Chapter Fifteen
Adam~
When I walk into the room, I come to a sudden standstill. Sophia’s bed is empty.
“She’s with Miss Ella,” River says, and only then do I see her sitting by the wall next to the door, quite far from Jack.
I tip my head in Jack’s direction. “How is he?”
River shrugs, looking tired as hell. “He woke for pain meds right after Sophia went to Miss Ella’s room. He’s been sleeping since.”
“At least he’s resting. He’ll heal faster that way.” I smile at River. “How are you?”
“It’s been rough, Adam. It feels as if I’ve aged a million years. I don’t think I can do this anymore. It’s getting harder every time.”
I know exactly what she means. “We’ll talk about it later. Go get some rest while he’s sleeping. I’m going to go check on Sophia.”
I leave River with Jack and head to Nanna’s room. Slowly, I open the door, and when I see Sophia curled up on Nanna’s bed, I feel a wave of relief hit. There’s no sight of Nanna. She must be in the kitchen already.
I walk into the room, but as I get close, Sophia’s head snaps up.
“Master! Sorry,” she gasps, shock registering on her face.
She struggles out of the bed, and is just about to kneel when I take hold of her arms. I pull her back up until she’s standing in front of me.
“No, kneeling. You need to concentrate on that for me. Call me Adam, and no kneeling.” I point to the door. “I’m going to leave and come back in again. I want you to sit on the bed and just say good morning, Adam.”
I don’t wait to see her reaction. I leave the room, close the door behind me and then wait a few seconds. I open the door and smile when I see her sitting on the bed. Her fingers curl into the blanket as if she’s fighting against the urge to kneel.
“Good morning …,” she swallows hard and then whispers, “Adam.”
Hearing her say my name makes me smile widely. That’s a much better start to the day than yesterday.
“I see Nanna snuck you into her room. She does that every time.”
“Oh, it was me, Master! Mistress Ella was only being kind,” the words burst over her lips. I can almost taste the fear coming off her in waves. She’s scared that she got Nanna in trouble.
What kind of life did this woman have?
“Nanna is not in trouble, Sophia. She’s my grandmother. It’s great that you’re spending time with her. It will be good for you.”
I go sit next to her and take her right hand in both of mine.
“Sophia,” she scoots closer, her face turned to me. But her eyes are on my chest. “I’m going to ask you some questions. It will help me understand you better. Is that okay with you?”
She nods and then smiles the same brilliant smile from the first night I saw her. Even with the bruises, she still has the beauty of an angel.
For a moment I drink it in before I ask, “Yesterday, you said that you were born a slave. Who raised you?”
“The other slaves.” She nods as if to confirm what she just said.
“How old were you when you started to work as a slave?” The more I know about her, the easier it will be to help her. I tell myself this, as I try to prepare for her answer.
“Eight, just like Jack. Before we came of age to please a Master or Mistress, we were only allowed to clean the house. I can start with that today. Just until I’ve healed and my appearance is acceptable, so I won’t offend a Master or Mistress.”
Her answer comes without any hesitation or emotion. I turn my body towards her. I want to comfort her even though she doesn’t show any emotion. I have to believe that somewhere deep inside of her she still feels, that emotions aren’t lost to her.
I take a deep breath and link my fingers with hers. My hands swallow hers, and it makes me feel fiercely protective of the fragile beauty beside me.
“Do you know how old you are now?”
She smiles and nods. “I’m twenty four, Master.”
“Adam,” I whisper patiently. “Focus on calling me Adam.”
She ducks her head and I’m scared she feels reprimanded. I take hold of her chin and nudge her face up until I can see her eyes.
“I love seeing your eyes, Sophia. Don’t hide them.”
She looks up at me, her movements tentative and almost shy. How’s it possible that someone who has been a sex slave for so long can still have so much innocence?
“What’s your last name?”
The innocent look disappears and makes way for a confused one.
“I don’t understand,” she whispers.
I point to myself. “I’m Adam Stone. Stone is my last name.”
She shakes her head lightly. “I’m only Sophia.”
My heart shatters right there. They’ve taken everything from her. They’ve stripped her bare.
I need to do something to keep the anger under control. I get up and pull her up alongside me.
“Let’s go clean your wounds. Do you want to shower today? Do you think you can manage that?”
“Yes, Mast-” she bites her bottom lip and whispers, “Please, Adam.”
Just like that, my anger vanishes. I press a kiss to her forehead and let my mouth linger against her skin. “You’re gonna be just fine, Sweetheart.”