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Chapter 1
Miranda awoke feeling the start of a head ache. She blinked away sleep and opened her eye. Why did her body feel so heavy? She moaned and tried to turn. "Your awake then?" A mans deep voice startled her and woke her up completely. What in gods name was going on and where the hell was she? She turned in the direction of the voice only to see a man sitting on an armchair with his legs wide apart in his khaki shorts and his thick arms folded.
Miranda started to feel her body working again and quickly sat up putting both her hands up as if to prevent him from nearing. Although he hadn't even moved. Slowly memories of her uncle and their conversation resurfaced in her mind. She was a means to an end. He betrayed her! He willingly fed her to the wolves to save his sorry ass, and stupid Miranda agreed to help him...again.
Alec sat back patiently watching the young lady figure out why she was here. She still hadn't said a word to him. Watching her emotions flicker over her face was quite entertaining. Okay there was no use delaying the inevitable, he wanted this to go smoothly. He really didn't have the time or patience to deal with spoilt kids. He wanted his money back and she was the only thing guaranteed to make sure that happened.
"Let's cut to the chase," he began. Alec noticed the girl look so scared wide eyed with her hazel eyes about to pop out of her head. “You are here because your uncle is a lowlife shit who cares for nobody but himself. He has traded you as equity until he can repay me." Saying it out aloud disgusted Alec. "Rules are quite simple," he continued. Never taking is eyes off the girl who looked as scared as mouse. Her hands still held up in front of her as if to ward him off. "Don't try to escape you will find it fruitless. I would suggest you always do what you are told, I don’t like mayhem and I don’t like chaos."
He was giving her rules now? Miranda was on the verge of crying. She really wanted to say something but really what could she say? Her own uncle did this to her. She had no choice but to get through this as best as she could. "What's your name?" His voice startled her awake from her thoughts. Miranda just stared at him. "I asked you a question," he seemed irritated that she hadn't replied. "Your name?" Seeing the change in his demeanor made her heart pound so hard. Miranda noticed his blue eyes darken to almost black.
"Miranda ... My name is Miranda" she whispered. He nodded.
"Okay Miranda, firstly you will always answer my questions immediately when asked. You will also address me as sir. This is no holiday, I am taking this like a job… Merely a way to get things to pass… If your uncle stays true to his word then this will be over in no time at all.” Was he for real? Sir? Who the hell did he think he was?
"Understood?" Miranda was thinking how to reply to this man who was demanding things from her. So she nodded her head instead of saying what she really thought.
"I asked you a direct question Miranda, I expect a verbal response, I don’t do delinquents." He spoke softly but the way he spoke laid a threat that Miranda sensed was looming.
"Yes," she replied. Okay so she was testing the waters to see how he would react to her deliberately not saying sir.
Alec gave a slow menacing smile. He stood up and slowly walked over to the bed. He was impressed with Miranda seeing how far she could push him. He deliberately moved around so he was hovering above her. He sat on the bed beside her and watched as her breathing quickened.
"Miranda it's in your best interest to do as you’re told. Choose your battles wisely kid." Miranda watched him raise his eyebrows anticipating her answer. She was finding him very hard to read. "Understood?"
"Yes ...sir" she replied quietly.
"Good girl. It's simple really do as you’re told and I won't need to punish you,” she watched him as though he was a lion ready to pounce on his prey.
"There's a shower with all your needs in there," he said pointing in the direction of the room’s ensuite. "Clean your self up and meet me downstairs." With that he left the room. Miranda felt as if she was paralyzed. She heard the door close and let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
She recalled her uncle dropping her off here last night, she was ushered into the room by an elderly lady, nothing much was said, she was shown to the room and it was locked behind her. Miranda had no idea how long it took her to sleep, her head had been pounding, how she accepted to help her uncle she had no idea.
He was always doing this like this to her, always playing the victim, he was supposed to be the one for her to turn to for help, not the other way around. Now here she was once again cleaning after his mess. Only this time he had better pull through and get the money he owed this Alec dude... Miranda was not going to be a prisoner to anybody who wanted her to call them sir... What planet did this guy come from? Had she not been so unsettled she would have given him a piece of her mind.... Just saying... He was so lucky she did not give him her sass... Treating her like a bloody child... Yeah right, not in this life time.
