Taken: (A Dark Romance Kidnap Thriller) (The Dark Necessities Trilogy Book 1)

by Felicity Brandon

  “Pet.” He moved so fast she barely even registered the motion, but in a matter of seconds his hard, naked body was right there beside her, his hand at the leash connected to the front of her collar. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

  She was crying? Somehow the hot tears making tracks down her face hadn’t even registered. She’d known she was upset, but she’d conveniently ignored the inevitable consequence of her hurt.

  “I…” she began, but then she hesitated, knowing there was no way to explain her thought processes. “It’s nothing, Master.”

  Connor edged even closer, pushing his defined chest toward her. “You seemed happy enough when you dropped off.”

  Molly swallowed at that. He was right, she had been content then. She’d also been an idiot. “Yes,” she replied, her tone breathy. “I was then.”

  “But not now?” He mused out loud. “What has changed, I wonder?” There was a pause as he considered the point dramatically. “Does my pet not like sleeping in her own bed?”

  Molly’s eyes widened perceptibly at his astute analysis, and she felt the tears fall harder. “No, Master,” she sobbed, adding this new, pathetic display to her already substantial list of self-woe.

  He smiled down at her, and for a moment she couldn’t take a breath. He had such power over her now. Not just physically, but emotionally, too. Whatever he was about to say and do could either lift her up or crush her.

  “My poor little one,” he crooned, raising his free hand to stroke back the fly-away strands of her hair. “Has your Master neglected you?”

  She could tell by his tone that he was mocking her, but she had no choice but to agree. Neglect was right. As ridiculous as it sounded, that was precisely how she felt after last night. She gulped, nodding her head in response.

  “Words, pet,” he growled at her. “You should enjoy the use of that pretty little mouth, while you still have it.”

  A shiver ran down her spine at his thinly veiled threat, and she hurried to reply. “Yes, Master. I missed you.”

  She’d missed him? Molly blinked at her own craziness. What the fuck had she said that for? Connor startled too, his self-assured expression faltering for just a second.

  “Well, we can’t have that, can we?” he whispered as his smile grew broader. “Does my pet want to join me in bed again?”

  Molly knew she was nodding excitedly like some dumb puppy as she responded. “Yes, please.”

  He actually laughed at that. For one awful moment, Molly thought he was going to leave her there, the sound of his laughter her answer as he went back to bed and abandoned her to the darkness. It was absolute relief that flooded her as he rose and strode around her body to untie her leash from the bedpost. She watched his muscular thighs as they returned to his original place, but this time he tugged at her collar.

  “Come on then,” he commanded seductively. “I shouldn’t really let pets on the furniture, but it seems I have a weakness for you. Up, into bed with you.”

  Chapter Sixty-Two

  Connor had no idea why he permitted it, but he was smiling as she scurried between his covers. The notion of having her there with him was suddenly surprisingly compelling. He found himself shaking his head as he secured her leash to the post behind her head, before he turned out the light. Climbing in behind her, he drew Molly’s body against him instinctively. They spooned in the darkness, his cock stirring immediately at her body heat.

  “Is this better?” he murmured, exploring the length of her curves with his right hand.

  She was so fucking hot, and as his fingers skimmed her hips he remembered how amazing she had felt last night.

  “Yes, Master, thank you,” she sniffed in response.

  Her tone was breathless, but he couldn’t tell if that was due to her being upset or being held against his body. He knew his erection was already nudging into her behind, and the reality did little to quell his fervor.

  “No more tears then,” he told her sternly. “Time to sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow.”

  Molly’s body tensed beside him at his words, but she didn’t say anything. Connor smiled into the darkness, the scent of her hair wafted past his nose as his cock throbbed impatiently at her bottom. Let her sleep in comfort for now. She had no clue what was in store for her when they finally woke.

