"I demand respect. I am the Noble Lord of this land. You live and die by my grace and obey as ordered. This is my pet. Henceforth she is not to be touched by hands that are not my own. Let this be the lesson to those that dare defy my orders," the Noble Lord said.
With that he released Alex and turned to the guard he had maimed. He looked at the man for a moment before plunging his knife into his gut and sawing the blade up his torso. As blood and internal parts of the man began to spill, the Noble Lord moved away and the guards holding the man threw him over the balcony edge. The cheer from below erupted and Alex couldn't stop herself from looking down. The women seemed frozen, watching the scene unfold. Men that stood near the body began to stomp on it. They began to kick the body, rolling it away from the brothel. They all seemed used to the display. They knew their roles, what was expected of them, what to do to please the Noble Lord.
The barbaric execution over, the Noble Lord turned, and Coral came out onto the balcony with a bowl and towel. The Noble Lord smiled at her and thanked her. At that moment Alex found the whole interaction insane. He acted like he wasn't cleaning blood and guts off his hands in a white porcelain bowl of water. But he stood there, working the soap into a lather a few times until the suds stopped turning pink. When he was done a guard handed him his towel and the Noble Lord inspected himself to ensure he was clean. Once happy with the outcome, the Noble Lord dismissed Coral who actually bowed to him before walking back inside.
Alex stood rooted to her spot. Her feet stuck to the concrete balcony, the blood pooling beneath her. She was completely lost in the moment, not sure what her next step was. How could she escape? Was it a better fate to just throw herself from the building now? She looked back over the edge of the balcony. As she contemplated the idea, she placed her hands on the edge, careful to not touch where dried and fresh blood caked the wall. She lifted to her toes to get a better vantage point. Would the fall kill her? She guessed it was unlikely as it was only one story up. Unless she could make sure she fell on her head. But then she could end up in a coma and who knew what they would do to her then.
Boots behind her was the only warning she had before she was lifted into someone's arms. When Alex turned to fight, she was shocked to see the Noble Lord. She crossed her arms over her breasts, which bulged at the top of the babydoll she wore. He was too close for her comfort and she squirmed hoping he would put her down. Instead he instructed one of the guards to clean her feet.
Once all the blood was removed, the Noble Lord still didn't put her on the ground. Alex assumed this was more of his show of control, to show that he was claiming her. Her skin crawled where his hands rested on her back and thigh. She turned to look away from him, trying to be as far from him as she could while he held her against his chest. She heard him breathe deeply and felt air move through her hair. She shuddered, realizing he was smelling her. Pushing, Alex tried to break free from his hold.
"If I drop you now, you're headed down the stairs. If you survive that, I will punish you. You won't like my punishments. They aren't nearly as enjoyable as other things," the Noble Lord said to her.
As the Noble Lord leaned his head toward her to whisper, his long hair tickled her neck and goosebumps rose on her arms and legs. The Noble Lord made a noise that sounded like a chuckle when he rubbed his thumb along her leg where the goosebumps stood. They stood at the top of the stairs and Alex looked at the old wooden steps. Again, she found herself thinking how dying could be preferable to what plans the Noble Lord had for her. She could barely stomach the intimate way the Noble Lord tried to hold her now. If he tried to touch her later, she would rather find a way to leave this world than be subjected to that.
The Noble Lord walked down the stairs, carrying Alex as if she weighed nothing. He didn't breathe hard or take a break. Alex decided he didn't seem to use his own product because he was in better shape than any drug addict could be. That thought discouraged her. She had hoped he would be weak and eventually show a hole in his facade. Just a small window that would allow her to escape before she was harmed. He held his head high, unafraid of anyone in his employ. All of the surrounding guards carried guns, while all Alex saw on him was the knife he used to filet the disobedient man. In Alex's mind that meant he didn't believe any of the men would shoot him in the back.