Ok I can do this, Miranda thought. After her shower she studied herself in the mirror. Her dark chestnut hair was damp and put in a loose bun atop her head. Her hazel eyes were extra light today. They seemed to be that way when she was afraid. Taking a deep breath she adjusted her bright pink shirt with her faded worn out jeans that sat on her hipbone.
Flashes of her packing her bags rushed in her mind. Oh how she cried when she realized her uncle had made this deal! Sure he wasn't the most noble man in the world and had a gambling problem but ever since her parents died five years ago she had only him left, and he did nothing but look out for himself, then spent her entire inheritance.
After her money was gone he didn't really bother with her. Miranda thought maybe she should tell "sir" that she was merely a scapegoat. But would he believe her? And if so what would happen to her uncle?
Shaking her head Miranda walked out of the bathroom and notice her lush surroundings. Huge king size bed with a golden quilt comforter. Big sliding door with a balcony that overlooked acres and acres of manicured land. A girl could get used to this...
Somebody had unpacked her suit bags already. Feeling overwhelmed and a little dizzy Miranda sat down, this all felt so surreal, like out of the ordinary. This Alec dude was way more intimidating then she had anticipated him to be. Her dumb ass uncle made it out like he was just another one of his normal dealers. Turns out he was hot and he was rich… And not to mention scary as hell.
Just open the door and walk out, she thought. It's not a big deal just see what this all about so you can know what you’re dealing with.
Already Miranda recalled her captor’s eyes, so very intensely blue yet his pupils dilated till they covered his eyes when he seemed unpleased. Yes the term Captor maybe a little much, maybe more her employer, her boss… But if Miranda was being honest with herself, she did feel a lot like a captive. Despite her oversized and over the top room, being here against her will was really a lot like being a prisoner.
Miranda thought about Alec’s physic, it was downright overwhelming! Not like a body builder, more like he earned his broad chest and bulky arms from fights and hard labor. Something about his dark hair and the bit of tattoo she saw on his neck told her he could be trouble.
Ok Miranda stop dawdling!!! That's it I'm going down now! She encouraged herself. Slowly she stood and opened the door. Here goes nothing...
Walking down the grand stairs Miranda was overwhelmed with the size of this mansion. Slowly descending down she saw a lady who had let her in last night. "Hello dear, my name is Maria, Mr deAngelo is waiting for you." Sweet enough lady, didn’t say much last night but nice all the same. She directed Miranda to a living area that looked like it came out of a home decorating magazine.
She noticed that Alec was sitting with a porcelain looking women almost on his lap whispering something in his ear. He lifted his eyes as if suddenly aware of Miranda's presence. "Ah Miranda you’re here," he signaled for her to approach him.
Walking slowly towards them Miranda was suddenly very nervous. "This is Crystal," he said putting his hand on her lap. Crystal beamed with happiness. Dressed in a white suit she looked amazing. Miranda noticed her strawberry blond hair was styled with loose curls. Her blue eyes and thick lashes made her look like a movie star.
Miranda felt intimidated by her looks. She felt underdressed with her off the shoulder bright pink tee-shirt, her faded jeans and her simple flats. She must look a sight to them, Miranda cringed to herself. She must look a sight to them.
"Take a seat kid," The way Alec spoke was with so much authority, so much confidence. Nodding her head, Miranda walked to the furthest lounge away from them.
"So Miranda, how old are you?" Miss porcelain doll asked. Her voice matching her looks, sweet and exotic.
"I'm twenty four."
"Wow Alec she's just a baby" she said looking at Alec. "What things does a twenty four year old like you do these days?" Miranda sensed that she was being mocked by miss gorgeous. “From your dress sense I assume you get very creative out in the big world?"
