Chapter 2
River
My boobs are shoved up, creating a cleavage I didn’t think I’d ever be capable of showing, and the leather skirt is way shorter than I’m comfortable with. It feels as if my ass is hanging out for all the world to see. But this is what we need to wear to get into these kind of parties.
Cameron Hawkins loves his leather and lace parties, and there is just no way in hell I’m wearing lace. It took me a year to get this invitation from him. I’ve heard over and over that he has the biggest collection of slaves, and I hope to make a dent in it.
Adam comes out of the bathroom. Dressed in his leather pants, he looks very attractive. We’ve become very good at playing our part as a young married couple, who loves to dabble in the taboo. Only a handful of people know that Adam isn’t my husband, but actually the head of my security team. I trust him with my life.
Miss Ella and Tristan keep watch over the plantation, while Adam and I go out looking for people to rescue from the hell of sex slavery.
After Father died, I sold everything. The first thing I did was hire Adam. He helped me create The Sanctuary. The plantation has become a place where people can recover and find themselves.
He brought his grandmother, Miss Ella, to help take care of the people we rescue. Miss Ella has become the glue that keeps us all together. Tristan joined us a few years back, and Adam trained him as his second-in-charge. There are six more men that work under Tristan. They’ve been hired to protect the sanctuary. I pay my staff well, hoping they will never turn on me. Together, Adam and I have created the perfect healing place for damaged souls.
Father must be cursing me from the pits of hell. Every dollar he made from the sex trade is being used to rescue slaves. I’ve made it my job. I have to make up for the devastation Father caused during his life.
The slaves I buy can either choose to remain on the plantation, and do an honest job by helping around here, or they can go their own way.
I’ve been in the business of buying slaves for nine years now. We manage to buy two slaves a year. Sometimes we’re lucky and we can get three or four, but more than that would draw attention to our operation.
Out of the twenty-eight we have managed to buy, thirteen have chosen to stay on with us. Those who have made The Sanctuary their home, eventually get used to the other people, and the way we do things around here. We’ve learned that it takes time for them to let go of all the bad habits that have been beaten into them. We don’t tolerate any trouble, though. If someone places The Sanctuary at risk, then Adam and Tristan take care of them. Once you decide to stay at The Sanctuary, there is no option of leaving. We can’t risk placing the others in danger, should one of them decide to leave.
Because of the people working the farmland, it’s turned the plantation into a successful venture. We all live peacefully together, a little community tucked away on the plantation. We grow our own fruits and vegetables, and we’ve got some livestock as well. At least we don’t have to go into town that often.
I’m good at what I do. I act out the part of Mistress Ryland. It’s not hard to play the role of a perverted bitch when you know that at the end of it all, you get to save someone’s life. We choose slaves who aren’t broken beyond repair, those who have a chance to become a part of society again. It’s sad, but there are those who are too far gone.
You learn to look past all the darkness. You have to focus on the two people that you’re there to save. If we walk away from the party with just one slave, then it’s one life more we got away from those disgusting demons who dare to call themselves humans.
Adam comes to stand in front of me, tilting his head slightly, while giving me that intense look I’ve grown quite fond of. He’s checking to see if I’m okay to walk into the ‘party’. He’s become more than just the head of security to me. He’s become my best friend.
I meet his grey eyes. It’s quite intimidating looking into them. There is nothing you can hide from this man. That’s why I chose him. A man with his skills and background is hard to come by. I’m thankful for him and knowing he has my back.
“I’m ready,” I whisper. Most parties we attend have cameras in the rooms and this party is no different. Adam found two cameras in our room. One is imbedded in the bathroom mirror, while the other is planted in the portrait hanging on the wall opposite from the bed. No matter where you go, you’re always being watched. We have to be so careful to not let our guard down.
I smile at Adam, letting him know that I’m really okay.
“I like the male slave,” I purr. I’ve met so many bitches in my thirty-two years on this planet, that I’ve had plenty of training from them.
“I’m sure you do,” Adam smirks, playing his part well. “Who will you choose as his partner?”