In the main ballroom again, people were finding their way back to their rooms. When the Noble Lord passed, women directed their eyes down, not daring to look directly at the leader. Alex stared at each person they passed, looking for anyone that would hold her gaze. Even the men now avoided looking directly at her. After the Noble Lord's declaration she was completely off-limits, even to look at. Alex thought that was at least one saving grace. She now only had to worry about one set of hands coming near her. How long could she prevent him from taking what he wanted and what she would rather die before giving?
Chapter Sixteen
Light danced along the ornate ceiling, creating shadow creatures that Alex imagined could come to life. Her right hand was numb, but she wasn't going to complain. Being tied to the bed was terrifying, but the Noble Lord had left her alone. Once entering his main office, the Noble Lord carried her into a large bedroom. In the middle of the room a large four-poster bed sat. Alex almost scoffed at the ridiculousness of the furniture. She wondered where they had scavenged it from and how it seemed to be important enough to worry about during the apocalypse.
The Noble Lord set her on her feet and Alex immediately moved out of reach, putting the wall at her back. The Noble Lord didn't pay attention to her movements. He went to a large wooden chest that sat against a wall and pulled a length of rope from it. Without a word he grabbed her arm and dragged her to the bed. Alex tried to plant her bare feet, tried yanking away from him, but his grip was a vice on her skin. Alex became more panicked when he grabbed her by her arms and tossed her onto the bed. She tried to roll away from him, but he was fast. Grabbing her right wrist, he wrapped the rope around her and the bedpost.
Alex laid there, trying to get as far from him as she could. He looked at her dismissively and turned to walk away. He first went to a small closet. Alex could see him remove his shirt and pants before she turned her head. His body was toned, strong and as Alex guessed, capable of snapping her like a twig. She wouldn't have him catching her studying him, He would think she was admiring him, while really she was only counting the number of ways she'd like to kill him. She didn't turn back toward him as she heard his boots move across the floor. At the door he hesitated, and Alex held her breath.
"Don't worry, pet. I'll be back later. Business to handle."
With that, he left the bedroom and left Alex tied in place. That had been hours ago. Twice men had come in to stoke the fire and add logs. With the lace lingerie Alex was wearing, the warmth from the fire was helpful. In the room, Alex felt as if she was insulated from the rest of the brothel. At times she heard raised voices, but she could never truly tell what the arguments were about. She wondered what type of business the Noble Lord did all day. She imagined his false power was difficult to maintain and he had to have time to flex his grip over the people.
She knew the torture and execution earlier in the day was directly connected with his need to be respected. She thought about the way he talked, almost as if he had been studying how royalty should speak. It was laughable to Alex, but the rest of the people seemed to bow down to him. The power he held was over their safety and their supplies. Those that lived and frequented the brothel were protected by numerous armed guards. They would prevent any sort of infected getting in. In addition, none of them were missing meals while under the roof of the Noble Lord.
He was working to control all of Montana, Alex understood that. What she didn't know was how he was doing it? Her family had been into town a number of times and had never encountered the gangs loyal to the Noble Lord. They had taken supplies that they wanted, shared supplies with those that needed it, and had moved freely in and out of buildings. No one ever cha
llenged them or said there was a power they were reporting to. Alex wondered how that was. The Duncans didn't go into town daily. They chose to stay safe behind their walls unless completely necessary. She imagined it could have been just a coincidence that they never happened upon the thugs.
Cramping began in her shoulder and Alex pulled herself up on her knees again. She rotated her position to keep blood flowing through her limbs. She flexed her right hand and again tried to untie the rope. Even if she got free, the bedroom area was windowless. She knew one door led to the Noble Lord's office. There was one other door, but she had no idea where it led. If she had a weapon, she would be willing to take the chance.
Crouched in the bed, massaging her hand was how the Noble Lord found her. He yawned loudly when he walked in. He eyed her for a moment and then went to his closet area. He undressed, leaving his clothing on the ground. He stalked toward Alex in nothing but boxer briefs that hugged lean thighs. He ran his hand through his blond hair and Alex knew he was trying to appeal to her. He didn't. Her stomach was roiling with trying to decide how to get out of the situation she was in. He stopped before he reached her and studied her.
