Chapter 23
Next few weeks were pretty quiet, Miranda was pretty much ignored during the day, come nights Alec always needed something from her. One night he walked into her room and ordered her to strip. He then proceeded to tie her hands up from a hook in the ceiling and leave her like that for a while. Before he untied her, he decided to whip her for fun. She despised him those days. He toyed with her emotions every now and again but was still civil enough around company. Her body was battered and bruised, her eye a little swollen, her back with welts from whip and belt marks… The more he was around Toni the more he seemed to want to punish Miranda... It was such a no win situation.
That evening Crystal had joined them for dinner clearly excited about something. "So Alec have you told them yet?" Oh god Miranda knew it was something elaborate
"No Crystal, be my guest"
"Ok ladies we are having a party of sorts here, biggest bash ever, it's going to be great! So many people will be here, we do this every few years for cliental purposes so we are all to be as hospitable as possible." Crystal was in her zone, Miranda didn't want to be a part of this, it never ended well in her favor.
"Crystal when is it?" Miranda needed to sort something out.
"On the weekend so we don’t really have much time, everything will be fully catered for all you need to do is dress nice and be nice."
"Thanks for the invite but I think I'll sit this one out." Hoping she got away with that.
"You'll sit what out Miranda? Ha? Don't you fucking get it?"
"I get it, it’s just, I would rather not attend is all," she was getting him riled up, shit Miranda pick your battles.
"Ok you have two choices kid, fair enough you don't want to attend I'll not force you, but if you decide not to join us then my dear you can spend the entire night in the basement." He knew this would affect her. In a second her face turned white. "What, you don't like your options?" And that's how it's done!
"I'll go to the party." Miranda was on the verge of tears. Her heart dropped at the mention of the basement.
"Really because I'm leaning more towards the basement kid, at least that way I don't have to worry if your behaving or not," he watched as her tears started flowing.
"Alec man that's enough."
"Stay out of it Carlos, it's not your fucking concern, and before you say anything Crystal that goes for you too."
Miranda wiped her tears wanting to stop this situation from escalating. "I'm sorry master." She just didn't want anybody to get into shit because of her anymore. Calling him master in front of Toni was humiliating, that was the first time she had done so in her presence. She could only imagine what Toni was thinking. Not chancing a look she kept her eyes down cast, her life just went downhill.
"Come here," she quickly obeyed him. "You know what to do." To her absolute horror he was indicating for her to kneel before him. In front of everybody and Toni. Miranda knew it was his way to assert his total ownership of her and to tell everybody their input wasn't needed. Deciding on appeasing him and saving herself further punishment Miranda kneeled before him. "Where do you belong Miranda?" She wanted the ground to swallow her whole. Toni's face was that of shock, and maybe even a little intrigued.
"At your feet sir." She whispered
"Did you say something Miranda because I didn't quite get that?" Fuck this was humiliating to say the least. He just wouldn't relent.
"I belong at your feet... Master." He smiled. Alec and Crystal were clearly unhappy. Carlos stood up and left. Crystal continued to talk hoping to lighten the mood. Toni was stunned and couldn't really say much. Miranda stayed on her knees with her arms around her back until he leisurely finished his dinner.
"Let her up Alejandro.” Toni spoke to Alec, when he didn’t reply she spoke to Miranda. “Mira, get up, this is ridiculous.”
"She doesn't deserve to be let up yet Toni, she needs to learn when to shut the fuck up." Alec was still having his fun. Miranda's face was flushed, Alec could tell she was angry as well as embarrassed.
"Please baby..." Coaxed Toni
"This has nothing to do with you, don't interfere it won't go in your favor. Miranda knows that she will pay for her insolence yet she continues to try my patience." Miranda was trying really hard to hold her tongue the only thing really shutting her up was fear of returning to the basement.
"Something on your mind Miranda?" Alec wasn't through humiliating her, she knew this mood only too well.
"No master," her tears continuing to fall, she was trying to wipe them with her arm without breaking her position, it was useless, Miranda bought her hand from behind her back and wiped her tears. Obviously Alec was waiting for the slip up because he grabbed Miranda by her hair and pulled her up.