"Um, my dress sense?" That's it Miranda wasn't going to sit here and listen to this crap from miss perfect. "It's called not trying to impress anybody," oh her blood was boiling. How the hell dare she think to treat her like a moron?
"I was just suggesting that you look very...how can I put it colorful, no need to get defensive?” Crystal looked at Alec with a smirk.
Alec looked at Miranda and saw her struggle with her emotions. He couldn't believe she spoke out to Crystal like that. People usually assumed Crystal was nice because she insulted people with a fixed smile on her face. Miranda seemed to catch on quickly... Interesting.
"As an employer, you are to respect your bosses. Have you ever worked before Miranda?” Was this dickhead for real? She nodded her head. “And do you speak to your boss that way?” Having nothing more to do she dumbly shook her head. “Apologize to Crystal Miranda." Alec said coolly. Waiting to see how this was going to play out. He was so wanting her to crack, it would be the only way to deal with her and put her in her place once and for all just no mishaps occur. Better get it right from the beginning. He really had no time for this crap.
Miranda's eyes went almost glassy looking. Her cheeks flushed a red that suited her thick full lips.
"Apologize? Um, I’m sorry for what?" That's it! Enough was enough. "Look, Sir Alec or whatever the hell your name is. I am here purely because my uncle is an asshole. I am not your anything. I think I have changed my mind…” She paused for a second. “Yeah, I think I'm outta here." Miranda stood to leave, fuck her uncle. This was so not part of the plan. If she accept this kind of treatment, next he would be whoring her out. Miranda headed for the stairs… She was going home. Her dickhead uncle could deal with this alone.
"Get back here kid." Alec said calmly. His voice so level, not a hint of anger. She stood frozen trying to figure out what to do. He had no rights over her. He could not do anything to her. Fuck him…
"That's two Miranda," he said holding up two fingers. Two what? This guy was like weird.
Fighting an inner battle with herself Miranda didn't know how to approach the situation. Had she over reacted? No, her instincts were always right, and at this particular moment her instincts were warning her that Alec wasn't happy with her at all. She really wanted to throw caution to the wind but feared the repercussions. For some reason she swallowed her pride. Miranda looked over at a very intrigued looking Crystal.
"I'm sorry Crystal." That's it Miranda, apologize and leave.
"Come here, "Alec gestured for her to approach, it would seem that Alec had other ideas. The last thing she wanted to do was go near him. Still she cautiously walked toward him, she saw his pupils dilate, that must be a sign of his discontent.
Alec stood up towering over Miranda. He walked towards her and lifted her chin, a slight grip nothing to cower over just yet, it seemed more threatening that he did it so softly. Miranda looked at him aware of the intensity of his eyes. She could almost drown in them... almost.
"This isn't starting out too well for you, already you've earned yourself two punishments." His voice so soft yet so full of promise. “Why are you sorry Miranda?" he asked. Jesus was this guy for real? She already said she was sorry! Miranda although not a stubborn girl decided that she really has nothing to be sorry about. To hell with it let him do his worst! She was so outta there anyways.
"I'm sorry that Crystal is an obnoxious woman who feels superior when she insults people, I'm sorry that I ever agreed to this crap," shut up Miranda what the hell are you doing? Yet her mouth seemed to have a mind of its own. "I'm sorry that my uncle ever went into business with you and I'm especially sorry for ever knowing either of you." There she said it. It felt so much better getting it out of her system. “So I’m gone… Thanks for the night. Room was great, will recommend you to all my friends.” She said sarcastically. Miranda shook her head at the absurdity of this entire situation. Dumb fucking dickhead. Miranda hated nothing more than arrogant assholes who assumed that having money gave them the right to order people around like they were they’re superiors or something. Alec did that from the moment he spoke to her. Saying he was her boss and all… Yeah, fuck off asshole. He was not above her, what was money anyway? It cannot bring you back once you are dead… Her parents couldn’t come back… Money or not they were dead.
Alec was dumbfounded! In all his thirty six years he had never been struck dumb as he had this particular moment. Nobody had ever dared speak to him like that. Anybody who spoke out of line with him were dealt with. The few that thought they could challenge him usually ended up dead. He always had a no tolerance policy for things if they didn't go his way. And this situation didn't go his way at all.
