“Shhh, Ellie.” Jett wraps me in his arms. “You can and you will.”
“Why?” I cry into his shoulder.
“Because—” Jett pulls away and looks into my eyes. I see compassion there. “Listen to me Ellie. You need to trust Kayne. I know that might be hard, but he’s doing this for a reason.”
“How can I trust him?” I ask with my universe in turmoil. “He puts a collar on me and forces me to walk around naked. And soon ...” I wipe my eyes. “Soon ... I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
“The only thing I can tell you is things aren’t always as they seem.”
I search Jett’s eyes. “What does that mean?”
He just shakes his head. “Trust Kayne.”
Easy for him to say.
“Enough talk, Ellie. It’s time to be strong. Lay on the table.”
“What are you going to do?” I sniff.
Jett looks at me with an annoyed expression. “Here’s your first lesson in submission. Don’t ask questions, don’t talk back, and do as you’re told.”
I frown.
“Now go, or I’ll force you down and tie you to it.”
His eyes tell me all I need to know: Don’t fuck with me.
I lay on the table, naked with my hair still damp and my emotions spiraling out of control.
“Pull your knees up and spread your legs. Put your hands over your head.” I do as he says, panting nervously.
“Breathe, Ellie.”
“What are you going to do?” I ask again.
“Wax you.” He smears warm sticky stuff all over my pubic hair. I flinch. He holds me still with firm hands. “Don’t move.”
Then he covers the smeared wax with strips of cloth. I breathe heavily, anticipating the pain.
“Have you ever had a Brazilian before?” Jett asks as he rips the first strip off.
“No!” I shriek as scalding pain burns my skin and tears run out of my eyes. God, will I ever stop crying?
Jett rips off strip after agonizing strip, until I am completely bare. Bare physically and bare emotionally. “Aloe,” he says showing me a green blob of something on his fingers before he applies it to my sensitive skin. The cool gel eases the pain slightly, but not nearly enough. The way he handles me makes me feel like an object. Like my humanity is being stripped away layer by precious layer.
“Up you go.” He takes one of my hands, and I stand, a little wobbly, on my feet.
“Turn around and rest your hands on the table,” Jett instructs. “We’re not done yet.”
Dear God, what now? I reluctantly do as he says. Hating every second of this new life.
“Are you on any birth control?” he asks matter-of-factly.
“No, why?” I look over my shoulder. He’s holding a syringe.
“Good.” He stabs me in the ass.
“What is that?” I grit my teeth and wince as the needle penetrates my skin. How much more must I endure today?
“Depo-Provera,” he informs me, and the realization as to why I need birth control hits home. This is really happening. I’m becoming Kayne’s whore. I start to hyperventilate.
“Ellie, calm down.” Jett rubs my back. “You need to eat.” He takes my arm and leads me back into the bedroom. “Lie down, I’ll be right back. Is there anything you’re allergic to?”
“No,” I cry into the pillow. My ass is sore, my vagina is throbbing, and I feel like a humiliated mess.
I don’t know how long Jett is gone. But I’m still suffocating myself with the pillow when he returns.
“Time to eat.” He pulls me up and forces me to sit at the small table where a silver dome is waiting for me. Jett lifts it to reveal scrambled eggs and buttered toast.
“Eat it. All of it. It will make you feel better.”
I stare at the food with puffy eyes. As much as I don’t want to eat, my stomach rumbles loudly, so I pick up the fork and slowly take a bite. It’s good, really good, and still warm. I finish everything on the plate while Jett stands over me.
Once satisfied, he covers the dish then lifts the platter off the table.
“I’ll be back later to get you ready.” Ready? “Try to relax. You’ll need your strength for Kayne tonight.”
I look up at him callously.
“Retain that frame of mind, Ellie. Remember what I told you. Strong.”
Then he leaves the room. I hear the lock click and my heart squeezes. I’m supposed to stay cooped up in here all day? I look around, taking in my jail cell. It’s a room people like me only dream about—opulent and luxurious, with silk window treatments and expensive furnishings. I stare out the window at the rolling green hills. I’m high in the air with no escape in sight and nothing but trees and grass for miles. I see the future I worked so hard for slipping away. I’m a slave. Kayne’s slave. Tears roll down my cheeks. But they aren’t tears of sadness, they’re tears of rage. I’ll figure a way out of this mess.
