Chapter 2
First week wasn't so bad. Miranda entertained herself reading from the collection on the book shelf. Second week wasn't as easy. She tried on numerous attempts to talk to Maria who would come once a day to clean the room. She also tried to start conversations with Carlos who would enter quietly serve her meals then leave. He wouldn't even acknowledge her existence.
By the third week Miranda wanted to rip her hair out! She tried exercising to keep her mind off her boredom. But to no avail. Talk about regretting opening her big mouth! I can't do this, Miranda thought. Another week alone and she was bound to go completely nuts.
Throwing herself on the bed Miranda starting counting the seconds before Carlos entered the room to serve her lunch. At twelve pm to the second he would punch in the code and the door would open. He would place her meal on the table adjacent to the bed, renter the code from the inside of the room and leave.
He was a handsome man. Mexican with dark skin a goatee and tattoos all over his arms. Alec's goatee made him look ruthless yet Carlos's facial hair made him look criminal like. His dark eyes and the scar on his right eyebrow indicated that Carlos was a force to be reckoned with.
And twelve pm sharp Miranda heard the beeping sound from the door and awaited her lunch. This time she decided to make no attempt to talk to him. Instead she continued to stare at the clock on the wall opposite her bed. Carlos entered the room, he looked over at her, not saying a word, he placed the tray of food on the table. Nothing, not a single word, he leaves her alone to face another lonely night.
She could smell the aroma of the food and although she was hungry didn't think she could stomach the food. It smelt glorious but Miranda wasn't in the mood for food.
When Carlos entered her room again, Miranda noticed he did a double take when he realized she had not touched her meal. It looked like he wanted to say something to her but refrained. Please talk to me… Nothing at all.
Alec told Carlos to report to him on the girl’s progress. Earlier he had informed him that Miranda had not touched a single meal. Alec had told him to continue with the routine, not to act affected. But it was becoming concerning.
For two days the girl hadn't eaten a thing. Now it was serious. Alec would have to deal with this from here on end.
Alec walked into her room first thing in the morning. She was sitting on the bed looking at the clock. Shit, he should not have maybe gone so hard on her. Had he pushed her too far? She needed to know that she couldn't defy him, the earlier to establish that the better. Her fucker of an uncle had not paid him yet. He wouldn't allow him in his casino anymore. That was for sure. He was lucky he didn't kill the bastard.
Still looking at the girl with her unkempt hair and her sad eyes tugged at his heart. It wasn't her fault she was here. Fuck it wasn't his fault either. But until the duration of her stay she need to be obedient and follow all rules. He didn't know how to live without control. Unfortunately for her she was under his control.
"Miranda, look at me," he said quietly as he made his way over to the bed. She remained still as if in a trance. "Miranda, look at me," he repeated. Alec gently shook her shoulders. “Miranda look at me kid," with that Miranda's glassy hazel eyes turned slowly as if trying to focus. Finally focusing she looked directly into his soul. He withdrew his hands. "You not feeling well?" He asked really starting to get concerned. "Miranda I need you to reply to me"
She did not reply, gave him a pout and shook her shoulders weakly.
"Why aren't you eating? Do you not like the food?" He was regretting leaving her here for so long. Fuck!
"Not hungry." Her voice barely a whisper. Shit! She looked dehydrated.
Alec ran his hand through his thick hair. Really getting frustrated with himself and her. "Okay kid get up and come with me,” he was done with talking. He would get her better and then they would discuss what to do from there. “You will have breakfast with me today," Alec waited for her to respond.
"Not hungry." she replied.
"That wasn't a request kid!" He didn't like to worry, but this girl was pulling at something inside of him and it felt a lot like guilt. The last time he ever felt guilt was when he knocked a man out at the casino for trying to steal food at one of the restaurants only to see his little kid waiting outside and looked like she hadn't eaten in days. After that Alec had stuffed hundred dollar bills in the man’s pocket and told him never to return to the casino.
She looked at him and then looked at her attire. She was donned in cotton shorts and a singlet with no bra. They were black but still felt very revealing to her. She suddenly became aware of her appearance and tried to cover up.