"You broke you position! You never break your position unless I say otherwise." Miranda was wincing from the pain on her scalp. He wouldn't relent his grip.
"Let her go Alejandro this is absurd!" Toni's voice was frantic, Crystal put her hand on Toni's arm to stop her talking.
"Miranda tell Toni if I should let you go, go on." He turned her so she was facing Toni, his grip tightened and her scalp was screaming for release. "Tell her!" He yelled.
"No, its fine Toni," she managed to say through tears. He pushed her to the floor, Miranda automatically resumed her position on her knees, arms behind her back by his feet.
"And why can I do as I wish Miranda?" This was far from over and Miranda knew it.
"Because it's your body master to do as you please."
"Because it's my body. Is that enough for you Toni? Would you like to know more?"
"Can't you see she's had enough?" Was Toni really worried for her? Miranda was shaking her head to stop Toni talking knowing that it will only make Alec do worse. Toni sort of understood because she stopped talking.
"Alec if you don't need me tonight I'm off." Crystal made her way out leaving husband and wife and then there was Miranda.
"So what happens now, you've punished her isn't that enough?" Toni please stop fucking talking, Miranda wanted this ordeal over and done with.
"You’re kidding right? This isn't her punishment." Alec was loving this Miranda could tell. "Miranda be a dear and stand up for me." He was so in his zone, he wanted to fuck Miranda here and now. He watched her as she stood up and wiped her tears. His dick jolted to life. "Turn around and lift up your top." He ordered her. He could see her eyes begging for him to stop. She turned around and followed his orders. He heard Toni hiss when she saw the welts on Miranda's back.
"Oh my god... You did this to her?" Toni whispered. He nodded wanted to lash Miranda again... This was fantastic, at least now Toni would know once and for all what he did and why he needed Miranda so.
"If I really wanted to punish her I'll get her to suck me off in front of you." Miranda's tears started anew, if he was going to force her she would fight and then that would end up really bad for her. Knowing Alec he'd let her do it just to teach her a lesson. "Would you like that Miranda? To suck me off in front of Toni?" He was waiting for a reply. "Turn around." He said still awaiting her to respond.
"No." Now she was really starting to hyperventilate.
"No?" Fuck Miranda now you’re in for it.
"Stop it! Please stop it!" Yelled Toni clearly worried. Alec was too far gone he wanted to hurt Miranda, his beast roared to life. Grabbing her neck and lifting her up, he pushed her onto the wall.
"You’re supposed to say as you please master... Yes?" He was moving her head up and down as if nodding. "Yes master ..." He was mimicking her. Miranda was struggling to breathe.
"Alejandro I swear if you do to leave her alone I'll... "
"You'll what Toni? Leave? Go to the cops? What will you do? Door is open honey your free to go." Miranda lightly touched his hand gripping her neck. She stroked his face gently
"I'm sorry master as you wish," he loosened his grip on her. Miranda was so afraid of Alec hurting Toni she went into her subspace and did as he wanted. To prove to him she was sorry and ready to obey she went down to her knees and started to unzip him.
Alec pulled away from her. "Get up." Rising to her feet Miranda did the only thing she could think of, she flew straight into his arms crying openly. He held her tight and kissed the top of her head. "It's okay..." He was oblivious to Toni being in the room, he held Miranda smelling her, his beast slowly retracting. He cupped her face and kissed her gently on her lips. "I'm sorry baby." His comfort caused her more pain, he was manipulating her emotions again. Even though she was aware of his tactics she still was lost to him.
Toni was shaken, Alec turned when he heard her move remembering she was still there. Miranda pulled away from Alec and ran to her room. Alec ran a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry you had to see that Toni," she looked at him in disbelief.
"Alejandro you hurt her, like really hurt her." Alec took a seat again.
"Yes Toni that's what I do, I hurt her, why do you seem so surprised, I've been telling you that for months." Alec was feeling shit for subjecting Miranda to his abuse. He just couldn't help it, when she acted like she had a say he would burn. He would dictate her life, he would be the only person to aye or nay any decision regarding her life, she should accept that and save herself the pain.