"You've hurt your wrist," he said.
"I didn't tie myself up," Alex replied.
"Well, we couldn't very well have you wandering free, could we? You have proven to be...difficult."
"I'm not sure what you mean," Alex replied, feigning innocence.
"The women here, some have fought. Some have died trying. But never have I seen a woman kill a man with a belt," the Noble Lord said.
"First time for everything. I could do the trick again if you untie me," Alex shot back.
The Noble Lord grinned at her. The smile was one full of malice and challenge. Alex vowed in her mind to kill the drug dealer the first chance she got.
"I think I like you right where you are," the Noble Lord said, his grin fading.
Alex had never been with any men before her husband, Blake. And since his death at the start of the plague she had done nothing but mourn his loss. However, looking at the Noble Lord, she knew what desire looked like. His eyes raked her body, lingering over her black lace covered breasts and her long bare legs. She cursed Coral again in her mind remembering how the woman had shaved her legs, making everything perfect for the Noble Lord. Alex tucked her legs under her, trying to get into a position that would give her some leverage.
Fear had her staying completely still, waiting for the Noble Lord's attack. Instead of coming near her, the Noble Lord yawned again and went to the other side of the bed. Pulling back the covers he slid onto the soft mattress. He let out a sigh of a man that had struggled through the day. Alex watched him get comfortable, but she didn't move her position. Suddenly and without warning, the Noble Lord snapped out a hand and grabbed her ankle. He yanked her down onto the bed until she was lying on her side, facing away from him. Her arm was painfully pulled taunt against the bedpost. Alex tried to pull away, but his arm was barred around her waist.
To Alex's horror, the Noble Lord adjusted his position, until he was spooned against her. She could feel his skin against hers, the hair of his legs scratching along the smooth skin of hers. He slid his hand under the babydoll, placing it on the bare skin of her stomach. She could feel other things as he pulled her tighter into the curve of his body. Alex couldn't stop the gag that was threatening. The Noble Lord didn't move, only laughed at her.
"You should get used to this, I enjoy companionship in bed when I sleep," the Noble Lord said against her ear. The shiver that passed through Alex was completely involuntary.
She felt dirty. Every inch of her skin that he touched felt tainted with evil. Her mind went blank, except for the sole purpose of getting away from the Noble Lord. Alex gripped the portion of the rope that connected her to the bed. Yanking as hard as she could, she pulled herself away from the Noble Lord until she could slide to the floor. He didn't fight her, only watched her with a raised eyebrow. She began to fight against the rope with an intensity that even shocked Alex. The situation felt like an out-of-body experience. She knew what she was doing, but couldn't remember making the decision to do it.
As her skin became raw and blood began to show, the Noble Lord finally tired of her behavior. With a huff, he got out of the bed and walked to her. Alex backed to the wall and waited for his next move. He walked straight to her and Alex knew he was going to strike her. When his hand flew toward her, Alex ducked and came up with a left-handed jab to his solar plexus. The punch was quick and he bent slightly in surprise. Alex didn't stop as she came up with an uppercut to his jaw. That sent the Noble Lord stepping back a few paces. He rubbed his face for a moment, his eyes burning into Alex's.
"You are feisty. You like to fight, I can give you a fight."
He went to his closet and came back with a knife. Alex drew back, preparing for him to try to cut her. Instead, he went to the rope and cut it easily. He threw the knife toward his closet, out of Alex's reach. Then he turned to her and before she could register what was happening, he slapped her hard across the face. Her head cracked against the wall and she almost fell. She quickly shook the spinning from her mind, realizing this could be the shot to escape. If she could kill the Noble Lord, she could escape and end the torture for the women in the brothel.
"Let's see if we can bring you down a few notches, shall we?" The Noble Lord said, motioning for Alex to come to him.
Alex waited, looking for the trick. Any weapons the Noble Lord had in the room were in his closet. She knew he'd stop her before she got there. Alex had fought men larger than her, but that was in a gym, during training sessions. Now she questioned if she could defend herself against the size of the Noble Lord. Standing opposite her in his boxer briefs, Alex sized him up. He was wiry, but not in a thin or weak way. She imagined that if he wasn't a monstrous drug dealer, women would find him very attractive. He carried himself with pride and confidence, a man that was used to winning the fights he was in.