Fuck Alec didn't have time for this. He stood up grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder. Walking out the door he noticed that she was almost limp didn't have much of a fight in her. He also realized her ass so near his face and her shorts riding up till he could almost see her cheeks. He felt a stirring in his loins that was not a good sign, his dick was getting hard and he couldn’t be getting involved with her now. It would complicate everything, so his newly found lust would need to keep at bay.
Finally reaching the dining room he sat her on a chair and took his seat at the head of the table. She was still within his reach. "Maria!" he called out. Within seconds Maria was beside him. "We are ready for breakfast,"
"Of course sir," she said as she hurried off.
"Okay kid, you are to eat, slowly but I need you to eat, you are no use to me dead." He was slowly losing patience, he needed her to verbally reply to him, something about his OCD, he hated waiting for anything. "Yes?" He asked exasperated. Her eyes remain downcast.
"Yes." Her reply was barely a whisper.
"Eat" he ordered after Maria served the food. Miranda looked at the scrambled eggs and sausages and toast that were waiting for her. She suddenly felt hunger pains. Slowly picking up the orange juice she sipped it slowly. It felt so good as the juice made its way to her stomach. Suddenly her senses were alive and she started eating slowly.
Making it halfway through her plate Miranda was sure she would throw up if she continued to eat. Her belly was full and satisfied. Alec on the other hand had eaten everything on his plate. He was now sitting back looking at her.
"I can't eat anymore," she said while looking at her hands.
"You will look at me when talking to me, I don’t like to be disrespected," he barked. Shit shit shit Miranda really didn't want another punishment. She looked up at him.
"I'm sorry," She looked into his eyes. She was not sure how to take Alec. He was not a very patient man it would seem.
Studying her he saw her cheeks regain the color she had lost. Her hair was disheveled and her plump lips looked like they needed to be kissed until they bruised. Her eyes always displaying every emotion she was feeling. Stop thinking about her like that Alec! She was a means to an end, nothing more.
Yet he was fully aware of her attire. Her legs were long and shapely, her breast were full and stood proud. She was also aware of her appearance because she tried it wrap her arms around her body.
"Change and report back to me.” Miranda almost saluting to him at the order, but s stopped herself. She all but ran out of the room.
After showering and brushing her teeth, she tamed her long full hair and tied it into a high ponytail. She thought carefully about what to wear and decided on a pair of khaki pants and a black singlet with a skull on the front. She wasn't out to impress. At least her sentence was over, her punishment anyway.
She felt the need to apply a little mascara and eyeliner. Okay Miranda don't fuck up, she thought trying to encourage herself to behave. Do whatever he says and hopefully Marcus will pull through. She put her shoes on and made her way to Alec.
Maria was waiting for her "Mr. deAngelo is waiting for you in his office,” Maria moved ahead of Miranda. She speaks, Miranda thought to herself. Three weeks and not a word from her.
Passing the grand hall and getting a glimpse at the pool Maria continued walking on, Miranda was taking in everything she passed by. Once they reached the front foyer, Maria knocked on the huge door to his office. "Yes?" His voice made Miranda's heart pound in her chest. Maria opened the door and ushered Miranda in.
Wow Miranda thought what an office. It had books from wall to wall. A huge table, a lounge area and a bar! What the hell man this dude was a billionaire! Great now how not to be intimidated!
Alec was on the phone he gestured for Miranda to come and sit in the chair opposite to him at his desk. Maria had left and now it was only her and him. Breathe Miranda he is just a man. Even lying to herself Miranda knew he was more than just a man. He was her captor and her punisher. It didn't help that he was drop dead gorgeous. His eyes intrigued her. He was staring at her while talking on the phone. Miranda felt her face flush! Oh dear oh dear! She thought. He can so tell I'm affected because he's raising his eyebrows with a glint in his eyes. Oh dear! She was working herself up. Breathe you idiot, don’t be falling for his bad boy good looks. Not that a man of his stature would even consider her as a partner… Still it was a sort of fantasy.
Finally off the phone he leaned back into his chair. "How are you feeling?" He asked
"I'm okay," she replied half mumbling. Alec noticed how her face was flushed. Did she feel an attraction to him? This was dangerous. "May I ask a question?" Alec noticed how very edgy she was. She spoke to him keeping her eyes down.