"I know but...but…"
"Toni I never sugarcoated a thing, I told you exactly how it was. Enough! I'll not talk about this anymore."
Alec lay in his bed that night watching his wife pace the room. "Alejandro, why do you do it? She's such a sweet girl, I mean why her?" Poor Toni was finding it very hard to accept the fact that Alec was twisted.
"Toni, I've explained this to you, I'm a sick fuck, please let's not get into this again." Toni looked at Alec like she didn't recognize him, she stormed out of the room. Alec was over this crap, he didn't want to answer to Carlos, Crystal or Toni regarding Miranda! Everybody needed to stay out of his business.
***
Miranda sat on the floor in her room rocking herself back and forth. She was losing her mind, Alec was becoming unpredictable again. Fuck Miranda just do as he wants, your life would be that much easier. Son of a bitch playing with her again. What hurt her the most was he actually seemed to regret his actions afterwards, which was new.
Miranda heard a knock on the door, she didn't answer, let them think she was asleep. Looking out at the balcony Miranda heard the door open. "Mira, may I come in?" Miranda didn't reply, she didn't want to do this. Sitting in front of Miranda, Toni tried communicating again. "Mira are you ok Hun?" Miranda looked up at Toni and nodded.
"Fine." Okay now she was Hun now.
"Mira I'm... I'm sorry that..."
"Toni please let it go. I should learn to shut my mouth, it's like I look to deliberately tick him off. It's okay really I'm fine." Toni looked lost.
"Why does he do it? How did it start, this obsession of his? Why do you allow it?"
"What would you have me do Toni? I've escaped only to be found and punished for it. I'll not let anybody else get hurt so he can keep me under his control. That's it I'll do as he wants." Toni was shaking her head.
"Do you love him?" Oh shit this is too much.
"Honestly Toni, not today I don't." they shared a little laugh.
"He was scary, I actually was afraid for you."
"Don't get involved, I find he becomes determined to assert his dominance when somebody interferes." It felt good talking to Toni,
"What did you mean by hurting anybody else?"
"Please leave it Toni, it's nothing" Miranda didn't want to involve Toni with the truth. How could she tell Toni she married a murderer?
"I'm sorry I hurt you Mira, I wasn't thinking straight, I assumed he cheated on me with you and you were somehow to blame, I was overwhelmed I couldn't quite grasp the concept of you and him" Toni looked like she was ready to cry. “Why didn’t you tell me? Before I married him, why didn’t you just tell me the truth?”
"It’s complicated. I really didn’t know how to deal with him finding me. Its okay I get it, he's very convincing in a manipulative way. It's fine, you were shocked, you just found out your best friend was fucking your fiancé, hey I would've reacted the same way. But let me tell you until the day of the rehearsal dinner I had escaped him for over a year. That night I thought my life was over. He was furious."
"He tampered with your car." Miranda nodded to Toni's discovery. "How long has he been this way with you?"
"Since I met him, it's always been weird, my uncle owed Alec a lot of money, he traded me in as a way to promise he'll get the money. Long story short Alec apparently felt that he needed to control me and didn't want the money anymore he was going to keep me until he was over this obsession. Almost two years later he's worse than when I met him." Toni was trying to absorb it all in
"So all this time you were with him until you escaped?"
"No he let me go at one stage... But that's another story all together anyway now we are here and this is truly a fucked up situation."
"You’re telling me. I fucking married him. Honestly I didn't think for a minute it was like this" Toni was remorseful, really sorry for everything. Miranda could see it in her eyes.
"I'm sorry that I ...I couldn't tell you more at the time. It doesn't make sense even to me. I don't know how this is going to work, I just hope it ends soon."
When Toni left Miranda felt a sense of relief. Toni knew it wasn't her fault, but Miranda couldn't tell her that her life was literally at stake. Miranda didn't know how Toni and Alec were going to work now that Toni understood the extremity of the situation. One day at a time Miranda one day at a time...at least she had her friend back.
