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Despite their grim circumstances, Brenna chuckled. “That they are. So don’t give up yet, okay? They’re coming, and I will not leave here without you. I promise.”
“O-okay,” Kelsie said, nodding. The information seemed to breathe life into her. She straightened and scrubbed a hand over her face. “They’ve come for me twice since I’ve been here. It’s hard to know when or how much time between, but I think it was night both times.”
“Okay, keep going.” She scooted back to her spot on the wall next to Kelsie, taking her hand to provide at least a modicum of support.
“Um, we made a left out of here and walked down a long, dark hallway. We passed some other doors like ours, so maybe we aren’t the only ones here.” She shrugged. “I don’t know. Um, they led me to a shower.” She chuckled, but it was sad and heavy. “I was excited at first. You get dirty after a few days on this floor and using that damn bucket.”
“So you showered, and then what?” She didn’t want to rush the younger woman, but Brenna had no idea when they’d come for her and wanted to be as prepared as possible.
“Um, they made me dry my hair, put on makeup and a dress. All the stuff was there for me to use. No one watched me, but this huge guy stood outside the door and made it clear I was supposed to move fast. I was so scared, I did exactly what he said.”
“What did they have you wear?”
Kelsie’s face screwed up. “Not much… lingerie basically. This frilly pink thing. I threw up when I saw it. That’s when I knew what was happening, or at least that it would be bad. Really bad.”
Brenna closed her eyes and swallowed. “W-what happened next?” The fear stayed ever-present, but she focused on Kelsie to keep it from eating her alive from the inside out.
“We went upstairs. I think we were somewhere in the club. In Stray, I mean. A private area or something. I was by myself, but I don’t think I was the only one, um, for sale. I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Anyway, there was a big mirror. I think the men were behind it, staring at me. I felt so exposed. I tried to cover myself, but the big guard smacked me.”
Wincing, Brenna lifted a hand to her cheek. “I know firsthand how that feels.”
“Yeah. Someone spoke through overhead speakers, and then men started bidding on me. I burst into tears and got another hit from the guard. That one made me fall, which seemed to… excite a lot of the men. The bidding went crazy.”
“Shit.” She’d left that part out of the story the first time she’d told it. “I’m sorry, Kelsie.”
“Eventually, someone won. Me. They won me.” Her voice had become robotic, monotone, as though she was reading from a bland script instead of recalling a horrifying experience. “The guard dragged me to a room. I kicked and screamed the whole way, but he was strong. Really strong.”
Yes. Bolt had carried Brenna as though she weighed no more than a stuffed animal.
“The man…” She shook her head. “The monster who won me was in there. The guard left me with him, locking the door from the outside. Next—” Her voice cracked, and tears fell from her eyes. She pressed a hand to her lips and shook her head, rocking back and forth. “I can’t. No more.”
“Shh.” Brenna wrapped her arms around Kelsie. “You don’t have to.” She swayed with her as Kelsie’s tears turned to gut-wrenching sobs.
“Don’t fight, Brenna. You’ll want to fight when they take you but don’t. It makes it so much worse.”
The warning sent tendrils of icy fear crawling down her spine. “Y-you’re going to be okay. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but you will be okay. I will make sure of it.”
The words were meant to reassure herself as much as Kelsie, but poised to suffer the same fate as the hysterical young woman, Brenna felt the first chink of doubt in her armor.
Would anything be the same again?
Would she be able to sit on the beach and enjoy the warm sun on her skin?
Would the taste of chocolate make her close her eyes and smile in delight?
Would she crave the touch of the man she loved?
Or would the bastards take that all from her?
As she cradled Kelsie in her arms, she closed her eyes. The rocks digging into her ass no longer registered, neither did the clammy chill of the room. All she could think about was the violation waiting for her.
She tried to push away the terror and allow visions of her new friends to dance behind her eyelids. Of little Caleb and his four-toothed baby grin. Of Lock, the man she loved but never had the chance to tell. The smile he wore when looking at her. The way he touched her without seeming to give it thought, even in his sleep. How he gave her pleasure she’d only dreamed of.
That’s where her mind needed to stay. Those were the thoughts she’d rely on to keep her sane when this nightmare dragged her deeper.
There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that Lock and the Handlers were searching for her and would find her. No matter what horrors awaited, she’d survive to get back to Lock and his adorable son.
She just hoped she wasn’t broken when she made it home.