"Miranda this is getting tiresome," his voice taking on a hard edge to it. "You will look at me when you talk to me, it's really not that hard," that got her quickly shooting her eyes up to look into his. Obviously she was not wanting to evoke another punishment. "Ask," he said. Suddenly Intrigued.
"May I call my uncle please? It's just that I haven't spoken to him since I got here and was wondering if I can just talk to him?" Holding her breath Miranda waited for his reply.
"I'm afraid I can't allow that kid," he watched as her lips started to quiver, as if trying to prevent herself from crying, poor kid looked so vulnerable. "It's not that I don't want you to speak to him, it's just that the less he knows of your wellbeing the better." She nodded her head yet looked so defeated. "Tell you what, if by the end of the week you continue to behave I’ll consider it." Smart Alec why are you concerning yourself with her feelings? Alec ran a hand through his thick hair.
Miranda noticed Alec's eyed darken as if fighting an inner battle with himself. She was so awed by his looks that she forgot to be scared. Looking at his lips she wondered what it would be like to be kissed by him. "If you keep looking at me like that kid we're both gonna be in some big trouble." Miranda felt her face flush and wanted the floor to open up and swallow her. She was like so busted checking him out. Fuck she was so busted drooling at him. How embarrassing!
Alec stood and walked around leaning on his desk right in front of Miranda. Oh dear! Oh dear! Breathe Miranda! He waited patiently for her to raise her head and look up at him. Wow he really was hot! Feeling her face heat up Miranda started biting her nails. He grabbed her hands and pulled her up. "That's really a nasty habit biting your nails," the way he whispered sent shivers down her spine. Miranda was so close to him that she could feel the heat radiate from his body. He traced his thumb over her lips. Miranda wanted him to kiss her so bad.
And that's exactly what he did.
He bought his lips so gently onto hers that Miranda felt like she would swoon. She instinctively pulled back. He gave her a lopsided smile, which didn't reach his eyes. “I told you not to look at me like that." Grabbing the back of her head he slammed his lips onto hers. Not gently at all this time. He crushed her lips forcing his tongue into her mouth. Miranda felt totally under his spell. He was rough and demanding, twisting her hair in his fist. She started to panic this was not like any kiss she had ever had before. Yet he was awakening things in her that she had never felt. The pit of her stomach was clenching in anticipation of his next move.
Finally Miranda gave in and shyly responded to his onslaught, he growled which sent electricity through her. Still grabbing her hair and never breaking the kiss he pushed her onto the wall hard. He brought his knees up to part her legs. Alec shocked the hell out of her when he moved his free hand down to her throat and applied some pressure. Miranda felt things moving way to fast. His hand moving to her breast as he began to squeeze one than the other.
Finally he broke the kiss and moved his hand slowly down her belly towards the essence of her womanhood.
"Please stop," was that her voice? It sounded so husky and alien to her ears. Alec stopped and put his forehead on hers breathing hard, as if trying to regain his composure. Abruptly he pushed her away from him as if she had a contagious disease.
"Get the fuck outta here!" He yelled. Miranda stood frozen to the floor. What had just happened? He looked like he wanted to beat her, he looked at her with such distaste that Miranda felt dirty. "I said GET THE FUCK OUT!" She jumped so startled by the change in him that she didn't know what to do. So afraid of another punishment but for what? Ok Miranda make like a fly and flee.
Alec stood looking at the door, what the fuck had he done? He would have fucked her so hard had she not broken the spell. FUCK! This is bad, real bad. He needed her out of here. There was something about her that drew him to her. Could it be the fact that she was totally under his control? His would be captive? Her vulnerability her bravery and her purity fueled a fire within him. What the fuck was happening to him? If he wanted pussy it was aptly available. At the moment Crystal was fulfilling his sexual needs, and he had never needed a woman so bad. Never really been one to give in to temptation and by god Miranda was a fucking temptation.
He returned to his chair. Picking up the phone he dialed Carlos's extension. "Yo boss?" Answered Carlos.
"Take Miranda for the tour of the manor and give her the lowdown on where she can and can't go." This was bad, so bad, Alec did not need this complication in his life.