"You killed Lewis with his own belt. Bring on your best, pet."
"My name is not pet," Alex growled quietly.
"Your name doesn't matter to me. You are here to be my pet and I'll call you whatever I choose."
Quickly, the Noble Lord became bored with Alex's stalling and he stepped forward with an attack. It was exactly what Alex was waiting for. She preferred to defend and then attack. That way she could see how he would move before she committed to a strike. The Noble Lord feigned right, but then came up with his left and slapped Alex before she could move. She was expecting the blow, allowing it to land. It gave her the chance to step in closer and strike him in the throat with a knife-hand.
The Noble Lord's eyes widened in shock at the sudden blow to his windpipe. He stumbled back a step before advancing again. This time Alex wouldn't just allow him to come at her. She leapt onto the bed and after two large steps, landed on the other side. The Noble Lord was rounding to reach her, but she managed to bypass him to get into the more open space of the room. He whipped around faster than Alex was planning and he threw out a leg, kicking her feet out from under her. She went down hard but was able to catch herself with a hand before she fell face first. The Noble Lord was on her before she could recover.
A thick forearm wrapped under her neck as he lifted her and her feet dangled as he held her with an arm banded around her waist and one at her throat. Alex coughed and kicked. Her heels beat against his shins, but he didn't react.
"You might be a wildcat, but you aren't as strong as you think," he hissed into her ear.
Alex scratched at his forearm as she angled her chin down. When her mouth was close enough, she clamped her teeth around a thick piece of flesh. She bit down hard, trying to break the skin. The stinging pain caught the Noble Lord off guard. He dropped her and Alex fell to her knees.
"Bitch. Biting is a weak move."
Alex scrambled away and jumped to her feet. She pushed away the blackness that tried to intrude into her vision and gulped deep breaths o
f cool air.
"There is nothing off the board when you're surviving," Alex said with a nonchalant shrug of a bare shoulder.
"You can survive here. Be happy. If you just stop fighting. Give me what I want, and you'll be treated like a queen," the Noble Lord said.
"A queen or a pet? You seem confused," Alex replied.
"You have more strength and courage than any other woman that's been brought through those doors. You aren't equal to me, but you are the closest I've found."
"Don't go falling in love, I'm not interested," Alex said snidely.
She could feel herself channel her inner Max. Thinking of her sister opened a deep longing in her heart that was almost a physical pain. She shoved the picture of Max away and locked it back into a box. A box where she was keeping everything she loved. The people she wanted to get back to so badly. Her children, her friends, their home. They were all far off thoughts that she tried to not pull to the forefront of her mind. It was too painful to even think that she may never see them again.
"Love? The apocalypse isn't about love, pet. It's about power. And together we could control so much," the Noble Lord said, breaking into Alex's inner thoughts.
"I don't want power!" Alex yelled.
With that Alex launched herself at the Noble Lord. He tried to catch her, but she slid to one side and punched him in the ribs. He turned to follow, but she snapped out a kick that hit the back of his knee, causing him to fall sideways. Alex wanted him to fall further, but he quickly found his balance and bounced back to his feet. He pivoted quickly and blocked the next punch that Alex tried to throw at his face. Without hesitation, he punched her square in the eye, throwing her backward off her feet.
The sound of Alex crashing into a small side table brought guards running into the room. The table collapsed under the impact, wood splintering across the floor. Air whooshed from Alex's mouth as she landed flat on her back. A sharp pain cut through the haze and she grabbed at her thigh. She grabbed the small shard of wood that had impaled her skin and yanked it free. Blood dripped to the floor as she rolled back to her feet. She carefully stood in the middle of the pieces of the broken table, gasping for breath. She could feel the swelling of her eye already and the pounding pain of every beat of her heart.
Sundown Series (Book 4): Torment Page 19