I’ve fabricated a sick fascination where I choose slaves who would fit in with my collection, like a fucked up doll collection. The owners fall for it and that’s all that matters. It’s a good front should someone stumble on The Sanctuary. Which I hope to God will never happen. We have the best security and The Sanctuary is in Miss Ella’s name. That way, none of the paperwork can be traced back to me.
I sigh heavily and pretend to think about the question Adam just asked me. I reach out, and trailing a finger down his chest, I say, “How about-” I lean in and kiss the corner of his mouth, “you choose. You always let me have the pick of the litter. You can choose who you think will be a great addition to my collection.”
“Anything for you, Darling.”
He takes my hand and gives it a tight squeeze as we leave our room. With every step we take closer to the ballroom, where the party is being hosted, my insides twist and tighten. It’s hard to attend these things. It’s hard to watch men and women, sometimes even children, being raped and assaulted. I wish I could rid the world of all the perverted monsters that take pleasure in hurting another human. I wish they would die agonizing deaths.
I take a deep breath as we reach the guarded door. A beefy man opens the door. I wonder why people always think that the bigger the man, the stronger he is. Adam is tall, lean, and his body is firm. I know for a fact he’s stronger than any of these idiots. Once, I saw him take a few down, and he did it without breaking a sweat.
As we walk through the doors, a girl comes to us. I’d guess her to be in her late teens. She keeps her head down, the way all the slaves do. That’s one of the hardest things to get out of their systems. It takes months before they’ll dare to look at you. I shove the thought away as we follow her to the table reserved for us.
I’ve been to many parties and I’ve seen many things, but the tables are new to me. They’re round with straps. I suppose the straps are to tie the slaves down.
Adam pulls the chair out for me. I sit down carefully to so I don’t expose myself to the entire room, with the damn short skirt I have to wear.
As Adam takes his seat next to me, I let my eyes wander through the room. Assorted whips, canes, paddles, and floggers decorate the walls. The room is quite large. I count eight tables. If all four seats are taken then that means there will be thirty two perverted fuckers in attendance.
More people start to arrive, all dressed in either leather or lace. Some of the outfits don’t cover much. People who attend these parties are all corrupt monsters. It’s all about money and power for them.
Soon, we are joined by an elderly couple. The woman slants her eyes at me, giving me a smug look. Her bright red lips are in stark contrast with her white powdered-caked face. She looks hideous in the lace negligee, and high heels. She’s also been in one tanning bed too many. Her skin looks leathery, and her boobs and ass have lost the battle against gravity. I feel a wave of nausea hit the pit of my stomach just looking at her.
The man doesn’t look much better, dressed in leather pants that are way too tight. His chest is covered with gray hair and he’s sporting a belly that’s making my stomach churn even more. This is definitely a couple I will be staying away from.
I take in the people as they enter the room. They are all vile creatures, and I struggle to swallow my growing contempt down.
When most of the seats are filled, Cameron comes in with his three guards following closely behind him.
“Evening friends,” he bows slightly, and I have to concentrate really hard to force a smile on my face. “I’m honored to have you all here. The slaves will join us soon. I have a large collection.” he boasts. Cameron is the worst of all the monsters I’ve had to deal with. “The finest ass and pussy you’ll ever find will be auctioned tonight. Thirty-five slaves will parade for you. Feel free to sample them before the bidding starts. However, there will be a female to my left and a male to my right, they are not to be sampled. Bidding for them will open as soon as they join us later tonight. As always, the highest bidder will get them for the evening.”
My tongue feels thick and I swallow hard. I might be good at this, but Lord, every party makes me age a hundred years.
Cameron claps his hands once. A heavy set of doors open behind him. Girl after naked girl enters the room. They are all collared, and every collar has a number engraved on it. I wish I could take them all. A piece of me dies every time I see how they are raped and beaten.
My heart starts to beat faster as the girls move through the room in a clockwise fashion.
I watch as Cameron’s three guards start to move from one table to the next, taking bids. It’s all being done silently. One guard speaks into a microphone and I watch as Cameron nods. A girl is pulled from the group and shoved at a man’s feet. The man pets her head, and when he starts to squeeze and pinch her breasts, I feel Adam’s hand on mine. I let my eyes meet his, taking a moment to strengthen myself.
It’s just so damn hard.
The elderly couple whispers with each other, not paying any attention to the girls.