***
Sitting outside and soaking in the sun, Miranda almost forgot about what had transpired earlier. After the tour with Carlos she felt so good to be outside. It had almost been a month since she felt the sun on her skin. She took off her shoes and felt the grass between her toes. This place was immaculate, the pool, the decor the land looked like it came out of a movie. Miranda was out of her league and she knew it. Never having too much money Miranda always worked to be able to support herself. Her uncle wouldn't leave much with her always gambling it away. Just looking at her surroundings made her feel small and unimportant. Story of her life really.
And then there was Alec, a man who looked like a god and who had the body to tempt a saint and had everything! Good looks more wealth than she could imagine and sexy as hell. Shit what about Crystal? What would she do if she found out about the kiss? Miranda you can't seem to keep out of trouble when it came to Alec! Hell she was starting to think that trouble was her middle name.
Miranda thought long and hard about her next move, she didn't want any trouble so she was going to avoid Alec at all costs. He was defiantly bad news and Miranda just wanted out of there. She needed to get in contact with Marcus one way or another. Until she could figure out what to do she would keep away from Alec, he looked like a ticking time bomb when it came to her, she would have to walk on egg shells around him. Just keep away from him! She thought to herself, it’s not that hard, this place was huge, she could do her time without running into him, thus not getting into any trouble.
Easier said than done. Miranda was summoned to dinner. She had just had a shower when Maria entered her room advising her that dinner would be served and in an hour she was to make her way to the dining room. Hell that's all she needed. Hurrying to find something appropriate to wear Miranda rummaged through her closet. She donned a black pair of three quarter pants and a black top with a diamond cross at the front. The top was a tight fit that accentuated her breast and flat stomach. Although Miranda was not skinny like she was starving skinny as was the trend these days, she had a figure that seem to draw plenty of attention.
Quickly brushing her hair and loosely braiding it, she applied a little makeup and headed down stairs to face her captor. Her overly hot captor that kissed her. Oh my god… He kissed me! She could feel that fluttering in her stomach at the anticipation of seeing him again. Here goes nothing...
"You’re late," was how he greeted her. Miranda cringed when she realized that Crystal and Alec were sitting at the dining table waiting for her. “I’m sorry I lost track of time." Miranda hurried to the table and sat opposite to Miss stunning. "Good evening Miranda it's been a while." said Miss flawless.
"Yes it has," Miranda replied trying to be polite. Miranda watch yourself, she thought. “Good to see you again Crystal" said with the fakest smile ever. See she could smile and be sarcastic too.
"I didn't realize the month was up" Crystal said looking accusingly at Alec.
"Good behavior," was Miranda's quick respond. Alec was quite enjoying Miranda trying to control her tongue. "Anyway ..."
Miranda was really uncomfortable and wanted Alec to speak so the attention wasn't on her. She began to tap he fingers quietly on the table.
"Have you told her yet Alec?" Crystal asked while Maria was serving dinner.
"No not yet"
"Let me please," purred Miss sexy as hell. "We are all going to a grand ball, it’s a fundraiser that we are involved in and you my dear are to accompany us." Like what in god’s name for? That's what Miranda really wanted to say. Instead Miranda kept her mouth shut and forced a smile.
"Well? Isn't that great? You get to meet the elite and all the socialites! Everybody will be there!"
“Yeah, thank you for the invite, but I don't do balls,” Ha that was funny, I don’t do balls… Grow up Miranda. She shook her head and tried to keep focus on what was being said. Miranda couldn't think of anything else to say. What was Crystal's game? Why did she want her to attend the party anyway?
"Again kid that wasn't a request," he speaks! She really felt that it was a bad idea to go, she didn't know anybody but these two freaks and she did not want to be with them out in public. It would be like so weird.
"Okay…" she replied feeling the dread in the pit of her stomach.
Crystal clapped her hands together seeming genuinely happy of the situation. All throughout dinner Crystal went on and on about going shopping for a dress and how Miranda should find something suitable to wear. Miranda cringed to herself! What the hell would she wear? The worst part of it was that Miranda only had three days to find something.
Would he allow her to go shopping? But she had no money. Unless she would use the excuse to go shopping and make a run for it. The wheels in her head were working forming a scheme to get herself out of his control.
After dinner they made their way to the informal lounge room, which seemed a little more comfortable and homelike than the rest of the place. Miranda sat down feeling out of place being with Alec and Crystal. Watching as Crystal sat so close to Alec and touched him at any given opportunity. He seemed to enjoy it, they were both not really giving Miranda any attention. Okay so he thought avoiding her was best also. She could understand that, especially after that hot kiss.