  The morning light spilling into his room roused Connor earlier than he would have liked. The presence of the body next to him made his cock spring to life immediately, and for a moment he considered fucking her again before they left. It was certainly tempting, but he knew there wasn’t time. If he wanted this transition to be smooth, then he’d need the element of surprise, and that meant being ready when she woke up.

  He shifted from the covers quietly, fisting his cock at the sight of her still tangled in his bed sheets. He still wasn’t entirely sure why he’d given in to her emotional blackmail and let her share his bed, but somehow, he couldn’t bring himself to regret it. It was great holding her, and anyway, just because she’d shared his bed didn’t mean anything had changed. She was still his pet, and he was her Master, a fact he intended to spend the day reinforcing.

  Slipping from the room, he made sure the door was bolted from the outside before he washed quickly, and headed downstairs to collect the pet carrier. His belly knotted with excitement at his plan. It was unlike Connor to be reckless or impulsive. There was only one other occasion he had fallen foul of his impulses, and the legacy of that still haunted his dreams today. Usually he planned things to perfection, and never, ever deviated from the blueprint regardless of what was happening around him. But this time was different. She made it different, and besides that vague acknowledgement, he couldn’t quite put his finger on the reasons. He knew it was risky. Taking her out before she’d been trained properly was more than risky really, it was bloody stupid, but even so he found himself collecting the pet carrier, and laying it out by the front door, the little metal entrance sprung open and ready. Like the cage, Molly was going to have to put herself inside it, and that much he couldn’t wait to see.

  Connor darted up the stairs two at a time, before making a large batch of coffee. Pouring himself a cup, he placed the rest on a tray, along with some milk, sugar and of course, Molly’s bowl. He balanced the drinks as he unbolted the door, entering his bedroom to find her awake. She was propped up on her elbows, watching him and her face burned crimson when she eyed what he was carrying.

  “Good morning, pet,” he purred as he carried the tray toward his bedside table. Putting it down carefully, he leaned forward over her pert breasts as he addressed her again. “Did you finally get some sleep?”

  “Yes, thank you, Master.”

  The reply was barely a whisper, but it was good enough. For now.

  He undid the leash from his bed, tugging gently. “Time for a drink before we get going.”

  Molly responded just as he’d hoped, climbing down from the bed and waiting on all fours, although he saw her bristle at his words. He was still holding her leash as he poured the coffee into her bowl, presenting it in front of her face.

  “I hope you like it black?” he asked, sardonically. “Be careful though, it is hot.”

  She eyed him, her expression a curious combination of fury and desire, but as he backed away, Molly came forward, lowering her face into the hot liquid. Fuck, he thought, as he observed her submissive display. For all of her initial protests about being made to lap from the dog bowl, she really had taken to it like a duck to water. He smirked at the analogy, adjusting his cock as it strained beneath his pants.

  Molly finished her coffee admirably, and he watched from the bed, taking sips from his cup as she finally lifted her face and glanced up to him. A blush engulfed her face, evident despite the black ring around her lips. Connor smiled as he grabbed a towel from the end of the bed, and wiped her clean.

  “Good little pet,” he told her, his tone deliberately taunting. “Are you wet for your Master?”

  Her eyes lowered
shamefully, telling him everything he needed to know, but still he goaded her, pressing his advantage. “Tell me, please,” he said threateningly.

  As she looked up again, he could actually see her swallow. “Yes, Master,” she whispered. “I am wet for you.”

  Connor nodded as he led her from the room. It didn’t really matter that she was aroused. He had no time to scratch the itch for either of them right now, but it made him feel amazing to know that she was. He loved the fact that spending the night with him while leashed to his bed, and being made to humble herself once more had left her so hot and needy.

  Leading her into the bathroom, he set about cleaning her up. She knelt in the bath, still leashed to the wall as he washed and shaved her, before he finally allowed her out to rest on the mat while he dried her glorious body. Administering her inhalers, he then made her open wide as he cleaned her teeth. Connor suspected she’d never been so thoroughly cleaned before, but her shameful expression told him Molly had loved it almost as much as he had.