I take a deep breath and let my eyes wander through the room again, feigning interest in my hellish surroundings. I watch as one girl after the other are handed over to be assaulted. These people have no morals. I’ve had to endure watching hundreds of girls being violated, and tonight’s no different. Parties like this one, are always more depraved. It’s as if these monsters compete with each other, to show who is most vile amongst them.
One of the girls gets onto the table next to us. I watch as they strap her to the table, facing down.
One of the guards comes to our table, taking my attention from the girl. If I remember correctly the guard’s name is Sven.
“Evening,” he bows slightly, just like Cameron did. “Do any of the slaves interest you?” He looks right at me and Adam, not even posing the question to the elderly couple.
My lips twitch into a smirk. “No, not yet,” I answer.
The elderly woman turns to the guard, “Sven-dear, put down my usual stake for Jack.”
I frown as he nods. “Excuse me,” I grab Sven’s attention. “I thought bidding for the male slave will only start once he’s here.”
I hear the elderly woman make a disgusted sound through her nose. She can go fuck herself!
“Mistress Westbrook always places her stake for the male slave early in the evening. She’s been with us for years.”
I raise an eyebrow. “I’m sure she’s been with you for years. I can see that,” I let the insult sink in before I add, “I’ll double whatever she’s put down.”
I hear a gasp but don’t even bother to look at the old bitch.
Sven nods and turns back to Mrs. Westbrook. “Would you like to increase your stake, Mistress?”
“Of course!” she snubs haughtily. “I’ll stake one hundred and fifty thousand.”
I look over at her, the smile on my face widening. Just then, the doors behind us open. Everyone stills and watches as Jack and another female slave come in. They make a stunning couple. I can see why Cameron has them as his top sellers.
Just like earlier, Jack stuns me with his beauty. I’ve never seen a male slave like him before. The males are normally small of built, more boy than man. It makes it easier for the savages to control them. Jack is taller than Adam, and that’s saying a lot. His muscles ripple as he walks. His strong jaw is clenched, and you can clearly see that he has to restrain himself. Honestly, Jack is easily the most attractive man I’ve ever laid eyes on. His dark brown hair is thick, and I still remember his green eyes from earlier. He looks strong and that is something a master or mistress usually wouldn’t want. It seems the people here like to walk on the wild side.
I can see why the old bitch wants Jack. Her husband is a sniveling rat. Jack is younger and stronger. He’s someone who should be able to stand his man, and therein lays the challenge for her. It makes her feel powerful to control such a strong man.
I don’t want to come across as being too eager, that will only increase the amount I have to pay for them in the end.
I ignore Sven and turn to Adam. I lean in close and whisper so only he can hear. “What do you think of the woman? The one who just came in with Jack.”
Adam’s eyes dart past me and I watch a flicker of emotion cross his face before it disappears behind the mask he wears so well.
After a few minutes, Adam frowns lightly as he whispers, “She is stunning. I’ll go take a closer look.” I watch Adam walk over to where the woman is kneeling on the podium, her blonde hair a silky curtain around her.
“Come,” Westbrook barks to her husband. They walk to the next table where they chat with the couples there.
My eyes find Sven, and indicate for him to come to me.
When he reaches the table, he says, “Yes, Mistress.”
“I’d like to place a stake of two hundred thousand for the male slave. Would you be so kind as to ask Mr. Hawkins if he could give me a minute of his time tomorrow?”
“Yes, Mistress.” Sven scurries off like the rat he is. Westbrook stops him, and I watch as they exchange words. When she’s done talking with Sven, she looks visibly upset. She barks something at her husband before they walk over to where Jack is kneeling.
My eyes find Jack and I feel the familiar stirring in my heart. Sadness. I feel an agonizing sadness for these people. No human should ever have to endure the horrors these people are forced to face on a daily basis.
The crack of a whip makes me jump, and my eyes dart to the table next to ours. I fight to conceal the horror flooding me, as each of the monsters around the table takes a turn to hit the poor girl. She stares blankly to the side, not even flinching as the whip tears at her back and ass.
I look down and pretend to adjust my skirt as a burning lump forms in my throat. I can’t lose my shit now. I have to keep it together.