Aware that Crystal and Maria the housekeeper were waiting to see his reaction to Miranda's outburst, and although he really didn't want to punish her so early in the game he needed to assert his dominance so nobody would think they could fuck with him. His main issue here was he couldn’t lose face. Crystal mingled around with the elite in society of whom his colleagues and enemies were a part of. He couldn't let her spread the word that he has gone soft. One word here, one word there and rumors escalate… Then big time fucker would think he had gone soft and want to take him on.
He tsked and shook his head. Miranda wanted to scream so loud and tell them all to go to hell. Oh she so wanted this over with, hurry up and talk you fucker, she wanted to go home. "Okay Miranda here's what's going to happen. You will be locked in your room for two weeks, one week per punishment, nothing except you and four walls. “Miranda started shaking her head! That's it! That's the punishment? Bring it on dude! She liked being with herself anyway! Beats hanging around these jerks!
"What? Your grounding me? Seems a little juvenile don't you think?" She said tartly. “Look, Alec, or sir, whatever, I am leaving, I am not going to be a part of this bullshit. My uncle and you need to work out another plan. Me I will not be a part of this.” Idiot thinking to punish her.
"Three weeks," was he's reply to that. Miranda’s mouth dropped open. She must look so comical to him.
"Seriously this is ridiculous! You can't treat me like this! You have no right to demand anything from me! I'm like so leaving, you can bargain with Marcus for something else! You and my uncle can both go to hell!"
Suddenly Alec's hand twisted in her hair so hard she thought her scalp was coming off. He tugged on her hair forcing her to look up at him.
"Four weeks" he said a little too close to her face. "One more outburst from you and I'll guarantee you will be sorry!" Play time was over! She needed to know who was boss. She might think four weeks is nothing, but after the first week she'll be begging for company. He'll break her one way or another! "I can make your stay here a living hell kid! You really don't want to see the ugly side of me," he said while still gripping her hair. "Understood?" he pulled on her hair tighter while waiting for her response.
"Yes sir." Miranda replied wincing from the pain. She ceded, out of pure shock she ceded. He abruptly let her go making her stagger backwards and almost fall. She felt so embarrassed to be in this predicament.
"Carlos!" In a second Carlos was in the room. "Escort Ms. Branford to her room, and make sure you secure the code lock." Carlos nodded his head and gestured for Miranda to follow him.
Carlos was Alec's wing man! He sorted out the shit in Alec's world. He dealt with security and would die happily taking a bullet for Alec.
Turning back to Crystal he notice a glee in her eye. "My my baby," she purred, "Do you think you can deal with this itty bitty brat? Seems like she's going to be a handful. I mean really, disrespecting you in front of company? Does she not know who you are?"
Alec returned to his seat beside her. "She's just a kid Crystal, I can deal with her, just needs to learn her place."
"Are you sure of that Alec. I mean you need to be careful hon, you know Ethan and what he is capable of. What would Ethan think if he heard you were going soft?" Fuck, he knew she would bring Ethan Cunningham into this.
"Ethan the fucker can go to hell! You know that if it wasn't for his father he'd be a dead man!"
"I know baby it's just that he's really stepping up in the world. You know how any weakness you show will be a weapon for him. I'm only looking out for you honey, I've heard through the grapevine that he intends to bring you and your whole operation down."
"I can deal with Cunningham. And I can deal with Miranda no need to worry. She'll be outta here by the time her punishments up. I'm not going to have to deal with her. She can stay in there till her fucking uncle returns my money.”
Crystal slowly rubbed her hands on Alec's thighs, lifting her hand further and further until she reached his crotch. Rubbing him up and down she lifted herself and sat on his lap. "Let me make it better for you baby," she said as she unzipped and unbuttoned his shorts. Freeing his semi erect cock she rubbed the head of it. Never taking her eyes off him she licked her hand and slowly returned her moistened hand and began rubbing his cock.
Crystal can always make it better he thought...