s too bad your Master won’t let you remove this.” She fondles the shoulder clasp of my dress. “But we can work around that.”

  The clasp comes loose and the strap slips down. My dress falls open, revealing my breast. “Oops,” she says, a deviant smile playing at her mouth.

  Gannet’s boisterous laugh spears me, and the shock of the girl’s yelp as he swats her ass covers my alarm. I snatch my strap and hastily refasten the clasp.

  “Can never train them completely,” Gannet remarks to Carson. “They love seeking punishments.” But really, he’s not put out at all by this. Rather, he looks delighted the woman tested Carson’s authority.

  Tanja wears a sultry pout on her lips, but she’s quick to move on, her fingers delicately kneading their way up my inner thigh as Lila pulls my shoulders back, reclining me against her chest. I feel the press of her nipples through the sheer satin material, then I’m jolted by the shock of Tanja’s fingers slipping my thong aside.

  She doesn’t stop there, and soon she’s pushing her slim fingers inside me while the other woman caresses my breasts. My whole body thrums with tension, and it’s impossible to relax. I’m going to blow this. They’re going to see right through me…

  “Don’t you fucking look away,” Quinn’s voice snaps in my ear.

  I startle, my gaze shoots to Carson—who is staring at the floor. He bends over to grab his champagne and whispers into his mic, “I can’t watch this. I can’t watch Avery—”

  “You’re going to get her hurt,” Quinn cuts in, his voice thick, grating. “Look at her, or I’ll beat the shit—”

  “Ten minutes until the auction commences, gentlemen.” It’s Larkin’s voice traveling through the penthouse, the announcement breaking into the feed. Relief is a wave crashing into me.

  “Well, then,” Gannet says. “Sorry to cut the show short, but my sub must tend to her Master now.”

  Furthering my relief, the blonde is suddenly gone. Gannet leads her by the wrist to the couch, and my bated breath springs free.

  Tanja pushes her mouth into another pout. “My time is up.” She turns to Carson and bows. “Are you sure I can be of no more service to you, Master?”

  But it’s Gannet who answers. “You can be of service to me.” He grasps her by the waist and hauls her over the couch, kicking her ass up toward him. He winks at Carson as he unbuckles his belt. “It’s not good to peruse the menu on an empty stomach, right?” He quotes Larkin’s speech with a slick smile slanting his mouth. “We all know the merchandise isn’t as fulfilling when we get it home.” He nods toward me. “Eat. Drink. Satisfy your urges so you make a wise purchase, my friend.”

  My eyes flick to Carson as Gannet proceeds to take Tanja right there. He’s doing a terrible job of masking his shock. This is not happening. I lower my foot from the table and slowly approach Carson, moving at a glacier’s pace. Waiting for Sadie or Colton or Quinn or God, even Jefferson, to come back with instructions on how to get out of this.

  Finally, Sadie says, “Just fake it.”

  I almost open my mouth to retort, a derisive laugh caught in my throat. Fake it.

  Fucking seriously?

  A quick sweep around the room captures the very not faking it happening all around us. “They’re all caught
up in the moment,” Sadie continues. “It’s dark. Just go with the motions.”

  Carson gives me a sure nod. “Come here,” he orders, sounding authoritative and much more confident than I feel.

  I watch as he eases his hips up and unbuckles his belt. He tugs his pants down just enough to reveal the blue boxer briefs beneath. He leaves those in place. Collecting what courage I have left, I hike my dress and straddle him without a second thought.

  His hand grasps the back of my neck and he brings me forward, resting my cheek against his. “Say the word, and we’re out,” he whispers.

  I can’t lie, as Gannet thrusts and grunts practically inches from me, brutally slamming his hips against Tanja as the blonde sucks on her breasts… Lemon is right on the tip of my tongue, ready to be spat out to end this humiliation.

  But those women. The victims.

  The ones waiting behind the scenes to be sold.

  I’ll never be able to look at myself in the mirror without hating what I see if I don’t go through with this. My actions in correcting the drug have sealed their fate to become a mindless, doped slave…and now, I can save them.

