by A. A. Dark
“Locked.” More laughter from the three of them. They were all on the younger side, but the man holding the whip had to be close to his fifties, even if he didn’t quite appear so. The other two held weapons that could do more damage than shredding the skin. One had a maul, similar to a hammer, but so much bigger at the end, and the last had a cat-o-nine with jagged pieces of metal that could rip us to shreds. “Forty-two says you two aren’t very nice. Well…you’re to be spared,” he said, pointing to me. “But you, pretty-boy, you die.”
The man’s arm reared back, and just when I expected more scorching heat, Eleven and I were tumbling back. The men’s eyes grew round like saucers, and shots rang out. In quick succession, the three of them dropped to the ground, limp. Blood oozed from a hole in the center of their foreheads, streaming across their foreheads. Snapping my head to the side, I came face-to-face with a pair of black fishnets. The woman stepped back, resting the gun at her side as she smirked at us.
“And here I thought I’d miss all the red light fun. I guess I’m not late after all.”
I scrambled to my feet, pulling Eleven up with me. To speak to the gorgeous blonde was almost impossible. Her body was built like an hourglass with luscious curves hugged in a leather business dress. She wore bright red lipstick and dark eyeshadow. It made the blue of her eyes practically glow.
“Surely you have somewhere you should be going? You’re not going to block my path all day, are you? There’s still time for me to have fun, and you’re taking away from that.”
“I—right. Thank you…”
“Mistress Jane. And don’t mention it.” She paused at the door, keeping it propped open. “You’re kind of cute. Whenever you decide to stop running, I’ll be in my apartment. Two-eighty-three. You come see me, slave.”
I paused at her all-telling wink. She knew. Maybe even knew my real identity. The only way that were possible was if the Main Master filled her in, which I had no doubt.
“Let’s go. We have to hurry.”
I pulled Eleven toward the closest hall, jolting to a stop at the Mistress’s tisks.
“The guard is patrolling down there. Try that hall. It might serve you better.”
I obeyed, casting her one more glance before we disappeared around the turn. My mouth was dry, and where I should have been focusing on our escape, the blonde was suddenly taking over my thoughts. Mistress’s were new to Whitlock, and in truth, not welcomed. For me, she wasn’t going to be an issue. I could get used to having this one around. Especially if she were half the woman she portrayed tonight.
“What the hell was that about? She wanted to kill slaves, but she set us free. That doesn’t make sense.”
“Are you seriously going to question this? We’re free. Plus…she thought I was cute.”
I threw Aamir a grin over my shoulder as I slowed at the intersection ahead. I knew there was only one place we could go where we wouldn’t be caught, but getting there was going to be a chore.
“Do you think she was the one shooting after the red lights?”
“Maybe. I have no idea.” I paused, darting my head out to see around the turn. “It’s clear. How’s your side? Did the whip get you?”
I took in the gaping gown, noting how stupid the question was.
“Yeah. I’m good. He got you worse.”
Only then did I notice my own blood-drenched gown. My finger traced over the split skin, and I winced, feeling the depth.
“It’s only a cut. Doesn’t even need stitches.”
“Same here.”
“Good. You ready to run for your life? We run, and we go as hard and fast as we can. The hall looks long. There’re no guards, but that doesn’t mean they’re not coming.”
“I’m ready.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. Let’s get out of here before we’re caught.”
With one more glance, I burst around the corner, staying true to my words. Training was something I kept on top of and it showed as I began to leave Eleven behind. And I did it for a reason. The more distance I had on him, the better I could survey the dangers ahead. The hall wasn’t as big as the one in the White Room. I couldn’t fight off a guard with Eleven so close. Not without him possibly getting in the way. That wouldn’t fare well for either of us.
Elevation rose, and I knew we were headed in the right direction of the abandoned parts of the fortress. We took a left, then a right. It wasn’t until darkness enveloped us that we had made it to the right spot. A large room came into view with sheet-covered sofas and tables. A deep smell of mold filled the air when I stopped to catch my breath.
“What…is this place?”
Deep pants left Eleven as he spun in a slow circle.
“Hell if I know. I was trying to find a way out, but this place is a fucking maze. At least it looks safe.”
“Yeah, safe. Let’s hope so. I’m not going back to that White Room. I’ll die before I go back there.”
“That makes both of us.”
Chapter 15
Bram
To say I felt more like my old self than ever was putting it lightly. I sipped on my scotch, waiting, smiling at Derek as he remained at the table drinking with me. The meeting had gone smoothly on my part. No one suspected a thing with the multiple new laws passed. At a glance, it appeared as if I were beefing up security. Making everyone safer. There were to be two guards at every post throughout Whitlock, opposed to the one most had before. All Masters would have a lead guard at their beck and call in case a problem arose. That would lift moral and give new leadership to senior guards amongst the flat rank they held now. Slave Row was to become occupied by one slave, versus the double occupancy it held now. With an uprising of the female population, they were growing brave being placed together, causing more problems once bought by their Master. I didn’t so much care for that one, but I needed the distraction of more choices. The last was my favorite and the most important. It was in bold, like all titles, so not to be used against me.