  “We’re going on a little trip today.”

  The words slipped from his mouth, making her head snap up to meet his gaze.

  “A trip, Master?”

  “Mmmm,” he clarified as he began to brush her dark hair. “I have another place, which I designed especially for you, and today I want to take you there.”

  She was panting as the news resonated, her eyes wide with shock. “Please, don’t hurt me,” she begged, and as he loomed over her kneeling form, he could see her arousal shift into panic.

  Connor squatted down beside her. “What makes you think I’m going to hurt you?”

  Molly eyed him wildly. “I just…” she began, her tone full of fear. “I just thought if you were taking me somewhere, that meant…” She gulped as the words dried up, but her meaning was clear. His pet thought he was done with her already.

  Connor shook his head. Her assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. “Oh, no,” he replied smoothly. “That’s not what it means at all. On the contrary, I have a great many plans for you.”

  He rose and strode away before her response registered on that pretty face. Tugging her to follow, she scuttled behind him, her damp locks falling around her shoulders as she moved. At the top of the stairs he paused, waiting for her to catch up.

  “Let me carry you,” he told her, his tone making it clear that this was not a request.

  He swooped before she could speak, catching her under the arms, and throwing her over his shoulder. There was squeal as she landed over his back, and he patted her bottom tenderly. The last thing he wanted as they descended was her to get a good view of her pet carrier. He didn’t want that until the very last minute. As they hit the bottom step, he swung her around, preventing her view until she landed on the floor beside the carrier.

  Chapter Sixty-Three

  Molly’s eyes landed on the contraption, terror rising in her chest even before the reality had hit her. It looked like some type of carrier, the sort you’d carry a large animal in, like a dog, but surely not… Surely, he doesn’t intend this for her?

  The question was answered by one of his large looming feet, which came crashing down by the side of her face. Connor’s right leg now blocked her escape down the narrow hallway, and as she glanced right she saw his left side blocked the staircase. The door was immediately behind her, locked she presumed. She was trapped. Trapped with nowhere to run, and he was going to put her in the fucking animal carrier.

  “Don’t do this!” she gasped, imploring him with her eyes. “Don’t make me go in there.”

  Connor tutted in response, his gaze darkening. “Do I need to gag you, pet?” he asked her, dryly, “because you know I will.”

  The panic in her chest rose to Molly’s throat, threatening to cut off her air supply altogether. “No, please, Master,” she panted.

  He drew in a deep breath, as though he was considering her answer. “Get in,” he growled as his index finger pointed at the open carrier. “And don’t make me regret my decision to leave that mouth free. I won’t hesitate to gag you if required.”

  Molly tried to pull in air, but it seemed it impossible. The edges of her mind seemed to be crumbling around her at the prospect. The carrier was significantly smaller than even the cage, and the idea of being stuck in there made her want to vomit. Yet Connor’s voice had made it clear there was to be little choice. She knew if she acted up and disobeyed him, the consequences would be unbearable. She didn’t know what he’d do. Cane her again, torture her, keep her locked in the cage? Who knew? Who could rationalize the thoughts of a man like Connor?

  “Now!”

  His voice made her jump and frantically she moved, limbs trembling as she considered what was expected.

  “It will be better if you reverse in,” Connor offered, his tone lighter, almost amused as her quandary.

  She obeyed slowly, edging herself backwards into the opening, just as she had in the cage the day before. Her feet hit the back of the carrier faster than she’d anticipated and Molly was forced to curl into a tight ball to squeeze her head inside. She was more than panting now, practically hyperventilating as the small metal door swung closed at her nose. Watching closely, she saw his fingers close the lock, once again padlocking her into place, and all at once he was right there with her. His face glowered from the other side of the bars.

  “Remember what I told you,” he said in a low, menacing voice. “You’ll stay quiet unless I tell you otherwise.”