  “We’ve come too far,” I whisper in his ear as I undulate my hips, forcing all self-doubt to the back of my mind.

  “All right,” Carson says, doing his best to follow my lead. “Just don’t say come again.”

  A clatter sounds through my earpiece before the connection goes silent, and I just know it’s Quinn—I can feel him on the other side. Shit.

  As I lift up, I see it on Carson’s face; the fear of Quinn throttling him in his pinched eyes. I’m starting to feel bad for the guy. He’s here risking his life and career right along with the rest of us, and yet, he can’t win in this scenario.

  Either we fail and he loses everything, or we succeed…and Quinn rips him a new one. I’ll make sure to intercept Quinn before that happens.

  I catch Carson’s gaze and nod, urging him to stay focused on me. At this point, we’re the prudes. The damn prudish couple amid a sea of wicked, scandalous sex and sin. And we stick out like it.

  Taking the initiative, I ride Carson harder, faster, rocking my hips. I brace my hands against the couch and throw my head back, and shit—the clasp on my dress gives. The cool sensation of air greets my skin, and I’m only thankful for the dim lighting.

  When I look down at Carson, he’s staring at my stomach. I grab Carson’s hands and bring them to my breasts. We’re adults. They’re just boobs. We have to do something—anything to make this believable.

  And I guess it’s starting to work, because I feel Carson becoming aroused, growing hard beneath me. There’s an apology in his eyes, and I place my finger over his mouth to stop him from voicing it. Hell, there’s people all over having intense, right-out-of-a-porno sex. I don’t fault him for being turned on.

  For the first time, I’m not ashamed I have trouble in that department. Grinding against Carson doesn’t do it for me. Quinn has been the only person to excite me since I escaped my dungeon. Carson, however, doesn’t suffer my defect, and that’s clear as he becomes bold and takes over the perusal of my breasts.

  He pinches my nipples and thrusts his hips upward, grinding himself against me. “Jesus,” he hisses, then attempts to suppress a harsh groan.

  “Kiss me,” he says, and my eyes go wide. “Kiss me and this will be over.”

  One of his hands slips along the back of my neck, his fingers spearing into my hair, as he pulls me to him. His lips smash against mine, the impact nearly as stunning as the feel of his other hand sliding beneath my dress and seeking my ass. His fingers skim my sex and press against the fabric of my underwear…and then I feel his erection pulsing against me.

  Carson’s groan almost cancels out the blistering roar that crackles through the feed.

  Quinn’s shout jars us apart as the lights blink on. I pull my dress up and secure the strap over my shoulder. Then I press my mouth against his ear. “Quinn’s going to kill you.”

  Before I can move away, he holds me there. “I know. And I’m sorry, but that was the sexiest lap dance ever, and I couldn’t help myself.”

  I cut my eyes at him as I slip off his lap and adjust my dress. God knows this means nothing in the grand scheme of things. I’ve had to accept circumstances I never wanted to before. One of them being that our bodies react to stimuli even when our brains protest. I know this because Wells forced my body to deceive me despite my own will.

  But my sympathy for Carson’s precarious situation dissolved the moment his tongue pushed inside my mouth and his fingers stole a cheap grope. If I tell that to Quinn… Well, Carson would pretty much be a dead man walking.

  Gannet situates himself as the women toddle off to clean up. A disgusted feeling assaults my stomach, but luckily my attention is diverted as Larkin’s voice sounds out loud and clear.

  “And now, gentlemen, the main attraction.” The lights dim again, and one center spotlight winks on to showcase the platform. “All sales are finalized at the end of the auction. No returns, no trades. Let the bidding begin.”

  A large monitor descends from the ceiling above the stage, and I stumble back against the couch. Carson helps me find my seat. My heart lurches and threatens to burst through my chest wall at the sight of a young woman appearing on the screen.

  She only wears a black bra and underwear. A black bag covers her head. But I recognize the fresh mark on her upper thigh immediately. She’s been branded by the Alpha.