Amongst a flight or fight, detainees take the status of current location.
I waited for questions concerning the law. They never came. After dragging out the boring details of the first new laws for hours, everyone just wanted to get it over with. With Torres’s never-ending jabber in-between, the members’ and Derek’s heads were spinning. They blindly signed the papers, ignoring, yet trying to pretend engagement with the narcissistic Master. Torres loved to go on and on about his purchases, about his slave, or what he planned to do with them next. Most times, I cut him off to take care of business, but this time, I didn’t stop him; I encouraged him.
“I’m proud of you,” Derek said, taking another drink. “I wasn’t expecting this from you. You really hit some key areas that I think will be good for Whitlock. I know the guards will be happy with their new promotions. There’s been a lot of negativity amongst them lately. They needed this.”
“I agree. They deserve a Main Master looking out for them. I plan to start doing that from here on out. They’ll be appreciated for the job they do.”
“I’ll drink to that.”
Finishing off his drink, Derek set it down, then opened his mouth to speak. Before he could say a word, his radio went off. It was exactly what I had been waiting for.
“High Leader, we have a situation down here in the White Room.”
“A situation?” His hand hovered at his shoulder next to the radio.
“Yes, sir.”
His eyes rolled. “Well? What is it? You’re not calling in with a code red. I have things I need to take care of. Can it not be handled without me?”
“Two prisoners. They’ve…escaped.”
“What? Escaped how?”
I grabbed my glass, smiling as I headed over and poured another drink.
“Mistress Jane, sir. She was coming in through the south door like she’s been granted when she was ambushed. She did shoot three we assume tried escaping as well, but…two got out. I tried to pull up the tape to see f
or myself, but it’s all distorted.”
I froze, my smile growing. Everleigh.
“Shit! Give me a few minutes. I’ll start the search.”
“Search?” I turned, taking a bigger drink. “I’m afraid that’s not necessary in the way you intend.”
“Excuse me?”
I shrugged. “According to the fight or flight law you just signed off on, it would seem they’re no longer prisoners. Or…detainees. They’re slaves again. If you want to do your search, it’ll be to return them to Slave Row. Not the White Room.”
Derek didn’t move as he stared at me with a mix of anger and disbelief. He clicked the button, growling his question. “What slaves escaped?”
“Uh…twenty-seven-eleven, and…twenty-seven-nineteen.”
“You! This is your doing. You’re doing this for her.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“You’re lying. Everleigh Harper wanted that slave and you mean to give it to her. A traitor to Whitlock! An outlaw and disgrace to this place!”
My glass hit the table with a hard clunk, and I took two steps, narrowing my eyes as I put myself inches from his face.
“I’m only going to tell you this once. I put my trust in you for all things Whitlock. I considered you the closest thing to a friend I’ve allowed myself to have. I’ve allowed you to keep this position. In a breath’s time, all of that could come crashing to an end. If you ever, and I mean ever, call her a traitor or anything resembling it again, I won’t just dispose of you as my high leader. I’ll make it so you never speak another word again. Are we clear?”
“You’re not in your right mind.”
“I’ve never been more myself than I am right now.”
“You’re wrong. I knew you before she went back to being a free slave. I knew you, Bram. This isn’t you.”
“I know where you’re going with this, and know I’m a step ahead of you. This is me in love. This is me. Me. You have no right to say it’s not. You never saw me in love, nor do you have the evidence to say you have. You question my mind, I have guards who question your leadership.”
“That doesn’t matter. There’s only one thing that does. Whose side do you think the board will choose if it came down to my way—the Whitlock way—or Bram’s way—the Everleigh way? Who will they choose, me or you? Whitlock, or Everleigh’s Whitlock? Better think twice before you threaten me again. I’ve always been on your side, but once you cross the line, I choose Whitlock. That’s my job. That’s who I am, and that’s what I’m meant for.”
I didn’t go after Derek as he turned and left the room. My teeth ground into each other, and it took everything I had not to go slit his throat for speaking about Everleigh that way. If I didn’t need him, I would have. As it were, Derek played a vital role in what I needed for the future.
Ringing had me taking a deep breath and pulling out my phone. I hit the video button, glad Everleigh decided to show me her face. I needed to see her. I needed her more than ever.
“You did it.”
She was smiling, and had more of a glow than she had in the previous call. Her health was returning, which helped calm the concern over her wellbeing.
“I told you I would.”
“Not exactly, but I knew you’d take care of it. Thank you.”
“No, thank you. You distorted the tape. You gave me the motivation I needed to make the changes. I’ve been watching the footage on the Masters. Very interesting lives they lead. Was there something in particular you wanted me to see? If so, I still haven’t run across anything substantial.”
“Keep watching.”
“Okay...” I took in the pale blue blouse she was wearing, raking my eyes over the material. “Do I get rewarded for my good deeds?”
A laugh filled the room, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“You’d like that.”
“Of course I would. As it is, if I’m going to get to see you naked, I’d prefer to be in bed.”