My eyes fall on another poor girl that’s being forced to give an old man a blowjob. Her face is red as she gags every time the fucker shoves his shriveled dick deeper down her throat.
At another table, two girls are in the sixty-nine position, eating each other as men watch. Some men around that table are jerking off, for all to see. I’m revolted to the point of feeling physically ill.
My attention is pulled back to Cameron, as he walks over to the table I’m seated at. I can smell the greed rolling off him in waves. I school my face quickly, hiding any sign of the distress I’m feeling for the human beings being violated around me.
“My male slave seems to be in demand tonight. Mr. and Mrs. Westbrook have increased the stake to two hundred and fifty thousand.” He looks almost excited as he tells me this. “Would you like to increase your stake?”
“Four hundred thousand,” I snap. Money gives you power around here. Cameron wants my money and that makes me quite powerful, seeing as I’ve inherited my father’s fortune.
A wide smile spreads over his face, and I know that I have him right where I want him. Eating out of my hand like the greedy pig he is.
“I’d like to add the male slave to my collection,” I say with every ounce of confidence I can summon.
I look over to where the female slave is still kneeling. Adam is standing to the side, not taking his eyes off her.
“I also want the female slave that entered the room with him. I think they’d make a stunning couple for my collection.” I meet Cameron’s greedy eyes. “My husband seems to have taken quite a liking to her.”
Cameron’s smile fades as the greed makes his eyes dark and sharp. He crosses his legs, getting comfortable.
“They’re my most prized possessions.”
“I’m aware of that. I’d like to make them my most prized possessions.” I smile arrogantly.
Cameron laughs suddenly. “And they say men never grow up, only the toys get more expensive.”
“I love my dolls.” I shrug, not caring what this monster thinks, as long as he sells them to me. “There’s just something so erotic about watching two people fuck.”
“Indeed,” he agrees. His sinister eyes pin me, and I know from experience that it’s time to seal the deal. “Give me a figure and I’ll think about it.”
“Three million for both,” I say without hesitation, keeping the amount low. I know this man is going to chase it up. I’ve dealt with his kind before.
“People pay that in a year to have a taste of them.”
I cross my legs, letting the skirt pull up. “Why don’t we cut the crap? You tell me how much you want and I’ll pay it.”
Cameron’s eyes glide over the tables. He doesn’t say anything for a good ten minutes as he takes in all the depravity around us.
I let my eyes go to Jack and just the sight of him makes my heart beat faster. I have to get him out of this place. The need to save someone has never been as intense as it is at this very moment.
“Five million,” Cameron snaps. I look back to him and when our eyes meet he smirks. “Each.”
Ten million. Fuck, that will be the most I’ve ever paid for slaves.
I look at Jack again, and a longing to see that man free overwhelms me. “Three million each.”
I hear Cameron chuckle, but I don’t bother looking at him. “Four.” The single word sounds empty and cold and I know that’s it, he won’t go any lower.
“It’s a deal. I’ll transfer the funds to you tomorrow. When can I have them?”
“Eager, Mrs. Ryland?”
“Very much.” I make sure to smile seductively as I look at Jack.
“He is always booked for Friday afternoons and Saturday evenings. You may take him on Sunday.”
“Thank you.” Another two days in this hell hole, and then I can take them and leave. I can do this.
I search the room and find Adam where he’s still standing by the girl. He gives me a slight nod, indicating that he got her for the night. I sigh with relief, knowing she will be safe for a few hours at least. Adam will look after her while I take care of Jack.
Just forty-eight hours, then we’re going home.
Cameron snaps his fingers at Sven.
“Mistress Ryland won Jack. Let her have a key for room fourteen.” He turns back to me and I can see that he’s satisfied with the money he made tonight. That’s good as it will keep him from suspecting anything. “You’ll find your room just down the hall, to the left. Enjoy your evening.”
He gets up and laughs loudly. “Bring the slave to Mrs. Westbrook.”
Letting out another burst of laughter he turns to the Westbrooks.
“My dear, seeing as you got so close to winning the slave for the night, I’ll allow you thirty minutes with him for half of what you staked.”
“You’re so generous,” Mrs. Westbrook snaps and then she shoots a dark glare my way.