  My breath halts. My back goes taut. The man holding her arm dons a black ski mask. He yanks the bag from her head and lifts her chin, showing her off for the men in this room. My fingers ache as they dig into the velvet.

  This is why we’re here. This is why we’re sacrificing everything.

  16

  Bombshell

  Quinn

  My blood boils, my knuckles along my right hand sting with fresh scrapes. I sink my hands under the cool stream and splash my face. The bite of cold water defuses some of the heat simmering beneath my skin.

  “Are you ready yet?”

  I glance in the mirror. Colton stands behind me in the bathroom, arms crossed, eyes assessing. “Almost,” I grit out.

  He and Jefferson wrestled me out of the conference room before I could threaten that fucking shit Carson. Seeing Avery gyrating on top of him…his hands touching her…her mouth on his… My vision flares red.

  I lost my shit and took my frustration out on a wall. Larkin now has a couple holes in the drywall of his conference room. It’s fucking stupid, I know. This is the op; this is the job. And I’m a grown fucking man who knows the difference, but that doesn’t stop the seething anger from raging anew.

  I slam down the tap and let the water drip from my face.

  “I get it,” Colton says. “If it was Sadie in there, I’d probably have Carson’s prick on a platter before morning.” He takes a step closer. “But he was doing his job, keeping Avery safe, by any means necessary. And Avery’s suffered enough. She’s been through enough. She doesn’t need anyone else making what she had to do tonight any harder on her.”

  Fucking hell. I glare at him in the mirror. I’m not hearing this from Rope Boy right now. “My patience is through.” I turn and head toward the door. “I’m not discussing my relationship with Avery with you.”

  “Yeah, not now,” he says. “But maybe you should later.”

  I stop. Stand at the door, fists clenched.

  “Who else do you have to talk to?” he asks. “Really talk to. Who will understand what Avery’s been through, how that effects the both of you.”

  I swipe my hands over my face. As much as I loathe the guy, he makes a valid point. “But this isn’t happening now.” I look over at him.

  He nods. “Let’s get her out of this safely, then. So it will happen.”

  With that said, we head back into the surveillance hub. Sadie is seated before the monitor, her eyes fixed on a screen within the screen. “They’ve brought out the first girl.�
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  And like that, my focus is where it needs to be. I pull up my chair beside hers. “Do we know how many girls yet?”

  She shakes her head. “We knew they wouldn’t be able to sneak them into the hotel. Too risky. They’re transmitting the feed from somewhere in the city, though. I just can’t narrow down the location.” She switches to another monitor that shows the signal bouncing around the city. “It’s practically pinging every tower.”

  I exhale heavily. “Jefferson, take over tracing the signal.”

  “On it.” He moves into position and intercepts the keyboard. Turns out, the driver has some skills to come in handy, after all.

  “Bonds, zoom in on the screen. See if you can clear up the image.” I squint at the monitor. “It’s dark, but looks like a warehouse. There’s a roll door in the background.”

  “Might be the same place Avery was taken to,” Sadie says, and I glimpse the worry in her eyes.

  If all goes to plan, it’s where Avery’s about to be taken again. Dammit. I hate it, but Colton’s right. Avery is the strong one here. She didn’t have to do this, and yet, she was the first to step forward.

  I ease back in my chair and bring out the picture from my inseam pocket. Avery’s dark eyes and bright smile. A picture capturing a moment in time when Avery knew nothing of suffering and pain—not like she does now.

  A deep ache burrows beneath my chest. That woman still exists somewhere below all her pain, and she’s desperately trying to find her again. Avery’s putting herself on the line, risking it all, in order to end the threat and bring herself back.

  None of this is black and white. There’s no right or wrong. In this world, there are only people who cause pain, and the recipients of that pain. Avery was swept into a dark storm, unaware, and she’s been treading the downpour ever since.

  I wanted to be her hero. But she’s the hero of her own story.

  Even heroes make mistakes.