She looked around trying not to stare at them. "I really think you need time off Alec, I mean you own the casinos why can't you let somebody else run it for you? We can go somewhere secluded, just you and me," she spoke so seductively that Miranda felt she shouldn't be there. It seemed too intimate.
"Um may I please be excused?" Miranda asked needing to leave. She interrupted Crystal but it was so awkward being here with them.
"No," was Alec's reply. This was like so freaking weird, why did he want her there? It was obvious that Crystal really wanted to be alone with him. Miranda felt a twinge of jealousy, unsure why she was affected but certain she didn't like seeing Crystal all over him.
Minutes felt like hours to Miranda… Finally after a long and boring hour after having coffee and Alec indulging in straight scotch Crystal stood to leave. "Well goodnight baby," she said to Alec kissing him sensually on the lips. She looked radiant with her hair tied in a neat bun. Boy Crystal was a looker, she wore black slacks that outlined her perfect body, hell even Miranda had to admit how attractive she was. "I'm sorry I can't stay, I have an early start tomorrow." Alec stood to walk her to the door. "Goodnight Miranda." Crystal was so fucking polite it was making her sick.
"Night," just leave already I wanna go to my room. It was strange that she wanted to return to the place she was locked in for almost a month. It was just that she felt like maybe she shouldn’t be near Alec alone. Her heart was beating rapidly now in anticipation of his return. Maybe she should just go to her room.
Alec left with Crystal, probably to kiss her properly without an audience. So was this Miranda's cue to leave? She was so confused. Just then Carlos entered and filled himself a scotch. "What's up?" he asked. Oh so this asshole can speak too… Just like Maria, now that she was not locked in her room, they both miraculously found their voices… Good for nothing jerks.
"Um do think he would mind if I went to my room?" Carlos raised an eyebrow.
"Did he dismiss you?” Carlos asked her.
"No but I'm not sure he wants me here"
"Trust me kid, he'll let you know exactly what he wants. If he doesn't want you here he will dismiss you. Unless you've been dismissed I suggest you stay put."
"Thank you," Miranda said. Something about Carlos comforted her. Maybe because she saw him most in her jail time.
Alec returned and resumed drinking his scotch. He looked at Miranda while sipping his beverage.
Miranda felt her face heat up. Carlos seemed to notice as well because he took his drink and left the room. She didn't know how to react. He sat so casually with his sexy ass jeans and his black top that was hugging his biceps. He never took his eyes off her. He gestured for her to come over with his index finger.
This could not be good.... No way, no good was going to come out of her going over to him. What now?
Really not having much options, Miranda made her way to him. He tapped the place beside him where Crystal had been sitting. She did sit but she was very reluctant about it. He continued to drink his liquor. He offered his cup to her, Miranda shook her head, not wanting this to get more intimate by drinking from his glass. "Wasn't a request kid," His voice not revealing anything.
He put the glass to Miranda's mouth and watched as she took a sip. She was grateful when he removed the cup because she had never been a fan of alcohol and scotch was as ugly as alcohol went! It burnt her throat. He was watching her closely. The moment that Alec’s hand move to stroke her hair, she literally felt her heart skip a beat.
As if he was unaware of his actions he bought his hand around her throat. He gently tightened his grip. Miranda didn't want to panic but he seemed so lost in the moment that she actually feared for her safety. "Are you attracted to me?" He asked serious. Miranda was so confused by the way he was asserting his dominance showing her he could snap her neck in a second if he wanted to, asking her a question that she really didn't want to answer. "Don't fucking lie to me kid, I'll know if you lie. And if you ever lie to me you will not like the punishment, I assure you." Still he didn’t raise his voice, he gripped her neck a little tighter. She could still breathe yet it was an indication that her life was literally in his hands.
"Answer the fucking question!" He barked suddenly. She was so confused. One minute all calm and collected the next he was a maniac.
"Yes" Miranda replied quickly. Suddenly tightening his grip around her neck he bought his face so close to hers "Yes what?"
"Sir, yes sir." Miranda chocked out. Boy he was really beginning to freak her out. Miranda had no clue what to do. All she knew was that she was in some serious shit.