I have to.
Or I’ll die trying.
HOURS UPON HOURS ALONE IS a tad bit maddening.
I tried the television, but there was no cable. There was, however, a porno DVD. I shut it off immediately when I heard the moaning and saw a girl being fucked from behind. I tried some books on the shelves, but realized just as quickly it was all erotica. Titles like Bound by Passion and Temptation were all I could find. It’s like he wants me hopped-up on hormones at all times.
My worst mistake was wandering into the adjoining circular room. I’m standing next to a table that reminds me of a torture device. The black cushions look unforgiving. The straps on the sides and on the stirrups are thick leather with silver buckles. They seem implacable. But the things that scare me the most are the whipping tools on the wall; a crop, a flogger, and a wooden paddle with a heart-shape cutout. I shiver with fear just looking at them.
The drawers under the table are full of sex toys. I can’t begin to imagine what you do with some of these things. Vibrators of all different shapes and sizes. Small bullet looking things with chains on the end. Belts, handcuffs, and ball gags that remind me of muzzles. I shake just looking at them. When the door clicks, I jump, slamming the drawer shut. I walk quickly back into the bedroom as Jett appears. His aqua eyes are wide as he regards me.
“Exploring?”
I look down timidly. “I was bored.”
“I see. Find anything that interests you?”
“No.” I wrap my arms around my naked chest begrudgingly.
“There’s an old saying. Don’t knock it until you try it.” Jett pulls my arms away from my body. “No hiding. Your body is beautiful, show it.”
“I know an old saying too,” I retort. “Easier said than done.”
Jett chuckles. “Smartass. Come on, kitten. Time to go back on your leash.”
Jett motions to the bed. Then he retrieves the collar and chain from the bathroom. I sort of hoped it was its final resting place.
Jett makes quick work of fastening the thick leather around my neck. The cold steel chain once again brushes between my breasts and dangles down to my knees.
“Stay,” he says. Then walks over to the dresser and pulls out a pair of black see-through panties. I have déjà vu as he slides them on me. Underwear seems to be the only article of clothing I’m allowed to wear.
“On the bed, kitten. Kayne will be here soon.” My heart rate quickens. I’m not sure I’m ready for this. I climb onto the huge opulent bed covered with rich, plush throw pillows.
“Remember what I told you. Behave. Listen to Kayne and you should be able to walk just fine tomorrow.” I pale as he fastens the chain to the elaborate iron and tufted headboard. “See you in the morning, sweet thing.”
He closes the door with a light click.
I’m alone again, chained to a bed like a scared puppy about to have her first obedience lesson with her new owner. What could this possibly entail? Nothing good, I conclude. I bring my legs up to my chest and curl into a ball, trying to cover up as much of myself as possible. I don’t know how long I sit and just stare at the door. The waiting is almost as maddening as the anticipation of what’s to come. Then the door clicks and my heart jumps into my throat. Kayne walks in to the room with an air of authority. His face is tight, his eyes are dark, and his presence is oppressive. I stare stoically as he approaches me like he’s stalking a wounded animal. I pull my legs tighter to my body.
He’s wearing black suit pants and a blood red dress shirt. His collar is open and his shirt sleeves are rolled up to his elbows. I swallow thickly. He’s also holding something in his right hand.
“Evening, kitten,” he says in an even tone. It’s almost chilling. “How was your day?”
I don’t respond.
Kayne narrows his eyes. “I asked how your day was, kitten. When I address you directly, you answer. Lesson one.”
I stare him down with my defenses up.
“Kitten?” he goads.
“My name is Ellie.”
“Your name is whatever I choose to call you. And right now, it’s kitten.” He grabs me by the collar and pulls me effortlessly across the silken sheets, drawing my face close to his. I pull at his hand as he nearly lifts me off the mattress. “We can do this my way or we can do it yours. I’ll be fine with either. The end result will be the same.”