***
Next day Alec worked himself hard. He was finalizing all paperwork and Crystal was busy preparing decorators, caterers and live bands for the upcoming party. Miranda stayed well out of Alec's way probably hoping to avoid conflict. Alec was all over the place when he thought of Miranda, she was stirring emotions he never felt before. She was truly taking over his whole world, and Alec found it very hard to deal with. His monster wouldn't be contained and when he wanted his fix of Miranda nobody could stand in his way. Poor Toni was lost, she didn't know how to deal with the situation. Maybe he should just offer her a divorce, he didn't want to hurt her deliberately. Miranda would behave he was sure of it.
***
Miranda spent the day by the pool, wearing her black shorts and a top with a picture of the Mona Lisa with no eyes Imprinted at the front. She wore her no name sun glasses and lounged by the pool reading a book that she wasn't quite interested in. Alec was overly busy today and Miranda did her best to stay away from him. Anything she did ticked him off. Miranda wasn't about to get in trouble for her big mouth again. Still she wanted to ask Alec if she would be able to find a job and help Katie out, she wasn't holding her breath but it was worth a try.
"Hey lazy." Carlos with his sexy grin sat next to her.
"Lazy? Hell I wish I had something to do, I'm bored!"
"Just for fucks sake stay out of trouble your mouth needs to learn to watch what it says." Miranda pouted and pretended to keep reading.
"Your cute when you pout," he laughed.
"Shut up stop making fun of me." She really did care for Carlos, he had been there with her from the beginning. If anything, she owed her a lot.
"Can I join?" Toni was wearing a sexy white bikini that didn't leave much to the imagination, designer all the way for the wife of Alec deAngelo.
"Of course you can, I was leaving anyway." Carlos stood up and walked away.
"I don't think he likes me much." Toni looked a little sad.
"Na he's okay it's hard to get him to really be comfortable around anybody, he keeps to himself, but he's a gem."
"And sexy as…" Miranda didn't know how to react to Toni's comment. She would never ever allow herself to voice that comment. Not if she wanted to stay alive.
"Shhhh Alec will hear you."
"Alec will hear what?" Miranda almost fell out of her seat when she heard Alec's voice come from behind.
"Was just telling Miranda how sexy Carlos is." Miranda felt the color drain from her face.
"You find Carlos sexy Toni?" Alec was smiling yet to Miranda it looked menacing. Please Toni don't be stupid oh please don't say something stupid.
"Actually I find him a lot sexy... Does it bother you?" Alec moved toward Toni predator like, Toni was walking back slowly smiling. Within a split second Alec held Toni and threw her into the pool. Despite herself Miranda laughed. Toni came up and laughed, "You'll pay for that."
Turning to Miranda his eyes darkened and his mood seemed to change. "How about you Miranda, do you find Carlos sexy?" Miranda lost her smile in an instant.
"No… Of course not master," she was physically going to be sick.
"You sure?" Miranda was swallowing hard. Fuck this was going to be an issue, damn you Toni!
"I'm sure master."
"Oy you big bully leave her alone! I told her that I thought Carlos was sexy so shut up and get in the water." Toni yelled out to Alec.
"Who thinks I'm sexy." Carlos walked out.
"Well it seems my wife thinks you’re a lot sexy... Women."
"Hey man don't be a hater if you have the goods…" He punched Alec in the arm before he dove into the pool.
Miranda couldn't help smiling. Alec was so charming when he wasn't hurting her. Miranda did love him, too much sometimes. I need serious help she thought grinning to herself.
"What's so amusing kid?" Alec bought her back to reality.
"Just thinking," she shrugged her shoulders. Alec took seat on the pool lounge beside her.
"Yes I got that bout about what?" How to answer this one? She needed to be calculating and cunning with her answer.
"That I love you despite what you do to me." Way to be cunning you moron. Alec looked deeply into her eyes.
"And that makes you smile? A little twisted there kid," he was teasing her
"If I'm twisted Your Holiness it's only because you made me this way." Alec laughed at her reply.
"Smart ass."
"Takes one to know one." Miranda use that filter child.
Alec was really laughing at Miranda and her witty replies. She was a little too cocky so he did the only thing he could... He tossed her into the water. Miranda came out coughing and gasping for air, nothing as dignified as Toni but it was adorable that she had no facade. She didn't want to be pretty when she was drowning and that tickled Alec's humor all the more he was in fits of laughter.