“And what would my Master be doing while watching me? Would you stroke your cock and imagine it being deep inside me? Can you feel me around you right now?”
Heat engulfed my face racing down my body as my cock hardened. I gave my tie a hard jerk, moving to reach over and down my drink.
“You’re a naughty slave. You’re lucky you’re not here. I’d put you over my knee for trying to work me up. But yes. Fuck yes. Unbutton your shirt. Let me see what’s mine.”
No hesitation. One of Everleigh’s eyebrows lifted and the mischievous grin she had on her face stayed in place as she propped the phone up on the table she was sitting at and slowly worked the buttons free with her good hand. Pale skin became exposed, revealing cleavage that made me hold my breath. She pushed her shirt over one of her shoulders and made a path down her chest with the tips of her fingers. When she met the lace covering one of her breasts, she peeled it back, tracing around her nipple.
“Jesus. Fuck. Slave…”
The unspoken plea in that one word had my heart aching. To touch her, to taste her, and have her as mine again came with the all-too suffocating feeling. Everleigh was in my blood. In my being. She’d taken me over long ago, and with time, her potency was death. In her own way, she’d killed Bram Whitlock. He belonged to her more than himself. He always would.
“Is this what you wanted? You want me?”
“More than anything.”
Squeezing against the hard nub, she bit her lip, letting out the most intoxicating moan. My lips parted, and I squeezed the phone, bringing it closer.
“Meet me somewhere. Right now. Me and you. No one else on my side. You have my word. I want to see you. I need to see you.”
Everleigh’s heavily lidded eyes opened more at my words. The lace was suddenly returned, and she grabbed the phone, composing herself.
“It’s not time.”
“Love doesn’t operate off a clock, slave. Meet me. All I want is one night. That’s all I’m asking for.”
“It’s too risky. They’ll be watching your every move after tonight.”
“There has to be a way for us to see each other.”
Multiple expressions flashed over her face while I watched her scheme. It was fascinating and terrifying at the same time. The way her mind worked amazed me. She was always in control. Always a step ahead.
“If you want to see me, you must do exactly as I say. Do not cut corners because it is convenient or change any part of my plan because you think there’s a better way. You say love doesn’t operate off a clock. You’re right. But where love is spontaneous, it is also patient. Can you wait for me, Master? No matter how long or short it may take?”
My pulse was in my throat as I nodded. “I’ll wait forever if I know there’s a chance to see you again.”
“Then, let us plan.”
Chapter 16
Scout 19
Lights snores came from the opposite side of the closet—soft…slow. I’d been sitting in the dark for hours, waiting for Aamir to fall asleep. My chest ached, and my mind swam with what I was supposed to do. The Main Master hadn’t given me instruction on anything other than escaping the White Room. Did he know I’d come here? Was I supposed to go to him with the slave? I had to figure out a way to communicate without having it blow up in our faces. But how? I couldn’t go to his place. I needed a phone. A Whitlock phone, and there was only one way to get one of those. I needed to take it from a guard or scout. My best bet was doing that now that Eleven was asleep. The sooner I got that out of the way, the better.
Lifting as quietly as I could, I pushed open the cracked door of the abandoned apartment and made my way to the entrance. A creak had me pausing while I listened for movement from Eleven. When all remained quiet, I opened it even more, peeking my head out. It was still dark, but it wouldn’t be for long. Morning was coming, and with it, the danger would increase. It was vital I find a phone, and fast.
Jogging as fast I as I could, I made it back to the empty lobby. I knew if we took the
hall we came in at, I’d have to go farther to find guards. My eyes went over to the back opening and I entered the pitch-black hall with trepidation. Warnings blasted in my mind, but I continued at a steady pace until the glow from the adjoining hall came into view. It didn’t take long before easing into the light that I heard voices. Not one, but two.
“Better, right? This will make time fly by. Tell me more about that game?”
“It’s badass. The graphics are just amazing. You should stop by after the shift and check it out.”
“After the shift?” A laugh. “We’ll be lucky not to get put on the search. I bet those Masters are pissed at being woken up.”
“Better than dead if those slaves get to them first. At least this way they’ll have some sort of warning.”
Tiptoeing, I got closer to where the hall intersected with two others. The edge of the guard’s pants were visible and one step or turn, I’d be caught. There was nowhere to hide in the light, and it was dim enough, he’d see me.
“Do you buy the Mistress’s story?”
“What do you mean?”
The guard hesitated with his response, shifting on his feet. The phone flashed on his belt and I held my breath as I got closer. I needed to unclip it, but how I was going to remove it from his belt, I wasn’t sure.
“She shot three times. Killed three wackos. Yet, two got free. She had plenty of bullets left in there to put them down, but she didn’t. Now, with this new law about prisoners becoming slaves again if they escape? If you ask me, the Main Master wanted those two to escape, and that woman helped him.”
Loud laughter. “Don’t be ridiculous. She killed three and had a moment of morality. She’s a woman—”
“Not just a woman, a Mistress.”