No, that was not part of the plan. I’m going to be sick if this woman so much as touches Jack.
Jack follows Sven to our table, and his movements remind me of a tiger stalking its prey.
“Your slave, Mistress,” Sven says before he leaves to attend to the other tables.
“Thank you, Sven-dear,” Mrs. Westbrook purrs. She goes to stand in front of Jack and then pets him. Seeing her touch him, makes my skin crawl.
“I wish Cameron would sell this slave to me. There is so much I’d like to do with him.”
In your fucking wildest dreams bitch! I wish I could grab her by her hair, drag her over the table and shove a paddle up her wrinkled ass.
“Get on the table, Slave,” she commands.
My eyes are fixed on Jack as he positions himself on the table. He’s a large man, and barely fits.
The old woman practically jumps him, unzipping his pants and then yanking it down. I feel bile rise in my throat. Under the florescent lights, I can see marks marring his chest, abdomen, and his legs and inner thighs. My heart weeps for all this man had to endure in his life. I can’t help but wonder how he ended up like this.
She takes hold of his cock, and I have to clench my jaw so I don’t do something to jeopardize the whole situation. Even though he’s not hard, he is well endowed.
I take solace in the fact that I’ve bought his freedom. Come Monday, Jack will be safely on the plantation.
She straps Electrosex bands on his cock, and then she proceeds to stroke him. I can see how frustrated she’s getting with the fact that she can’t get his cock to harden for her.
“I got you a present, Slave,” Mrs. Westbrook purrs.
I suck in deep breaths to keep the rampant emotions warring inside of me under control.
“Tonight, these Electrosex bands will make you hard for me,” she snaps.
So that’s what she wants from Jack. He doesn’t get hard for her. The thought that he’s fighting her in some way, fills me with relief. As long as a person has fight, there is always hope.
I watch Jack tense as the first charge of electricity hits him. A deep sadness wells up in me as his cock starts to harden from the electric pulses assaulting him. I can feel the frustration coming off him.
“See how hard you’re getting for me now,” the bitch says. “Look at your hard cock.”
I wish I could rip her rotten heart from her chest. Nothing would give me more pleasure at this moment.
I glance at my watch and notice that she only has a couple of minutes left. I practically count the seconds down. My eyes jump from my watch to Jack’s face, until the last second finally slips away.
“I believe your thirty minutes are up. The slave is mine now.” I can’t hide the anger from seeping through my words.
“This is ridiculous!” the bitch shrieks, her eyes shooting daggers at me. “I’m sure you can wait another ten minutes!”
Over my dead body. The bitch is insane if she thinks I’m letting her have one more second with Jack.
“No, I paid for every minute.”
I don’t think and reach out to Jack. Touching his shoulder, I say, “Get up, and take that thing off.”
Jack darts up, doing what I said. He slips from the table and the old bitch goes to stand right in front of him, blocking his way. “I’ll see you next week, Slave.”
I take hold of Jack’s hand, and the action makes him look at me. For the first time tonight, shock flashes over his face.
I glare at the old hag, letting my eyes burn angrily over her. Not bothering to hide any of the hatred I feel for her, I snap. “Not if I have any say in the matter.”
I lead Jack from the room to the designated room assigned to us. I can feel his eyes on me every now and then. He must be wondering what I have planned for him. I wish I could put him at ease but that would blow our cover.
Once we’re in the room, I lock the door behind us. Constantly aware of the cameras planted everywhere, I whisper, “Please go take a shower, and wash that women’s touch from your body.”
He obeys immediately, and it gives me a few minutes to prepare myself for the night.
I’m so tired of this shit. I’m bone weary from all the years of emotional torture of watching people being hurt. But no matter how tired I am, I can’t stop. Knowing that I’m saving lives, gives me a sliver of peace. When my father was alive, I had no control over what happened to the slaves in our house. I grew up around people being raped, beaten, and killed.
I have to make up for all the destruction my father caused. I’m giving away every cent in this war against everything that vile man stood for.
When Jack comes out of the bathroom, he has a towel wrapped around his waist. I can’t help but admire his bare chest. Drops of water are run down his bronze skin and well-defined muscles.
I walk to where he’s standing, noticing the leather bands around each of his wrists.