  Molly nodded, too afraid and uncomfortable to say anything. She had no clue how long she’d be forced to stay in here, but she already doubted she could stand it. Connor’s face disappeared out of her new range of vision, and all of a sudden, the carrier around her moved. She gasped as it lifted from the floor, her hands clutching for something to stabilize herself with, but there was nothing. Only the small space of smooth plastic around her digits. In a second her view changed as the pet crate was swung around, and Connor began carrying her down the hallway, past the entrance to the basement. They reached a door she’d never been to before, and he grabbed for the lock, twisting a long metal key inside it. As the door sprung open, she was plunged into the pitch black. Not a basement this time, so where? A garage, perhaps. One small click was all it took the reveal the truth, and as the lights overhead slowly flickered into life, Molly could see her guess had been correct.

  Of course, it was a garage. He could never risk carrying her outside like this. She was a fully-grown woman after all, naked and packed into a pet carrier. Anyone passing might find that a rather odd sight. In a few moments she was packed into what looked like a large black car. She assumed it was the one she’d been taken in the night of the signing, but honestly, she couldn’t recall. The crate was forced into the small space on the floor of the passenger seat, her nose practically against the gear stick as Connor took his place behind the wheel. She swallowed, musing at how odd British cars were for not having gear-changes on the steering column, the thought bizarrely calming in light of her current predicament.

  He reached toward the seat, holding up a blanket as though he wanted her to see the thing. “This is how pets are transported,” he told her, darkly. “I’m allowing you the privilege of seeing for now, but any misbehavior, and this will cover you up. Got it?”

  “Y-yes, Master,” Molly stammered in response.

  “Good,” he replied, throwing the blanket in her direction. The gentle thud as it landed on the plastic above her head reverberated through her, and then the engine started, the low thrum drowning out all other noise.

  If Molly thought the cage had been arduous, then she was clearly deluded. This thing – this carrier – was actual hell. Molly could barely move, and even the act of drawing in a deep breath was impossible in her tight confinement. After a worryingly short time, she began to lose the feeling in her feet. The numbness began at her toes and spread north, already at her ankles by the time she tried to move them. It was quite unfeasible of course, there was li
terally nowhere for her to move to.

  She had no idea how long they’d been traveling this way. It felt like hours, but logically she knew it couldn’t be, or maybe it was. Who the hell knew? She could just make out the outline of his legs, and his hands gripping the steering wheel. Beyond that, her whole world was the leather interior of the car, and her trapped, aching limbs. Molly worked hard to avoid a new surge of panic taking control of her. She tried to remember how she’d quieted her mind in the cage, distracting herself from the misery of her new situation, but ultimately, her attempts were futile. She was imprisoned in a freaking pet carrier, and being taken God knows where. Only Connor knew what fate would await her once they finally arrived, and that thought made the dread inside her burgeon.

  At some point, the car seemed to slow, and a wave of fresh anxiety washed over her. Wherever he was taking her, they were obviously nearly there. She kept her lips sealed tightly as he parked and got out of the driver’s side. She wanted to speak, beg and yell at him, but what would be the point? Connor had made his position clear, and she knew she risked his wrath if she spoke out now. The crate was pulled roughly from the floor, and a burst of cool, summer air hit her exposed flesh as she was carried away from the car. Peering through the door, she tried to look about her and determine where the hell she was. The problem was, she didn’t know where she’d been kept for the last few days. All she knew was the signing had been in London. But that was days ago, and this did not look like London.

  She blinked, the light stinging her eyes after so long encased in the dark space. As they moved away from the car, all she could see was the thick roots and trunks of trees. Yes, trees. Actual trees, which looked absolutely freaking massive based on what she could see from her place in the carrier. He’d brought her to a forest? Molly didn’t even know England still had forests, but the fact they were now in one made her shudder. It was dark, dank and foreboding, setting the tone for what she feared Connor now had in mind. Nothing good happened in woods like this, especially to women trapped in crates.