“You may look at me.” His raises his head and his eyes pin mine with an intense glare.
This man has so much fight in him. I can feel it pulsing from him. I don’t understand why he’s here. Why hasn’t he broken free? He’s strong enough.
I remind myself of the part I have to play. Cameron can’t get suspicious of us.
“I will not require sex.”
Shock flashes across Jack’s strong features. It’s clear that he’s not used to hearing those words.
“I’m not into that. I’m a visual person. You may satisfy yourself.”
I’ve watched so many slaves masturbating. I take consolation in the fact that at least they aren’t being raped and beaten.
His eyes are sharp and cautious as he watches me. His body is coiled tightly, his hands fisted at his sides. I’m well aware of the fact that he can easily kill me. But instead, he’s waiting for me to attack him.
“I’m celibate, Jack.” I don’t share that part of me easily.
The people in my life are on a need to know basis. I feel it’s something they don’t need to know. I don’t date and I don’t fuck. I don’t do relationships, unless it’s a platonic friendship, and even those are limited to only Adam, Tristan and Miss Ella.
My entire life I’ve been surrounded by sex. To me it’s nothing more than a dirty commodity.
I only had sex twice. The first time it was my own choice. I was fourteen when I gave my virginity to one of the stable boys. It was an act of rebellion against my father. I knew how much he got for a virgin. I was afraid that he would sell me like he sold my mother. He kept my mother around to raise me, and when I turned thirteen she was sold. I don’t know who bought her, or where in the world she is. I don’t even know if she’s still alive. Deep down, I keep hoping I’ll find her in one of these hell holes.
Father found out. He forced me to have sex with the stable boy. He threatened to kill the boy if we didn’t do as he said. The boy was still climaxing inside me, when Father put a gun to the back of his head and pulled the trigger. I’ll never forget the awful moment the boy’s body slumped over mine. The horrifying feel of his blood splattering all over me, is engraved in my skin. The all-consuming terror of realizing what an evil man my father truly was almost crushed me.
That was the day I promised to find a way I could make up for all the evil he has done. I didn’t want people to feel that kind of terror. My prayers were finally answered when he died.
When Jack frowns, I quickly explain, “I don’t have sex. I don’t like it.” The words are blunt, and I realize my mistake when Jack’s frown deepens. To recover the ground I’ve lost, I quickly say, “However, I do like to watch.”
I curse myself for thinking of the past when I have to focus on the mission at hand.
When he grasps what I’m asking for, Jack’s tight features relax a little. Something stirs in his eyes. Did I see right? Was that empathy?
Hesitantly, I raise my hand to his face. He’s too alive to be a slave. This man feels everything. His suffering must be so much worse than those who manage to switch off. I can’t begin to imagine how he has survived for so long.
Gently, I brush the tips of my fingers over his cheek. I have no excuse for touching him. I don’t make a habit of touching the people I save, but Jack is different from anyone else I’ve ever met. I can’t explain it. I have an overwhelming need to comfort him. I want to tell him that he will be free. I want to promise him that he’ll never be hurt again.
But, I keep all the words in, and try to show him with my eyes that everything will be okay from now on.
I drop my hand away from his warm skin, and walk to the table in the corner of the room. When I take a seat, I make sure my back is to the camera, so they can’t see my face.
“Satisfy yourself,” I whisper.
Jack’s eyes linger on me, but then he kneels down on the floor. When he starts to remove the towel, I look away and stare out the window at the dark night. It’s the only privacy I can offer him.
As the minutes pass, I hear nothing. He doesn’t move at all. My eyes flit back to Jack. He’s still on his knees, his hands resting on his thighs. When my eyes meet his, I’m shocked at what I find. He’s silently daring me to force him to carry out my order. He won’t do anything willingly. If I want anything from him, I’ll have to make him do it.
This is why they pay so much for him. They want to conquer this wild man.
I get up and walk over to him. Kneeling in front of him, I take a deep breath. I lean a little forward and whisper so only he can hear me, “I’m not going to hurt you, Jack.”
For a moment I watch the battle play off over his tense features. His lips part and his voice is deep and hot, like an ocean of lava. “I won’t submit. If you want my body, you’ll have to take it by force.”